Local paper wins nine awards at California Newspaper Publishers
Association ceremony
Gilroy – For the second year running, the Dispatch captured the state’s top journalism prize, winning first place in General Excellence at the annual California Newspaper Publishers Association competition.
That honor capped a bright contest showing for Gilroy’s community daily newspaper, which earned eight additional honors ranging from lifestyles coverage and photography to public service.
For Publisher Steve Staloch receiving the top award for two consecutive years is the utmost honor.
“The General Excellence Award, the industry’s most prestigious, is coveted by every newspaper in the state,” he said. “Winning two years in a row is unprecedented and to say that we’re proud of this achievement would be an understatement. This is a tribute to the tireless passion our staff demonstrates every day and Executive Editor Mark Derry’s strong leadership and unwavering commitment to quality journalism.”
The Dispatch placed first in all but two of the categories of newspapers with 10,000 and under circulation. The winners were announced during a Saturday ceremony at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles.
“Back-to-back General Excellence awards in the state’s premier newspaper competition are quite an honor for our hard-working staff and, I think, a wonderful reflection on our community,” Derry said. “Gilroy is a fascinating city with a lively daily newspaper that engages the people who care about our town.”
In early March, staffers from newspapers throughout California met in the northern and southern regions of the state, and read through the entire batch of CNPA entries.
After the staffers weeded out the undesirables a panel of veteran journalists, dubbed the Blue Ribbon Judges, selected the winners. On the CNPA Web site, the Blue Ribbon Judges explained that the Dispatch deserved the General Excellence for its “very good local news selections. Presentation and headlines are excellent. Editorials were strong, clear and to the point. Clearly a winner among the entries.”
Former education reporter and current Lifestyles Editor Katie Niekerk placed first in the public service category for “Cheating Goes High-Tech,” a three-part series highlighting the burgeoning trend of cell phone cheating in Gilroy High School’s classrooms. The publication sparked awareness in the community and led to the approval of a board policy placing tighter restrictions on campus cell phone use.
Sports Editor Ana Patejdl took home first place for “In a Penny … ” the second article of a two-part series, delving into the drastic measures high school wrestlers will take in order to “make weight.” Patejdl wrote the article in the wake of the implementation of a wrestling weight management program for wrestlers by the California Interscholastic Federation.
Former staff writer Matt King picked up a first place plaque in environmental reporting for a two-part series examining the percholorate-laced water issue in Santa Clara County. Chief Photographer Chris Riley placed first in the feature photo category with “Flame Up,” from the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
Riley also took home the first-place prize in the sports set, with “Soccer Knee” his photo of a soccer player colliding with the goalie. Former Chief Photographer James Mohs and former Designer Kelly Dobson’s photo essay “Self-Made Cowboy,” placed first.
The Lifestyles staff received the first place in the category of the same name for their coverage. The Dispatch also placed second in the Web site entry.
“The awards bestowed on Mainstreet Media Group publications prove that community newspapers can thrive if they are relevant and do not shy away from the tough issues,” Staloch said. “It’s a responsibility we do not take lightly and while recognition by our peers is important, our readers are the judges that ultimately matter. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each of you and pledge that we will strive every day to provide a community newspaper that exceeds your expectations.”
The San Jose Mercury News, which has a circulation of 200,000 or more, took home 12 awards, including second place in General Excellence.
