Seaford, Laurel Star staff members win 33 awards in annual contest
Members and supporters of the Maryland Delaware D.C. (MDDC) Press Association came together last month in Annapolis to highlight news with integrity and excellence in journalism by recognizing the winners of the contest, which celebrates print and online work completed in 2025.
For the fourth time in five years, Morning Star Publications (Seaford and Laurel Star) was named News Organization of the Year for its Division. Morning Star Publications is also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
The contest, governed by the Association’s Editorial and Advertising Committees, admitted over 1,
There are several top awards given across all divisions to the publication. The capstone award, one per division, is News Organization of the Year.
The News Organization of the Year awards represent the best publication in each division. These awards are chosen based on the points accumulated for first and second prizes in each category. The Baltimore Banner won the award in Division A; The Frederick News-Post was named News Organization of the Year for Division B; and Catholic Review won in Division C. Baltimore Beat and Spotlight Delaware shared the award in Division D; Coastal Point was named News Organization of the Year for Division E; and Morning Star Publications
The following are the awards earned by the Star’s staff members and contributors:
Design- Restaurant/Entertainment Large Print- 1. Vanderwende’s Ag, Brittany Passon and Chris Elliott, 2. Laurel Pizzeria/Smash N Dash July 4, Brittany Passon and Chris Elliott; Restaurant/Entertainment Small Print- 1. Pizza King Veterans Day, Brittany Passon and Tede Griffith, 2. Slingers Holiday, Brittany Passon and Tede Griffith; Retail Large Print- A and K Holiday, Brittany Passon and Chris Elliott, 2. Jeff’s Easter, Brittany Passon and Chris Elliott; Retail Small Print- 1. Harbor House July 4th, Brittany Passon and Chris Elliott, 2. Harbor House Holiday, Brittany Passon and Chris Elliott; Business Non-Retail Large Print- 1. CFM Valentine’s, Brittany Passon and Tede Griffith, 2. CFM New Year’s, Brittany Passon and Tede Griffith; Business Non-Retail Small Print- 1. Lee Johnson and Chris Elliott, 2. Scott Frye Veterans Day, Brittany Passon and Tede Griffith; Sports Page Design- 1. Seaford football state championship, Mike McClure
Editorial- Religion Reporting- 2. Fisher of Men Foundation raises funds to rebuild following fire, Carson Williamson; Sports Story- 2. Greenwood Mennonite basketball secures program’s second undefeated season and conference title, Mike McClure; Sports Feature Story- 1. Hollamon leaves legacy in Delmar beyond nine straight state titles, Mike McClure; Sports Column- 2. Former, current college and pro players have ties to western Sussex, Mike McClure
Photography- General News Photo- 1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Mike McClure; Breaking News Photo- 1. and Best of Show- Blades Fire Department procession for fallen hero, Carol Kinsley; Best Photo Gallery- 2. Community events in Seaford, Lynn Schofer and Mike McClure; Sports Action Photo- 2. Hurdling the defender, Lynn Schofer; Photo Series- 2. Fourth of July in western Sussex, Mike McClure
Revenue and Promotion- Community Service Program- 1. Veterans Day, Star staff, 2. Breast Cancer Awareness, Star staff; Self-Promotion Advertising- 1. Freedom of Choice sub promo, Brittany Passon, 2. End of Summer Subscription Promo, Brittany Passon
Targeted Publication- Advertising Special Section In-Paper- 1. Wedding Planner, Mike McClure and Brittany Passon, 2. Spring Home Improvement, Brittany Passon and Mike McClure; Advertising Special Section Stand Alone- 1. Graduation Book, Mike McClure and Brittany Passon, 2. High School Fall Sports Book, Brittany Passon and Mike McClure; News Driven Special Section- 2. Salute to the Champions- Delmar field hockey, Mike McClure; Custom Publication- 1. Wings and Wheels Festival Book, Star staff and Georgetown Chamber of Commerce