‘225 Magazine’ honored with 8 awards for journalism and design

By

Jennifer Tormo Alvarez

-

-

August 13, 2025

225 Magazine was recently claimed national and regional awards for writing, photography and design.

225 received a national award from Society for Features Journalism’s Excellence-in-Features competition. It took home three Green Eyeshade Awards, a regional journalism competition in the Southeast judged by the Society of Professional Journalists. It also was a finalist for four Diamond Journalism Awards, a regional contest sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists’ Arkansas Pro Chapter.

Dive into the winning stories below, all published in 2024. Congrats to all of 225‘s journalists, photographers and graphic designers!

“Piano man” by Olivia Deffes

A collection of mementos the Frugé family has saved from their dad’s time as Santa, including cassette tape recordings of some of the cute conversations he’d have with kids and their families, handwritten letters of appreciation from parents and scribbled wish lists from children. Photo by Collin Richie

General Feature (999 words or fewer) – First Place

Society for Features Journalism

Judge’s comment: “This story flows like the music that brings so much joy and memories to so many people. It’s not a difficult piece to report – you could do it in a day – but the crafting is masterful, raising this story to a first-place win.”

“Sweet season” photography by Sean Gasser and Collin Richie

Ren Price, director of this season’s ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’

Emily Bourgeois, who starred in ‘Waitress.’

Artistic & Creative Photography – First Place

Green Eyeshade Awards

225 Magazine cover collection

Magazine Cover Design – Second Place

Green Eyeshade Awards

“A parade of pasta” design by Melinda Gonzalez Galjour

Inside and Feature Design – Second Place

Green Eyeshade Awards

Arts & Entertainment writing portfolio by Olivia Deffes (1, 2, 3)

Arts & Entertainment Coverage – Finalist

Diamond Awards – SPJ Arkansas Pro Chapter

Restaurant Review portfolio by Benjamin Leger (1, 2, 3)

Criticism/Reviews – Finalist

Diamond Awards – SPJ Arkansas Pro Chapter

“Going for the gold” photo by Collin Richie

Feature Photography – Finalist

Diamond Awards – SPJ Arkansas Pro Chapter

“A parade of pasta” cover package design by Melinda Gonzalez Galjour

Graphics/Illustrations – Finalist

Diamond Awards – SPJ Arkansas Pro Chapter

By Jennifer Tormo Alvarez

Jennifer Tormo Alvarez was the editor of “225” for nearly 11 years, leading the magazine through two print and digital redesigns, three anniversary years, a flood and the pandemic. She is obsessed with restaurant interiors, sparkling water, Scorpio astrology memes and, admittedly, the word “obsessed.” She is willing to travel to see indie bands in concert, but even better if they play a show at Chelsea’s Live.