Daily Iowan reporter Danny Valentine has been awarded fourth place in the 2010 Hearst Foundation in-depth writing contest.

He was recognized for his work on an investigative report regarding dangerous drinking in Iowa City. Valentine, along with DI photographer Christy Aumer and DITV News Director Melanie Kucera, rode along with Johnson County paramedics to see firsthand the effect of alcohol on the community.

“While my name is on this award, it truly belongs to The Daily Iowan and the reporters and editors who pour their lives into the paper every single day,” the UI senior said. “I wouldn’t have been able to write this story without editors who were willing to give me the time and resources to do it right.”

Valentine also lent thanks to DI Editor Kelsey Beltramea and Associate Journalism Professor Stephen Berry.

Student journalists from more than 100 collegiate journalism programs across the country were eligible for the contest. Nathan Roth from the University of Montana was awarded first place.

— by Adam B Sullivan