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The Star wins 7 awards in national features writing contest

The Star
Up and coming rappers Zarin Micheal (from left), Aaron Alexander, CaviArt (O.T. Watts and James Riley), Ayel (Aaron Leapheart), Kye Colors (J’Kye Slatton), Rory Fresco (Terrell Johnson Jr.) and Dettsa (Justin Walker). The story and videos about these young artists won first place in the 2017 Society for Features Journalism writing contest.
Up and coming rappers Zarin Micheal (from left), Aaron Alexander, CaviArt (O.T. Watts and James Riley), Ayel (Aaron Leapheart), Kye Colors (J’Kye Slatton), Rory Fresco (Terrell Johnson Jr.) and Dettsa (Justin Walker). The story and videos about these young artists won first place in the 2017 Society for Features Journalism writing contest. Jill Toyoshiba jtoyoshiba@kcstar.com

The Kansas City Star has won seven awards in the annual Society for Features Journalism Excellence in Features writing contest, including two firsts (video storytelling, diversity in digital features), four seconds (best section, general feature, arts & entertainment feature, general commentary portfolio) and one third (integrated storytelling). The awards were announced Tuesday.

First-place winners were Aaron Randle, Shelly Yang and Monty Davis for a video and story package about rising hip-hop stars in Kansas City, and the “I am” series featuring people whose lives have aspects that have intersected with the news.

Second place individual winners were David Frese, Jeneé Osterheldt and Mary Sanchez. The team of Laura Bauer, Katy Bergen and Mará Rose Williams won third place for their piece on sexual assault.

The awards gave The Star second place in the sweepstakes award for its division (circulation 90,000-199,999). Kathy Lu, The Star’s assistant managing editor for features, is also the president of the SFJ board this year. The group will host its national conference in Kansas City Sept. 27-30.

This story was originally published June 13, 2017 at 6:20 PM with the headline "The Star wins 7 awards in national features writing contest."

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