Congratulating our award winners
We wrote about this in Friday's paper, but not to the extent that I can here. Below are our winners in the North Carolina Press Association annual contest. We aren't in the business to win awards, but it's nice to be recognized by our peers.
Staff -- 2nd place in Public Service for our Project Homestead reporting
Judge comments: Project Homestead had all the earmarks of a sacred cow. The low-cost housing nonprofit run by a politically powerful minister was seemingly above scrutiny. Reporting by the News & Record changed all that, revealing widespread corruption and promoting corrective action. Where other systems and agencies had failed to protect the public interest, the newspaper succeeded despite pressure from many directions. This work is an excellent example of holding power accountable.
Dustin Long -- 1st place in Sports News Reporting for Daytona 500 coverage
Judge comments: A very impressive job of mixing enterprise and profiles and breaking news and advances to give readers an amazing amount of coverage leading up -- and then following -- NASCAR'S biggest race. The writer showed versatility and expertise in a variety of story forms.
Tim Rickard -- 1st place in Photo Illustration
Judge comments -- Carries a punch!
Mike Kernels -- 2nd place in Lifestyle Feature Writing or a story on the SUV
Judge comments: Reporter pulled readers in with description of places. It made you feel you actually were there. Good job on bringing readers on what could be a boring subject for some readers.
Lorraine Ahearn -- 2nd place in Serious Columns
Judge comments: Ahearn's columns are well-reported. They ask a question by telling a story, rather than presenting "the world according to me." Her columns present ethical and moral questions without identifying them as such.
Ed Hardin -- 2nd place Sports Columns
Judge comments: Hardin shows the range one expects in a quality columnist. Not to mention courage: He called out Coach K and got it exactly right. His fishing and snakes column was a real gem. Very personal, but a great story, too.
Rob Daniels -- 3rd place Sports Columns
Judge comments: Wonderful mix of columns showing emotion ranging from outrage to laugh-out-loud humor. Anyone who would try to write a column in "Dr. Seuss" voice deserves an award!
Todd Graff -- 3rd place in Sports News Reporting for CCG coverage
Judge comments: A very thorough, well-executed package leading up to a major golf tournament, using a strong mix of story approaches and graphics.
Stan Swofford -- 3rd place in Investigative Reporting for Project Homestead
Judge comments: No flashy layout -- just strong reporting that detailed the conflicts of interest and power plays that helped insiders and hurt those most in need of services.
Staff -- 3rd place in Sports Coverage
Judge comments: Comprehensive coverage of Chrysler Classic elevated this paper above the rest of the field of entrants.
