Hey, my name is Shoshana and I’m a journalist.
On this site you’ll find links to my favorite stories, samples of my multimedia work, plus a pot of gold, your lost socks and the planet Krypton. I promise, that’s all here. You’ve just gotta read through everything, OK?
Links to stories are below. Most were published in The Ledger, a New York Times Company-owned daily newspaper in Lakeland, Fla. For photos and other multimedia work, click on the category in the drop-down menu above.
Projects completed amid daily deadlines:
Losing the Fight, A1, August 10-12, 2008
Three-part narrative and multimedia series about an after-school fight turned fatal. Awarded a New York Times Chairman’s Award and the 2009 Gold Medal for Public Service from the Florida Society of News Editors.
Broken Silence, A1, Nov. 14-15, 2009
A two-part narrative and multimedia series about a child sex abuse victim whose courage led to the arrest of her alleged abuser, and to justice for three others. Awarded the 2009 Sigma Delta Chi award for non-deadline reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists and a New York Times Chairman’s Award.
Daily stories:
Monkeys’ Escape Surprises Experts, B1, April 23, 2008
It’s a tongue-twister and a mind-bender: The pack of 15 Patas primates procured from Puerto Rico were not supposed to be able to swim. A breaking news story with color.
Twister Spins Hair-Raising Tales, B1, August 24, 2008
What happens when a tornado pays a brief visit to a mobile home park? A short but sweet story with vivid descriptions and colorful quotes.
Slaying Shocks Suspect’s Family, B1, June 18, 2009
A local rapper charged with murder in his girlfriend’s death. A thorough story, despite limited police information, with pictures and multimedia assembled on deadline.
Suspect Named in Woman’s Disappearance, A1, December 10, 2008
James Bain Freed After DNA Evidence Clears Him, A1, December 17, 2009
James Bain walked quietly across the carpeted floor of courtroom 9a Thursday morning, beaming at family and friends who erupted into applause.
Sum Whiz Kids: Daniel Jenkins Academy Wins Mathcounts Competition, B1, February 17, 2008
Two Women Escape Fire, Lose Home, B1, March 2, 2008
In less than 10 minutes, Myra Shelton, 75, almost lost her life’s work. A breaking news story that incorporated narrative elements. I took photos, video and continued to follow Shelton, writing a number of stories about her experience after the fire.
Features and enterprise:
From the Ashes Rise Generosity, Charity, A1, September 22, 2008
Prisoners Pay to Stay, A1, August 22, 2009
Residency Rule for Sex Offenders Under Scrutiny, A1, December 3, 2009
The county’s ordinance presents challenges the community must address.
Personal essays:
Girlhood Dreams Return Because of ‘Endure’ Star, May 6, 2009
A column explaining why girls go gaga over teen idols. Part sociology, part slightly embarassing personal experience.
The Poynter Summer Fellowship for Young Journalists | St. Petersburg, Fla.
A Gallery of Memory, June 23, 2007
A profile of a woman who claims to know nothing about art, even though its her business.
In Pageant’s Glow, Ushers Reflect on Glamour, July 10, 2007
A story about the 2007 Miss Florida pageant from a unique angle — through the eyes of the elderly women ushers of the Mahaffey Theater.