Washington A-Mark Prize recognizes 2025 reporting by InvestigateWest

The Evergreen State A-Mark Award for Investigative Reporting has recognized two InvestigateWest journalists for impactful and in-depth reporting on Washington family courts and teacher sexual abuse. 

InvestigateWest reporter Kelsey Turner received first place for her 2025 investigation into the outsized influence that guardians ad litem can have on custody decisions in Washington state. The story dives into one Snohomish County custody case and shows how the justice system’s treatment of a mom, Gina Bloom, changed after a guardian ad litem was appointed. While Bloom, who alleged her ex-partner had raped and abused her, had successfully obtained a protective order and temporary custody of her kids, she lost custody after the guardian ad litem questioned her credibility and suggested she was the more dangerous abuser. 

A panel of five judges called Turner’s story “an exceptional piece of investigative journalism; scrupulously reported, meticulously researched and sharply written.” They also highlighted how Turner used extensive court and police records to fairly represent multiple perspectives and how her follow-up reporting has addressed gaps in statewide oversight. 

Turner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, which the Society for Professional Journalists Western Washington chapter, which administers the award, said is a recognition of the significant time and resources it takes to produce investigative journalism in the public interest. InvestigateWest will receive $2,000. 

InvestigateWest collaborative reporter Moe K. Clark and Andy Nystrom of the Mercer Island Reporter also received the third-place prize for their 2025 reporting that exposed oversight failures in how the Mercer Island School District handled teacher sexual misconduct. 

Clark and Nystrom exposed how the Mercer Island School District allowed Gary “Chris” Twombley to take a paid leave, resign from his position and voluntarily revoke his teaching license after a student came forward about their relationship while she was a minor. Following that story, Clark spoke to more than two dozen former students and spent months pressing the school district and state for records related to another English teacher, Curtis Johnston. A second investigation showed how the school district disregarded serious concerns about Johnston and how some school officials even helped him strategize about how to handle scrutiny from students and parents. 

The judges praised the reporters for “centering the survivors’ stories while holding those in power accountable, and for providing context around best practices that helped readers understand both the failures and potential solutions.” Clark and Nystrom will receive $2,000 for their work, with the newsrooms splitting $1,000. 

The second place prize went to Rebecca Moss of The Seattle Times for a piece examining conditions at the McNeil Island Special Commitment Center. 

This year was the first time the Society for Professional Journalists Western Washington chapter has awarded the prize, which is funded by the A-Mark Foundation and recognizes exceptional reporting in the public interest that also demonstrates journalistic skill and integrity.

Jacob Fries, executive director of InvestigateWest, congratulated Turner and Clark for their exceptional work. 

“Their work reflects the best of investigative journalism: rigorous reporting, moral clarity and a deep commitment to holding powerful systems accountable,” Fries said. “We’re especially grateful that Moe’s investigation with Andy Nystrom and the Mercer Island Reporter was recognized, because that project shows what collaboration can make possible. When local newsrooms pool resources and expertise, we can produce ambitious, high-impact journalism that might otherwise be out of reach.”

The public is invited to a free webinar on May 28 at 7 p.m. Pacific where the winners will discuss their work. Click here to sign up.