At its annual conference in March, 2008, Parenting Publications of America (PPA) gave Richmond Parents Monthly six awards, including a first-place award for best writing overall.
 
PPA is a national trade association of more than 120 local parenting publications. Its annual contest recognizes excellence in writing and design. This year, PPA received 1,249 entries in three size divisions. Judging was coordinated by Professor Daryl Moen of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
 
The full listing of Richmond Parents Monthly’s awards for work published in 2007 is below, with judges’ comments.
 
Gold
Overall Writing
“The stories clearly have a guiding hand that ensures they stay on point while offering valuable local resources and interesting, compelling interviews. Whether addressing how friendships impact racism or heading back to school after divorce, the writing is clear and focused. Enjoyable to read.”
 
Gold
Front Cover/Newsprint: Original Illustration
Ryan Hooley, illustrator; Denine D’Angelo, art director
“A nice cover that uses a play on words to partner with the drawing. The artist used warm colors for the family scene, and the designer integrated the nameplate into the atmosphere.”
 
Silver
Publisher’s/Editor’s Notes
Angela Lehman-Rios, editor
“The writer takes big issues, such as keeping kids in touch with nature and diversity and shows why they are important to the publication's local readers.”

Silver
Personal Essay
“Oh friend of mine,” Ania Swanson, author
“This essay’s construction draws readers into it. At times, ‘Oh friend of mine,’ resonates like a song with a strong chorus. Yet beneath the beautiful construction lies important points about disabled children and the parents who love them.”

Bronze
Interview
“The True Story of Boys Reading,” Lisa Thalhimer, writer
“Any parent of boys will be thrilled to find such an insightful interview that clearly illustrates how and why boys read. A fun and informative read.”

Bronze
Table of Contents Design
Denine D’Angelo, art director
“This is a Table of Contents page that knows how to play the big stories well while still giving some prominence to the regular features. The publication also gives the chance for a young artist to shine by highlighting a watercolor painting on the page.”
 
In addition, the Virginia Press Association awarded Richmond Parents Monthly a first-place prize in Critical Writing for the “RPM KidSpin” column by Joe Cates. The VPA’s contest for work published in 2007 drew more than 5,000 entries from newspapers and magazines across the state.
 
 
Past Awards
Gold, Reviews: “RPM KidSpin” by Joe Cates (PPA, 2006)
Gold, Headlines (PPA, 2006)
Silver, News Feature: “Daycare Dilemma” by Ann Harmon (PPA, 2006)
Silver, Personal Essay: “Waiting” by Kerry Day (PPA, 2006)
Third Place, Editorial Writing (VPA, 2006)
Bronze, Cover/Original Illustration: “Family Cars” by Denine D’Angelo (PPA, 2006)
Bronze, Reviews: “Books for Loan” by Lisa Thalhimer (PPA, 2006)
Bronze, Editor’s Notes (PPA, 2006)