FreshWater Cleveland will once again be recognized for its writing and photography by the Press Club of Cleveland during its Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony on Friday, June 7 at the House of Blues.

FreshWater principal and managing editor Karin Connelly Rice was notified last Thursday, April 25 that managing photographer Bob Perkoski, contributing editor Jo Donofrio, contributing editor Grant Segall, and writer Matt Florjancic will receive awards at the June event.

2024 All Ohio Excellence in Journalism AwardsThe winning stories showcase FreshWater’s unique take on arts, entertainment, and the city’s assets that make us all proud to call Cleveland home—from the beloved Gust Gallucci’s Italian Foods & Market’s 100-year legacy, to Ukrainian refugees who have made new lives here, to the fight to end hunger and provide affordable housing.

Perkoski will be recognized for his photo essay, “Walking the #Streets: The best of #StreetsofCLE.”

Donofrio will be recognized for her neighborhood/community news feature, “Service with a smile: Four generations have kept Gallucci’s Italian Foods going strong.”

Segall will be honored for his freelance work in several Northeast Ohio publications, including three FreshWater stories: “Safe haven: 5,000 Ukrainians have arrived in NEO over the past year,”  “Welcome signs: Waypoint locations in the skies direct and amuse pilots,” and “Beyond football: The Cleveland-Pittsburgh rivalry has a history going beyond the NFL.”

Florjancic will also receive honors for his freelance work, which includes four stories for FreshWater: “Getting into the swing of things: Five Iron Golf brings unique blend of serious play, fun,” “Cleveland Habitat for Humanity launches 400 Home Initiative,” “Creating a buzz: Entrepreneur uses coffee, local celebrities to help end hunger in CLE,” and “New Larchmere Homes project is just one step in CHN's mission to ensure affordable housing for all.”

“Bob, Jo, Grant, and Matt are members of a great team of professionals who find the positive stories in Cleveland and share them with enthusiasm,” says Rice. “I’m honored to work with such a great group of people.”

The winners will not know where they placed in their categories until the Press Club event in June, but Rice says she is happy the FreshWater staff will be recognized for their work.