The California Newspaper Publishers Association announced Saturday its winners of the 2012 Better Newspapers Contest, which recognizes the most outstanding journalistic achievements published by California newspapers.
The Gilroy Dispatch brought home two first place awards, four second place awards and five blue ribbon finalists (all listed at the end of this story).
“Despite tough times in our business, the staff does an amazing job of keeping the community informed – we’re proud to represent Gilroy as one of the finest community newspapers in the state,” says Executive Editor Mark Derry. “We’re clearly pulling out of the economic slump of the past few years and look forward to growing and providing an expanded news report for our loyal customers in print and on the web.”
About the contest
The Better Newspapers Contest is designed to judge papers of similar size against one another in categories such as local breaking news, editorial comments, best writing, photography and general excellence. Daily and weekly publications compete in separate divisions based on circulation.
“It has been often said that the newspaper prints the raw material that forms the bedrock of history,” the CNPA website states. “The Better Newspapers Contest gives publishers and editors the opportunity to promote excellence in journalism throughout California by recognizing their staffs’ diligent work to provide for the community through reporting, design and photojournalism in print and digital media.”
The CNPA is a 124-year-old nonprofit trade association representing the daily and weekly newspapers of California. The Association is governed by a 35-member Board of Directors elected by Active Member newspapers. It’s mission is to champion the ideals of a free press in our democratic society and to promote the quality and economic health of California newspapers, according to the CNPA website.
Awards Category: Weekly newspaper, circulation between 4,300 to 11,000
First place
-Artistic photo, Lora Schraft: “Let the garlic games begin”
-Coverage of local government, Carly Gelsinger: Series of stories on the South Valley Middle School pool saga
Second place:
-Photo essay, Lora Schraft: “Can’t keep a good kid down”
-Coverage of education, Blair Franklin: “Amazing Andrew: Graduation just another milestone”
-Coverage of business, financial or economic news, Blair Franklin: “Claddagh’s success no stroke of luck”
-Sports coverage, Josh Weaver
*Josh has since moved to Texas, where he is covering sports for the Odessa American. We miss you, buddy. Yee-haw!
Blue ribbon finalists:
-Best page layout and design, Andi Joseph
-Best column, Andi Joseph: “Saying goodbye to a dog named Pumpkin”
-Best writing, Blair Franklin: “A letter to remember”
-Best feature story, Blair Franklin: “Case cracked, mystery of the Mystery Machine”
-Coverage of environment, Blair Franklin: “Pooling good energy for the future of Gilroy Hot Springs”
