Editorial: Best Citizen Journalism, September 2005

• Deal with local subjects
• Are written compellingly
• Are about something remarkable
• Are well researched and accurate pieces of journalism
• Contain original quotes that can only be gleaned from a one-on-one interview
• Cover events likely to be overlooked by other news organizations
• Are uplifting and inspirational

Tunnel to Towers Run: In the footsteps of a hero

By Jennifer Mosscrop

September 11 is a day that will resonate with many Americans in the United States forever, but for Jennifer Mosscrop, this day held stories that took place in her home town. Her story, "Tunnel to Towers Run: In the footsteps of a hero" came to us as a timely piece, honoring the four-year anniversary of that day, celebrating the heroism of one firefighter, and detailing the spark that lead to the onset of many years of charitable work.

While it may have been easier to find the stories of sadness and horror that unfolded that day, Jennifer found a heartening, sincere account that we look for at HappyNews. Fusing sharp feature writing with original, compassionate reporting and superb narrative flow, Jennifer pays tribute to our heroes and offers readers a compelling glimpse into the goodness of mankind. HappyNews is pleased to award this story first place.

We chose Jennifer's story not only because it is an excellent piece of journalism but because it serves as a great example of what we look for in our Citizen Journalist articles, as well.

Jennifer Mosscrop resides in Staten Island, NY and recently completed a B.A. in English and a B.S. in journalism from the City University of New York. She currently works as a freelance writer and has ambitions of becoming a newspaper reporter.

Jennifer Mosscrop will receive an extra US $50 for her work.

On the way to Sulha

By Rachel Spitz

Peace and Middle East have not always been words in our vocabulary that fit well together. In Rachel Spitz's words, "experts discuss it, cynics scoff at it and optimists simply listen." But as many news organizations capitalized on the efforts in the Middle East that found new progress, Rachel found a story of her own that wasn't reaching international headlines. In her article, "On the Way to Sulha," Rachel dives into the heart of a three-day event in Israel held by the Sulha Peace Project. Geared towards ending discrimination and forming connections between Jews, Muslims and Christians, the event is deserving of attention. With narrative story-telling and description that only an investigative journalist could reveal, Rachel lures the audience into her perspective of Sulha and portrays another, untold side of Middle Eastern affairs. She delivers a rare and genuine report of compassion and peace from a place in desperate need of more stories such as this.

Rachel Spitz currently works as a freelance writer. She moved to Israel from the United States in 1999 to obtain a degree in Middle Eastern history.

Ancient statues to be 'reconstructed' in Afghanistan

By Natasha Evans

Search for a unique story and uncover it in a compelling fashion - these are the basic ingredients of Journalism 101. This is also the recipe at HappyNews, with a positive dash of hope and optimism added for good measure. Citizen Journalist, Natasha Evans, recently brought together all these elements to serve an informative and well researched story out of Afghanistan.

Natasha's story, "Ancient statues to be 'reconstructed' in Afghanistan," highlights the destruction—and construction—of two ancient Buddha statues in Afghanistan and explores the logistics and motivation behind the green laser light show restoration of the statues that were destroyed by the Taliban rule in 2001. Details gathered through interviews, coupled with a concise writing style, the story grabs you and brings you before the green Buddhas. This is an excellent example of citizen journalism and we applaud Natasha's chronicle of the ancient history behind the statues and the genuine efforts to rebuild them.

Natasha Evans is a writer based on Scotland. Read more of Natasha's stories:

• ROKPA: helping where help is needed

My blue suede coat

By Lisa Canape

Welcome to a heartwarming story by Lisa Canape, it just one of the numerous stories this talented writer has shared with us. She supplies the reader with an excellent narration that keeps audience members on their toes until the close of the story. With an editorial plot that illustrates the good side of human nature, Lisa explains how the act of having her coat stolen from her locker did more good in her life than bad.

She writes a detailed account that can appeal to the lives of every reader. As Lisa delicately explains, 'there are times, in everyone's life, that you must weather a storm in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel.' With a philosophical touch and an emotional influence, Lisa portrays why sometimes, there are more important things in life than fretting how someone wronged you.

Lisa Canape is a licensed clinical social worker residing in Salt Lake City. Read more of Lisa's stories:

• Lucky girl
• The gift
• An expert explains it to me
• Five life lessons from groundhogs