Maryland Family magazine came away from the annual Parenting Publications of America convention last weekend with 16 awards for editorial and design excellence including a Silver award (second place) for overall General Excellence.

Staff writer Jennifer Broadwater received a Gold for her news feature “Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda” from the April issue which pointed out how preteens can ruin future careers by making bad choices on social media.

Writer Laura Barnhardt Cech received a Gold for general feature writing for her story “Momnesia” which ran in the September issue and highlighted what happens to a mom’s brain during and after pregnancy. Cech also won a Silver for the service feature “When Nursing doesn’t come naturally” from the September issue.

Writer Deidre McCabe received Gold for her profile “Double Overtime” from the December 2008 issue which highlighted the life of Ladies’ Terps Coach Brenda Frese after the birth of her twins.

Writer Joya Fields received Bronze for her travel feature “DC in a day” and for her part in a series on museums to visit downtown.

Bronze awards were also garnered  for cover photography by Drew Anthony Smith for the cover “Tackling Gender Roles” from the July issue. That same story garnered a Bronze for best feature layout for art director Michele Moy and graphic designer Brian Young.

The magazine was awarded Bronze in best overall photography and best overall reporting and Silver awards for headline writing and briefs. A Bronze also went to Cheryl Clemens for her editor’s notes.