“Simone shows no fear. She’s been thrown into all manner of stories, from the Southern California fires to shootings in rough parts of town, to the fluffy feature and quickly finds her way around. … Her copy is clean, well-framed, organized and lively. And she’s persistent. If she doesn’t get what she needs from sources, she goes back at them or finds someone else.”

Trapper Byrne, deputy metro editor, San Francisco Chronicle

“Simone is intelligent and eager. Her warm personality makes her a natural interviewer. … No matter what her assignment, she always researched thoroughly and wrote accurately.”

Deborah Geering, former assistant features editor, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Anyone who meets (Simone) is immediately taken with her energy, enthusiasm and dedication to our profession. … Not only does she have the will to succeed, she has the talent.It’s because of Simone that I know that newspapers will only get better in the future.”

Connie Sage, former director of recruiting, Landmark Publishing Group

“Simone found unusual sources and extracted great quotes.”

Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California Chapter for award as “Outstanding Emerging Journalist” of 2004