MetroFamily was honored with eight editorial, design and multimedia awards at the national Parenting Media Association conference and awards banquet in Chicago on Oct. 18, 2024, including a first-time gold award for General Excellence, the highest award bestowed.
Content, design and digital multimedia from family publications around the country is reviewed and judged by a panel from the University of Missouri College of Journalism.
We’re incredibly proud of the staff members and freelancers who help make MetroFamily an award-winning media company. Thank you to our readers for inspiring and supporting the work we are fortunate to do.
General Excellence Award
Gold, MetroFamily Magazine
Staff: Sarah Taylor, Erin Page, Stacy Noakes, Lindsay Cuomo, Emiley Bainbridge
Judges’ comments: “This publication benefits from an eclectic, engaging collection of stories — from inspirational First Americans to ways families can slow climate change. It has one of the most comprehensive guides to community activities and services, plus pages of activities for children of all ages and interests. The covers are compelling, the contents page is nicely organized and photographs add real value to the stories. The magazine works well on all levels, from text to editing to design.”
Gold Awards
Multimedia: Best Blog, Weekend Warrior
Staff: Erin Page, Emiley Bainbridge, Lindsay Cuomo
Judges’ comments: “The actual experiences of the writers elevate this blog to a testimonial with promises about why a family should give this idea or that place real consideration. The bloggers aren’t just tossing out things that kids interested in STEAM or fashion might like, or what parents could consider to keep kids busy. They’ve been there and done that, with engaging stories, descriptions and images to back up what they’re saying.”
Editorial: Non-Traditional Story Form, A Very OKC Holiday: Downtown’s best seasonal family fun
Writer: Erin Page
Designer: Stacy Noakes
Judges’ comments: “This collection of holiday activities presents a well-researched range of family-friendly activities. Blocks of text are tightly written yet contain all the information a parent would need. Accompanying photos are informative and help readers see what each event entails.”
Editorial: Sponsored Content, Stepping Up: The Carrington Family
Writer: Erin Page
Sponsor: Oklahoma Human Services
Judges’ comments: “Through skillful scene-setting and careful details, the story of the Carrington family and their 17 foster children show the humanity within Oklahoma’s foster system. Relevant statistics elevate the story further, helping readers understand the larger context the family is operating within.”
Silver Awards
Editorial: Family Fun Article,Cultivating Creativity in OKC: Innovative outlets where imaginations can run wild
Writer: Lindsay Cuomo
Judges’ comments: “Creativity knows no bounds in Oklahoma City – from the performing arts to cultivating your inner chef. Clear and well-reported, this story offers plentiful suggestions for local places where parents can help stoke their kids’ imaginations.”
Editorial: Editor’s Note
Writer: Erin Page
Judges’ comments: “Thoughtful and well written, these pieces grab readers’ attention with creative ledes and a point of view. The letters cover topics such as the local “Santa Blair,” as well as headier ones asking parents to support teachers as the Oklahoma education system is being attacked.”
Design: Table of Contents, January/February 2024
Designer: Stacy Noakes
Writer: Erin Page
Judges’ comments: “This organized table of contents packs a lot of information in a tidy package. Dynamic photographs of people in action attract readers’ attention, and large page numbers overlapping the photographs highlight the story tease. The neat column of text creates easy navigation.”
Bronze Award
Editorial: Travel Feature, O Christmas Towns: Quirky & bright holiday traditions across Oklahoma
Writer: Lindsay Cuomo
Judges’ comments: “Without leaving the state, families can find three very distinct and different Christmas celebrations. A Festival of Lights, inflatable leg lamp, a BB gun exhibit and more offer a variety of options in just one town. Another town features 800-foot decorated canopies along the Historic Route 66. A third offers a 122 foot tall metal Christmas tree. The writing moves along crisply.”
