News-Argus takes home NCPA honors
By From staff reports
Published in News on March 22, 2013 1:46 PM
Staff Writer Kenneth Fine earned five more awards and Editor Renee Carey was, again, honored for her editorial writing -- Fine has now been honored 15 times since he joined the paper in 2005.
This year's winners, judges said, stood out among thousands of entries that made up one of the biggest journalism contests in the nation.
They include:
* "A path to follow. A legacy of honor," 2nd place, News Feature Writing: This story, written by Kenneth Fine, chronicled the journey of members of the family of Ribhi Kandeel, a local convenience store owner who was shot in 2008 and later died as a result of the injuries sustained in the attack. "Wow," the judge said. "This reporter clearly established trust with these sources at critical moments to get this compelling story."
* "A leap of faith," 2nd place, Profile Feature Writing: This story, written by Kenneth Fine, took readers back more than 50 years -- to the night Adam Mattocks, an airman aboard a B-52 loaded with two nuclear bombs, called in a series of "miracles" to avoid death as his aircraft crashed into a Wayne County field. "While many of the entries profiled a World War II veteran, none told a tale quite as unique or downright intense as that found in 'A leap of faith,'" the judge said. "It immediately drew the reader in and forced him/her to wonder then just how Lt. Mattocks is still alive."
* "Hagan alert; Dreams' detour; Careful thought," 2nd place, Editorial Writing: These three editorials, written by Editor Renee Carey, stood out among hundreds entered by papers across the state, judges said.
* "Jake's team; He'll be there; Back on the diamond," 3rd place, Sports Feature Writing: This series, written by Kenneth Fine, followed the saga of local high school baseball player Jake May, from shortly after his leukemia diagnosis to Eastern Wayne High School's first home game of the 2012 season -- and showed the judges just how Wayne County responds when one of its own is facing a battle. "A heartwarming series of stories, thoroughly reported and beautifully written," the judge said. "A story that transcends sports and brings a community together. This is simply journalism at its very best."
* "Marking history," 3rd place, General News Reporting: When a historical highway marker was erected near the site of Wayne County's brush with Armageddon, Kenneth Fine was there to tell the stories of those members of the Faro Volunteer Fire Department who worked the scene of a B-52 crash more than 50 years ago and those who carry on their legacy today. "It's a simple story, but written with confidence and pacing that is, ultimately, empowering and heartwarming for readers."
* "Julia Child does the Wayne County Fair -- Part One," 3rd place, Best Video: Staff Writer Kenneth Fine transformed himself into Julia Child to chime in, via the News-Argus' Facebook page, on some of the food the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair has become known for over the years -- from BLTs to pork chop sandwiches. Judges said they gave the video honors because it was a "fun" way to cover an event.
But the newsroom was not the paper's only department honored Thursday evening.
NCPA also announced the results of its Best Ad Contest.
The winners are:
* 1st place, Best Special Section, Staff
* 1st place, Best Use of Color, Megan Davis, Amanda Turner
* 1st place, Best Color Home Furnishings and Appliances Ad, Judy Smith and Amanda Turner
* 1st place, Best Community Service Signature Page or Best Shared Page, Megan Davis, Catherine Tanner, Stephanie Lack and Brian Foster
* 2nd place, Best Use of Color, Lindsey Grant, Catherine Tanner and Angela Michalek
* 2nd place, Best Niche Publication, Judy Smith, Georgia Gurley, Catherine Tanner
* 2nd place, Best Use of Humor, Megan Davis and Amanda Turner
* 3rd place, Best Real Estate Ad, Catherine Tanner and Megan Davis
* 3rd place, Best Niche Publication, Staff