Overlooked in Appalachia Scores At Golden Press Card Awards

"There was this entry, and then all the rest...Simply one of the best commentaries I’ve ever read."

That’s how a San Diego judge described Corey Ray’s Overlooked in Appalachia submission for the 2025 Golden Press Card Awards, hosted by the Society of Professional Journalists’ East Tennessee chapter.

Students submitted works across numerous categories and earned first and second-place honors.

Awards include:

• Corey Ray – Commentary, First Place

• Brian Disoso – Commentary, Second Place

• Brian Disoso – Best News Photography, First Place

• Jordan Bond – Best News Photography, Second Place

• Corey Ray, Brian Disoso, Faith Vance – Hurricane Helene One Year Later, Second Place

As awards season comes to a close, Overlooked in Appalachia concludes with nearly 15 honors. Featuring student and community-contributed work remains the organization’s top priority in maintaining its mission: telling the stories of a region that is often misunderstood.

Learn more about the Society of Professional Journalists here.