SCPA 2012 Winners' Tabloid

2012News Contest Award Winners

Recognizing the best in S.C. newspaper journalism

FIRST PLACE General News Photo: Aaron Morrison, The Lancaster News, “Lancaster High School Graduation”

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST Sports Feature Photo: Sefton

Ipock, Independent Mail, “Slap in the Face”

FIRST PLACE Spot News Photo: Brad Nettles, The Post and Courier, “Distraught”

2 • 2012 SCPA News Contest Winners

Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD

Judson Chapman Award for Public Service

DAILY DIVISIONGLENN SMITHTHE POST AND COURIER

Glenn Smith is a veteran crime reporter who joined Th e Post and Courier’s staff in 1999. He is a native of Connecticut and a graduate of UConn (though before they were any good in basketball). He has been a working journalist for more than 20 years and has won numerous state, regional and national awards, including being named a two-time winner of the Taylor-Tomlin Award for Investigative

Reporting. He writes about crime, mayhem and any number of quirky subjects. He is a music fi end, an avid guitar player and a unrepentant beer snob. He lives in Charleston with his wife and their daughter.

Judges’ comments: Th e Journalist of the Year competition was intense, with very strong entries from Tim Smith of Th e Greenville News and Dale Linder-Altman of Th e Times and Democrat. Winner Glenn Smith rose above the competition for both the breadth and depth of his reporting. His dogged and aggressive reporting chronicled how Th e Citadel dealt with a pedophile who molested more than 50 boys and how the school tried to protect its image instead of facing the issue. He also revealed how the Charleston Fire Department was making many of the same mistakes that led to the death of nine fi refi ghters four years ago. Smith also exposed how the Charleston Police Department purposefully and routinely withheld public information in crime reports, bringing change in department policy.

WEEKLY DIVISIONCOREY HUTCHINSFREE TIMES

Corey Hutchins is a staff writer for the Columbia Free Times. Last year he was named the S.C. Press Association’s 2011 Weekly Journalist of the Year. He is currently working on the United States Project for the Columbia Journalism Review, and his work has appeared on the cover of Th e Nation and in Th e Texas Observer and Th e Progressive magazine, among others. In 2012, Hutchins helped cover

the GOP presidential primary for CBS News and worked on the State Integrity Investigation, a risk analysis for corruption in all 50 state governments published by the Center for Public Integrity, Global Integrity and Public Radio International. His graphic novel about Alvin Greene, Th e Accidental Candidate, came out in June. Hutchins earned a journalism degree in 2002 from the State University of New York at Morrisville and a degree in literature in 2006 from the University of South Carolina.

Judges’ Comments: Corey Hutchins continued his stellar reporting to win the Journalist of the Year award for the second straight year. Hutchins’ “State of Corruption” article outlined the problems with income disclosure, party fi nancing and a toothless ethics commission. His story exposed why new ethics laws are needed and how the current laws are abused. His report was widely quoted in editorials across the state. He also covered the murky underworld of video gambling in “Sweepstakes Cafes.”

FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff and Glenn Smith, “Rosa says it’s time to be accountable”

Judges’ Comments: A thorough story on a tough subject.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme, “Winners and Losers: Finishing the Mark Clark”

THIRD PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “Unbalanced Diet”

Journalist

Year Awardof the

Hutchins

Smith

DAILY DIVISIONFIRST PLACE

Th e Index-Journal took on a major statewide problem of police agencies withholding dash-cam video tapes and reports pending completion of an investigation. Th is paper excelled in highlighting the issues with investigative reporting, backed up with many well-reasoned editorials. Th ey fi led suit to make sure the info was made public. Th e Index-Journal’s victory in the suit sets strong precedent for all S.C. media.

SECOND PLACE

Th e Post and Courier is always a strong contender for this FOI award. Th e newspaper is a second place winner in a fi eld that almost had two fi rst place winners. Th e Post and Courier continues to show a wide-range of eff orts in seeking records and developing FOI stories. Outstanding FOI eff orts in 2012 included coverage of the abuse at Th e Citadel and an exposé on insurance rate setting.

WEEKLY DIVISIONFIRST PLACEMICHAEL SMITH Michael Smith of the Carolina Forest Chronicle stayed with an important story of the hiring of a new Coastal Carolina football coach for months, fi ghting for emails and records regarding the hire. He deserves a lot of credit for his perseverance and using the FOIA law in standing up to a local institution. Good job!

Travis Jenkins of Th e News & Reporter in Chester also deserves commendation for his FOI eff orts in 2012.

2012 SCPA News Contest Winners • 3

ALL DAILY DIVISIONGERRY MELENDEZTHE STATE

Judges’ Comments: Gerry Melendez has a very sophisticated way of seeing. Unexpected photos from events like a funeral or a fair... the things photographers have to cover day in and day out but, here, they’ve made original images. Complex and busy, but also easy to read, which is a very hard thing to accomplish. Th ere were lots of really great portfolios in this contest, so the photographer should be proud.

Assertive Journalism AwardPresented by SCPA Attorney Jay Bender in memory of AP Reporter Jim Davenport

Melendez

ALL DAILY DIVISIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Dale Linder-Altman, S.C. State Coverage

Judges’ Comments: Amazing ongoing eff ort to cover complex fi nancial issues at S.C. State over a long period of time. Linder-Altman worked hard to hold the school’s feet to the fi re on releasing public records. Her work defi ned assertive journalismfor the year.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, Gene Sapakoff and Diane Knich, “Th e Citadel”

THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Jamie Self, “Detention Center”

HONORABLE MENTION: Th e State, Haley Coverage

Photojournalist of the Year Award

ALL WEEKLY DIVISIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Travelers Rest Monitor, Roger Jewell, “City Administration Violates Law”

Judges’ Comments: Th is small town newspaper brushed aside pressure from local politicians and took on issues important to readers. Despite having a small staff and being in a small market where it is oft en diffi cult to hold politicians accountable, this little newspaper did it. Th e Monitor was the only media outlet to cover these key stories.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Charles Sowell, “County Disabilities and Special Needs Board”

THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Corey Hutchins, “Stacking the Deck”

ALL WEEKLY DIVISIONMATT MCCOLLTHE WEEKLY OBSERVER

Judges’ Comments: A winner among several strong contenders, this photographer covers this community well. His portfolio was diverse in subject and he excelled at getting close to subjects and shooting at diff erent angles. Th is grouping shows a slice of life and leaves you feeling like you know this neighborhood and community. Well done.

McColl


Open DivisionSERIES OF SPORTS ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers, “Lancaster Speedway”

Judges’ Comments: Th is is a nice package of stories presenting a thorough look at a track through diff erent perspectives and voices. Along with the photos, this puts you there.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Kevin Melton, “Against the odds” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff , “Mentoring through sports”

ONLINE COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Renae Brabham, “Piddlin in Dixie”

Judges’ Comments: Great style, captivating voice. SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Issac Bailey, “GOP must rid itself of myths” THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Something special”

ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Gary Kyle, “Copper Th ieves”

Judges’ Comments: Th is is a great way to add art to a story that doesn’t typically have many dynamic photo opportunities.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis, “What makes Drake?” THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Chris Mowder, “Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary”

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHICS PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry

Judges’ Comments: Th e I-526 graphic is not only an interesting and well-done graphic, it also tells a story in a unique way. Great job! Guerry’s graphics are easy to understand with great detail.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

SINGLE ONLINE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Delayna Earley, “Pledge of Allegiance”

Judges’ Comments: Good moment and good framing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Emery Glover, “Watching the blaze” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Class 3-A state football championship”

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff , “Advantage Membership”

Judges’ Comments: Th e Post and Courier developed its metered pay model for the Web as an integrated part of a larger strategy of transition – a smart, adaptable approach that should put it on a path for long-term success.

SECOND PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison and Jenny Overman, “Live, online candidates debate” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Angela Hamilton and Jeff Kidd, “Public safety website”

AFFILIATED OR NICHE WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Richard Johnson, Brandon Rink, Kerry Capps, Greg Wallace, Mark Crammer, Seft on Ipock, Nathan Gray and Ken Ruinard, Orangeandwhite.com

Judges’ Comments: Pleasant look and layout. Lots of content without looking too busy. Th e journalism/coverage seems professional and meticulous.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Chris Mowder, listenupmyrtlebeach.com THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Dwayne McLemore, gogamecocks.com

CRITICAL WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Adam Parker

Judges’ Comments: Parker is insightful, intuitive and easy to read, covering complex works of art and other diverse subjects. His deconstruction of the Batman trilogy myth is pointed, poignant and without peer.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Bo Petersen

ONLINE NEWS PROJECTFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gill Guerry, “Storm of Money”

Judges’ Comments: Th e interactive graphics with this package were very informative and helped the reader understand the information. Th e map with the historical storm tracks and information was an added bonus, too.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Rebecca J. Ducker, Lou Bezjak, John D. Russell, Matt McColl and Andrew Golden, “Prep Talk” THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison and Jenny Overman, “Online candidate forum”

2012 ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGEFIRST PLACE: Th e State

Judges’ Comments: Th e Presidential Primary, candidates bounced from ballot, local races, Richland County voting debacle – Th e State covered it all with insight, analysis and perspective to win in a most competitive race with great entries from other papers across the state.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Greenville News

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Elsa McDowell, “Juries”

Judges’ Comments: Th is well-craft ed editorial takes on an issue that oft en comes up when attorneys try to close court because of pretrial publicity. Well reasoned. Points out the issues and raises awareness of why the public should be able to obtain public information.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Dan Golden, “Coroner Reports” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Smith, “Hiding Crime”

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith and Doug Pardue, “Trouble behind prison walls”

Judges’ Comments: Prison walls keep information from leaking out almost as securely as they hold inmates in, but Smith and Pardue manage to tell stories from within the state’s maximum security prison through hard work and perseverance – showing a strained system with almost impossible working conditions for corrections offi cers.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Tim Smith, David Dykes, Eric Connor and Ron Barnett, “Hackers steal residents’ data” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Lynne Shackleford, “E. coli outbreak reported”

CARTOONFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Robert Ariail

Judges’ Comments: Ariail’s cartoon of Assad has visceral punch; his pen draws irony out of unemployment in South Carolina; and making sport of tourists is always a favorite among irreverent “locals.”

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Walt Inabinet THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Roger Harvell

All Daily


MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er, “Th e Masters”

Judges’ Comments: Clever! Multiple graphic elements come together to make a clean, well-designed illustration. Love the concept!

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Brandon Lockett, “Building for a Better Education” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker, “Gamecocks Capital One Bowl Poster”

SPORTS SPECIALTY PUBLICATION OR SPORTS MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, “Go Gamecocks: Th e Head Ball Coach Issue”

Judges’ Comments: Very complete career retrospective of a fascinating coach.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, “Go Gamecocks: College Football Preview” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, “Tideline”

FEATURE SPECIALTY PUBLICATION OR MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, “My Charleston”

Judges’ Comments: Th e art is very engaging. Th e layout is clean and pleasing to the eye. It is easy to read and follow. Content was useful and extremely informative. Wonderful job by staff .

SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, “Lakeside” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, “843 Life. Style. Dine.”

NEWS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Staff , “Destination Greenville”

Judges’ Comments: Very informative for a person moving into the community. Good mix of stories and quick facts for the reader that provide important details. A person gets this and they now know who to call and where to go.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Salute to Veterans” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “Will S.C. go rogue?”

SPORTS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTIONFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff , “Meet the Candidates”

Judges Comments: Great concept, carried out through the entire section very well. Th orough stories and information.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Staff , “10 Wins” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Staff , “RBC Heritage”

GOVERNMENT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Gina Smith

Judges’ Comments: Ms. Smith’s coverage of the debate over Gov. Haley’s ethical practices was clear and engaging. Th e ensuing stories on the limitations of S.C. ethics law showed deep understanding and a focus on public service writing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Adam Beam THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Stephen Largen

HEALTH REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Liv Osby

Judges’ Comments: Th e writer describes compelling human dramas in ways that are both interesting and informative. Th e reporting is strong and the writing is descriptive and engaging.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Don Worthington THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mike Foley

EDUCATION REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Shawn Cetrone

Judges’ Comments: Cetrone keeps a close eye on public education and looks beyond the surface to expose problems and solutions.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Diette Courrégé Casey THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Andrew Shain

FAITH REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Dustin Wyatt

Judges’ Comments: Beautifully written. SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Adam Parker THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Charmaine Smith-Miles

SPORTS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Darryl Slater, “South Carolina Gamecocks”

Judges’ Comments: Th is impressive, detail-laden writing and reporting left the reader feeling as though he was present at whatever event or scenario that Slater was chronicling. Th e samplers were all truly inside glimpses into the subject matter.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Neil White, “USC Baseball” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Travis Sawchik, “Clemson Tigers”

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Beth Harrison

Judges’ Comments: “Set in Stone” to describe history displayed in grave markers is a dignifi ed and evocative bit of wordplay. Using the stock phrase “get out and stay out” for an article about a school that gets students out of the classroom is playful and clever.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Kylie Yerka THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Mark Egan Judges’ Comments: Th e Super Bowl headline on the Giants’ victory takes advantage of the score and the photo – a highly eff ective integration of headline and design. “Dancing through the hoops,” initially puzzling, is explained by the deck.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Rusty Boggs THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Ellyn Ritterskamp

FIRST PLACE Single Online Photo: Delayna Earley, The Island Packet, “Pledge of Allegiance”


PHOTO PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Tracy Burlison, “Super Saturday”

Judges’ Comments: Great photos paired with a great layout make this a winner! Good job at telling the story. Nicely done... felt like I was there, but glad I wasn’t.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis, “Animal Attraction” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money, “Special Times”

UNPUBLISHED PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “No confi rmation amid chaos”

Judges’ Comments: Dramatic wreck scene captures action and emotion. Goes beyond the norm.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Drowning” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Gavin Jackson, “Crosswalk”

All Weekly2012 ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Free Times, Staff Judges’ Comments: Engaging, comprehensive coverage and incisive commentary that clearly defi ned and explained the issues and personalities involved in some of the biggest stories of the year.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Leslie Cantu and Staff THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Staff

USE OF TWITTERFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Andy Paras

Judges’ Comments: Talk about reader engagement! Paras interacts with his readers in a personable, yet authoritative manner 24/7. From traffi c and sports scores to humorous tidbits, he is the real-time go-to guy for Charleston news.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Staff THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff

FACEBOOK PAGEFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Dwayne McLemore and Gary Ward

Judges’ Comments: If the idea of a Facebook page is to build a community, Go Gamecocks is succeeding. It would be easy to simply post scores and let the Gamecocks/rabid fans take over, but there are recruiting updates, photos and updates about sports not in season. Add in a little bit of personality to the posts, and the page becomes a destination for true fans.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Melissa Hall

ENTERTAINMENT SECTIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Liz Farrell, “Lowcountry Current”

Judges’ Comments: I’m not certain where the Lowcountry is, but this section makes me wish I lived there. Cool, fresh and I love the writers’ voices. Columnists like Patrick Donahue and Ellis Harman were two I’d love to follow on a regular basis.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Jake Grove and Kylie Yerka, “Upstate Be” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jose Franco, “Escape”

LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, “Th e Sky’s the Limit”

Judges’ Comments: Very well thought-out section. Lots of nice local photos and stories for each area high school band. Beautiful design. A pleasure to read.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, “Back to School” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Willie Mae Mattress and Melissa Lewis, “Hometowner”

E.A. RAMSAUR AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, Cindi Ross Scoppe Judges’ Comments: In a very close contest among the top entrants, Ms. Scoppe’s work stood out for its depth and clarity. She took strong positions on complicated issues and explained them in a way someone who is not familiar with the details and background can easily understand.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Elsa McDowell THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Beth Padgett

FIRST PLACE Spot News Photo: Anna Brown, Union County News, “House Fire”


EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

FIRST PLACE: Th e Independent Voice of Fairfi eld County, James Denton, “Fish or Cut Bait, School Board of Untrustees”

Judges’ Comments: Writer shows tenacity through his strong reporting skills. Strength in urging use of FOI prosecution for violations.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Th e Law” THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “Heading for Sunshine at the Beach”

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Charles Sowell, “County Disabilities and Special Needs Board”

Judges’ Comments: A great example of using multiple sources and records to paint a picture of arrogance and mismanagement of a county agency. Th e depth and breadth of research and reporting makes this the clear winner. Reporting paved way for change.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, Michael Smith and Tom O’Dare, “Project Blue” THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune, “River Bluff High School”

CARTOONFIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Steve Stegelin

Judges’ Comments: Stegelin’s take on Nikki Haley is laugh-out-loud funny. Uncle Scrooge Mitt Duck covers a lot and hits all targets. His cartoons must narrowly avoid censor.

SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Mike Beckom THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Carlos Montage

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Joey Ayer, “Pitfall!”

Judges’ Comments: What a clever way to illustrate the potential problems with a new voter ID law. I love the pitfall reference!

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy, “Th e Citadel’s shame” THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Chris Mowder, “New school takes fl ight”

SPORTS SPECIALTY PUBLICATION OR SPORTS MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, “Th e Camden Horse”

Judges’ Comments: Beautiful magazine – great headlines and photos. Tons of well written local content. Well-designed. A wonderful read.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, “Football 2012” THIRD PLACE: Free Times, “Sideline”

FEATURE SPECIALTY PUBLICATION OR MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Staff , “Focus on Fort Mill Township”

Judges’ Comments: Attractive, informative and well-designed. Facts and fi gures in demographics and schools added substance. I especially enjoyed the specifi c people in photos and stories.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Staff , “Sun Surf Sand Beach Guide” THIRD PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, Staff , “Gateway to the Carolinas”

NEWS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Staff , “Colleton”

Judges’ Comments: Writing quality far exceeds competing entries. Quality design and printing enhances all aspects of this magazine, particularly very strong photographic images throughout. Good balance of feature stories and informative listings.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Staff , “Veterans Salute 2012” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Staff , “Discover Lancaster County”

SPORTS SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTIONFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, “High School Football Preview: Th e New Dream Team”

Judges’ Comments: Very professional design. Interesting concept. Varied formats keep the eye moving forward. You covered all bases, from team previews to player interviews.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, “McKissick” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Lancaster News, “Football 2012” THIRD PLACE - TIE: Th e Greer Citizen, “Blueprint for Success”

GOVERNMENT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Free Times, Corey Hutchins

Judges’ Comments: Great writing and research combine to make a clear winner in this contest. Stories go beyond basic reporting and tell interesting stories.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Jesef Williams THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry

HEALTH REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jennifer Johnston

Judges’ Comments: Th e writer engages the reader by using interesting, relevant facts and meaningful quotes. Articles are informative and eff ective in explaining health matters. Writing is clear and well-organized.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Star, Phyllis Britt THIRD PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Larry Franklin

EDUCATION REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tina Graham Anderson

Judges’ Comments: Anderson takes a wide range of education topics and off ers in-depth analysis.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Reece Murphy

FAITH REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tina Graham Anderson

Judges’ Comments: Extremely well written, interesting and impactful. Enjoyed reading!

SECOND PLACE: Enquirer-Herald, Jennifer Becknell THIRD PLACE: Pickens County Courier, Nicole Daughhetee

SPORTS BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Chester County Sports”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent diversity of topics, from legislative to history and traditional game coverage. Writer did his homework, citing multiple sources per story and presumably digging into the archives to unearth a “Founding Father” football legend.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Gazette, Rob Gantt, “High School Sports” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Community Sports” to The Island Packet in Hilton Head Island for printing this

special publication.

from SCPA and its membersSpecial Thanks ersrs


UNPUBLISHED PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Andrew McIntyre, “Top Cop Compeitition”

Judges’ Comments: Photo captures a dramatic moment. Good use of shallow depth of fi eld to emphasize policeman and gun.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Weekly Observer, Matt McColl, “Corey Bethea” THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, John Marks, “Bottoms up”

USE OF TWITTERFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Corey Hutchins

Judges’ Comments: Engaging, meaningful content. Readers obviously enjoy interacting with Hutchins. Nice mix of informative and edgy, but never boring. Great work!

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison and Jenny Overman

FACEBOOK PAGEFIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison and Jenny Overman

Judges’ Comments: Nice variety of content, good companion to newspaper/full site.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Tommy Martin, Jon Martin and Charles Wyatt THIRD PLACE: Th e Weekly Observer, Matt McColl

HARRIS AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson

Judges’ Comments: Th ese editorials stand out for their strong community focus and clear point of view. To read them is to get a strong sense of the attitudes, culture and values of Pawleys Island.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Larry Franklin THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Susan Clary Simmons

PUBLIC SERVICE FOR WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS

FIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, Michael Smith, Tom O’Dare and Steve Robertson, “Executive’s past raises questions”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent enterprise, investigative reporting of a key player involved in a local economic development issue. Th e light of truth was shed on Dave Rocker’s checkered past thanks to this enterprising journalism.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson and Jason Lesley, “Walmart plans Pawley’s Island store” THIRD PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, John Marks, “Former benefi t families still fi ghting”

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Roger Greene, “Troubled fund manager makes a new start on the cover”

Judges’ Comments: Great enterprise reporting: investigative, balanced and fair. Th is story is a textbook case of how to dig up, report and write a story without sacrifi cing the human element.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, “Power to the Pedal” THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore and Patrick Wall, “Bases Empty”

BUSINESS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte

Judges’ Comments: Excellent background and narrative. Did a terrifi c job explaining the subject matter.

SECOND PLACE: Tribune-Times, Nathaniel Cary THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Football puzzle”

Judges’ Comments: Very creative concept. Cropped well, not to destroy action of picture.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Burning of the socks” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Images drift down river”

WEEKLY NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison

Judges’ Comments: Th e entry says the goal of the site is to be “a daily newspaper with a weekly print product” and it succeeds. Very inviting look with lots of information that is well organized, particularly with the tabs at the top. I look forward to seeing where the site is a year from now.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard THIRD PLACE: Th e Dillon Herald

LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SPECIAL EDITION OR SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, “Th e Pride Issue”

Judges’ Comments: Clean, symmetrical layout with eye-catching graphics and well-composed photos.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, “Beaches” THIRD PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, “Lowcountry Life”

Daily Over 50,000PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Dancing”

Judges’ Comments: Striking image with dramatic lighting.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “State Fair” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Ken Osburn, “Mini Storage” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Watching the Game”

HUMOROUS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Leroy Burnell, “Protesters Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus’”

Judges’ Comments: Good timing. Interesting subject matter. Th is photo makes you smile.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Shoe” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Zipper the Squirrel”

NEWS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Beth Harrison

Judges’ Comments: Th e election headline deft ly combines Obama’s victory in the general election with the element of the second term. Economical and clear. Th e headline on the Obama-Christie post-Sandy tour gets in both the political and disaster elements with the “stormy weather” allusion, without hitting the reader over the head with wordplay.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Bob Kinney THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Bobby Bryant

NEWS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Frank Johnson

Judges’ Comments: Apt, accurate and understated: Just what headlines should be.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins


NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Andrew Knapp, “Murder in the forest”

Judges’ Comments: Rich in detail, solid reporting and strong writing. A great tale and a great example of news feature writing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Lyn Riddle, “Freeing the falls” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Dawn Hinshaw, “An important little spot”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Carolyn Click, “Whitson wants to lift women of the world”

Judges’ Comments: Carolyn Click delivers a rich and honest profi le of retiring college president Caroline Whitson. Th ough Whitson has enjoyed many successes, Click doesn’t paper over her disappointments. She presents Whitson in full, from her considerable drive and intellect all the way down to her very fashionable shoes.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Amy Clarke Burns, “Happy Ending” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, “Cannon under fi re”

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff , Glenn Smith, Edward Fennell and Jeff Hartsell, “Citadel’s Rosa: We are sorry”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent work. Clearly lays out accounts by key players in a complex series of events, but – more importantly – adds documentary evidence and analysis.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Eric Connor, “Plea deal frees death row inmate” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Carolyn Click and Noelle Phillips, “‘Monster’ charged with kidnapping missing girl”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Andrew Knapp and Robert Behre, “Up in Arms”

Judges’ Comments: Great use of on-the-record comments and the human element elevate this submission. “Th e line on fi nes” section was particularly well-woven and enlightening. Great use of breakouts and graphics for data.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith and Andrew Knapp, “Like a nightmare” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme, “Arson records thin, full of holes” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Stephen Largen, “Taxes paid for luxury hotel”

BUSINESS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Brendan Kearney

Judges’ Comments: Kearney provided readers with a multidimensional view of the Boeing Dreamliner and its impact on Charleston. His reporting on a renewed unionization drive showed enterprise; an article about a jet delivery to Air India argued how Boeing might become one of the area’s most important economic forces since the Civil War.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, David Slade THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Warren Wise

LIFEESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Otis R. Taylor Jr., “Something you have to work at every single day”

Judges’ Comments: Mr. Taylor admittedly had a good subject to work with in Bree Boyce. He did a thorough job of storytelling that shed lights on the person and the people who have helped her on her journey.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Anna Lee, “Beyond Books” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Donna Isbell Walker, “When Rock Was Young”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Dawn Hinshaw, “A season for early bloomers”

Judges’ Comments: So evocative of the hope of early spring, from the tomato and mayonnaise sandwiches to the ending’s little girl want to come out with granddad in the garden. A nice vignette.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Bo Petersen, “Simple Blessings” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Dawn Hinshaw, “Last week of school”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Brian Hicks

Judges’ Comments: Brian Hick’s columns are powerfully written and illuminate important local issues such as educational governance, law and justice and quality of life. He brings a full throated point of view.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, John McDermott THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Cindi Ross Scoppe

SECOND PLACE Sports Feature Photo: Gerry Melendez, The State, “Gatorade Bath”


BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, “Public safety and Courts”

Judges’ Comments: Mr. Smith’s submissions show a good range of spot news and enterprise writing. He clearly demonstrates a gift for getting people to talk, collecting sharp detail and relaying it with well-constructed prose.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Jeff Wilkinson, “Military Aff airs” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Sammy Fretwell, “Environment”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Scott Keepfer, “Draft continues to fi ght”

Judges’ Comments: Took a spot news event, announcing establishment of a memorial scholarship, and turned it into a beautiful piece, a “memorial” of sorts, to the athlete’s late wife. A lot of heart in this story.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bob Castello, “Signature presence joins son” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Tommy Braswell, “One leaf costs Pettersson”

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Michael Burns, “Th e trouble with tweeting”

Judges’ Comments: I like how the author took something as popular and prevalent as Twitter and turned a critical eye toward it. Th e story lays out the pratfalls and benefi ts very well.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bob Castello, “A perilous path” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Rudy Jones, “Remember the Alamo” ’

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Ron Morris, “A coach for life”

Judges’ Comments: By reading this, I felt like I knew someone worth knowing. Detailed descriptions and insightful anecdotes helped paint a vivid picture of this coach and his impact on his community.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Darryl Slater, “Coastal’s CEO Coach” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Scott Keepfer, “Th e home run that never was”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Kelly Cobb

Judges’ Comments: Th e vote percentages at the top of the page sets this apart from other designs. Informative and visually appealing approach. Grabs the eye.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Tracy Burlison

Judges’ Comments: Great use of a great photo. Clean design and powerful use of white space. Well done, complete-looking page.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Kelly Cobb THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Tracy Burlison

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Elizabeth M. Smith

Judges’ Comments: Informative layout and a concise design accentuating the value of the piece. Catches the eye with its simplicity.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

Judges’ Comments: Creative, painstakingly detailed and eye-catching.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Kevin McLendon THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme, “Storm of Money”

Judges’ Comments: With several excellent series, this one stood out for its thoroughness, clear writing, personalization of complex issues, good collection and analyses of facts and laws, and timeliness in bringing important information to readers.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Sammy Fretwell, “Solar Energy” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Jeff Wilkinson, “PTSD”

REPORTING IN DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Glenn Smith, Gene Sapakoff and Diane Knich, “Skip Reville coverage”

Judges’ Comments: Th e clear winner in this category. Terrifi c use of shoe-leather reporting and the FOIA to get to the bottom and expose the horrifi c molestation case at Th e Citadel. Special recognition to Glenn Smith for leading the charge! Well done!

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Noelle Phillips, John Monk and Mindy Lucas, “Tom Sponseller-Rachel Dunn” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Sammy Fretwell, “Industrial toxins in neighborhood”

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST Spot News Photo: Matt Walsh, Index-Journal, “Sycamore Drive Fire”


SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Brad Nettles, “Distraught”

Judges’ Comments: Th e emotion of this picture is very strong. Also captures scene with fi refi ghters in background. (See cover for photo.)

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “School Pick Up” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Heidi Heilbrunn, “Construction Accident” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “SWAT Standoff ”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Last Day with Veronica”

Judges’ Comments: Photo captures emotion of a very sad case. Tight composition and good use of depth of fi eld.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Ronald Rouse” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster- Tobin, “Step-up Campaign”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Tyrone Walker, “Spelling Bee”

Judges’ Comments: Great timing, clean composition.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Heidi Heilbrunn, “Peter Rosset” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Tyrone Walker, “Shrimp Casting” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Post and Courier, Tyrone Walker, “DanceFX”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “Richie Shaff er (8) knocks a ground ball down”

Judges’ Comments: Amazing timing, tight crop, a tough shot to get but the photographer nailed it.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “Joey Pankake (9) slides safely into 2nd” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Chase Vergason dives to score the Gamecocks fi rst run” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “Tanner Smith (5) tries to drive past Maryland guards”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Backfl ip”

Judges’ Comments: Low angle and wide lens make this photo a stopper.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Gatorade Bath” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “South Carolina players celebrate their 5-1 win over Oklahoma”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAITFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Long Time Waiting”

Judges’ Comments: Capture of refl ection, tight crop, and shallow depth of fi eld make this photo stand out.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Courtney Roberts” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Carrie LeNoir”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Coming Home”

Judges’ Comments: Captures emotion without being invasive.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “Unclaimed Dead Buried” THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Gerry Melendez, “College World Series” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e State, C. Aluka Berry, “Carrie LeNoir”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster- Tobin, “Brooklyn Mack”

Judges’ Comments: Stark lighting and multiple exposures make this picture stand out.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Kim Kim Foster- Tobin, “Spa” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Bourbon”

DAILY NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier

Judges’ Comments: Th e overall look of the site was good. Th e layout was good and the navigation options were easy to read and use. Th ere were lots of headlines on the home page.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Gary Ward, Kelly Davis, Darren Price, Rachael Lowe, Dwayne McLemore and Aubrey Jenkins THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Bill Fox

PHOTO GALLERY ON A NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Bulls Island Winter Bow Hunt”

Judges’ Comments: Dynamic photos that are well-organized to tell a great story to readers.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Jack’s Jazz Procession” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Lowcountry Flooding”

THIRD PLACE Feature Photo: Tanya Ackerman, Coastal Observer, “Green Fashion Show”


PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORYFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jenny Arnold, “Pat’s Road to Hope”

Judges’ Comments: Th is was a great example of following up a news story to get the real story, the real life side that goes beyond the initial facts.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Lee Healy, “Artist, veteran, train robber” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, David Wren, “Rape victim keeps fi ghting” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Sun News, Maya T. Prabhu, “Learning something new”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Maya T. Prabhu, “Unclaimed funds”

Judges’ Comments: Story and photos bring a smile to your face.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, David Wren, “Burnouts” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike Ellis, “Toilet Heist”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys

Judges’ Comments: Andrew’s entries stood out because he found and focused on real people, and he told their stories in a compelling manner that made it impossible to stop reading until the end.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Don Worthington THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Linda Cobb

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Jonathan McFadden and Julie Graham, “Good Grief, we love comics”

Judges’ Comments: Outstanding! Th oroughly enjoyed reading these wonderful stories. Way to think outside the box! Great job!

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jenny Arnold, “Stand your ground law” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, David Wren, “Rape case revisited”

ONLINE SPORTS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Tracy Glantz, “Strong Hands”

Judges’ Comments: Good story and interesting camera shots.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Trevor Smith” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky, “Tennis”

ONLINE GENERAL NEWS/FEATURE VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky, “PGA Tour”

Judges’ Comments: Great camera shots and use of music!

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Pet Squirrel” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Lake Jocassee”

Daily 20,000 - 50,000PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Wet foot forward”

Judges’ Comments: Love the aesthetics of this photo. Th e lines of the concrete juxtapose umbrella. Th e kicker is the foot sticking out. Surrealist. Making art of real life.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Justus, “Roofi ng Crew” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Graduation” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Aft er the game” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Signs in raindrops”

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jenny Arnold, “Violence disrupts worship service”

Judges’ Comments: Th is reporter hustled on a Sunday morning to capture dramatic violence and heroics as they unfolded. She did a great job and added many voiced to her story.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Kim Kimzey, “Blaze hits former plant” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Jonathan McFadden, “Local man dies cutting grass”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Jennifer Crossley Howard, “Shuttered mills hold years of history”

Judges’ Comments: Very thorough, showing how much time and research went into this piece, but also written in a light, detail-full style that makes it easy to read!

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Andrew Doughman, “Miles of Savings” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Anna Douglas, “Downtown incentives spark questions” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Sun News, David Wren, “Plant’s pollution stirs suit”

BUSINESS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Trevor Anderson

Judges’ Comments: Anderson puts a real face on business stories. I like the focus on issues appealing to a younger audience. Really makes the business section more personable.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Dawn Bryant THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Jennifer Crossley Howard

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Morning News, Ellen Meder, “Healing hidden war wounds”

Judges’ Comments: Th e author found the perfect family to give this issue a human face, while balancing good information from health professionals trained in treating PTSD.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Ellen Meder, “How I learned to shoot like a girl” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike Ellis, “Rock of Ages”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “God give me one more chance”

Judges’ Comments: Compelling story told in such a way that you can imagine being there for every step of the incident and recovery with Mitch Altman.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Charmaine Smith-Miles, “One magical night” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Issac Bailey, “General laid raid ground work”


REPORTING IN DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, Jamie Self, Shawn Cetrone and Nicole E. Smith, “Tornado deaths, devastation and recovery”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent coverage. Great stories on the people aff ected. A very thorough job by this team... I am impressed! Great work!

SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Jamie Self, “Murderer’s release from York Co. jail” THIRD PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Court: Clover man has too much junk” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Herald, Jonathan McFadden, “Kenny Allen recovers from dog mauling”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Jonathan McFadden, “Public Safety”

Judges’ Comments: Mr. McFadden’s work shows an ability to dig deep, fast. His coverage of the controversy over bond amounts in a drug sting proves particularly insightful and off ered readers context about a complex issue.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys, “Public Safety” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jenny Arnold, “Law Enforcement”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “McIlroy wins in record fashion”

Judges’ Comments: Good angle on a major story. SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Eric Boynton, “Fans gather to show support” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Ryan Young and Kurt Knapek, “Coastal Carolina reassigns Bennett”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Darin Gantt, “Carrying the torch”

Judges’ Comments: Th is story was a diffi cult one to tell. It rose above your average sports feature and provided a window into the psyche of a man who many readers could relate to.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “Family links” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Eric Boynton, “Small ball”

SECOND PLACE Sports Action Photo: Mandy Ferguson, The Greer Citizen, “Up to the challenge”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Noelle Edwards

Judges’ Comments: Th e front page was balanced – making good use of art, headlines and text to off set hard news with a feature story. Good use of text wrapping around medal cutout and nice play of various font sizes/bolds/thins.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Shana Gray

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald, Rebekah Lewis

Judges’ Comments: Well-designed photo package. Pull-out quote and shaded infobox give this a big-city, polished feel.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Kylie Yerka

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money

Judges’ Comments: Bubbles can be risky, but with the theme of Titanic as the main story, it was a nice link to its sinking. Great headline and use of color. And I liked the promos at the bottom as well. Good, clean page.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Kylie Yerka THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Nick Foster

Judges’ Comments: Th ere were several Spartanburg sports pages that stood out and its staff knows what it’s doing. Foster’s front featured a great photo that tells the story. It’s simple, clean and draws the eye in.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Robert Walton THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Mike McCombs


SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “A man cries while talking to Investigator”

Judges’ Comments: Strong emotion. Crossing the line.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Father to son” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “License and registration?” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Storage Building Fire” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Wreck Interstate 85 lucky”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Morning News, Gavin Jackson, “Rouse funeral”

Judges’ Comments: Emotional photo, captures gravity of situation. Planned, but well composed.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, John D. Russell, “Spelling Bee” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Sylvia Woods burial” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Holding on to his honor”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Hillbilly Day”

Judges’ Comments: Strong human interest and timing make this picture stand out.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “A child’s game” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Splash” HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Rebecca J. Ducker, “Liza Hudson”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Milton’s Evan Nolte dives for a loose ball”

Judges’ Comments: Good fl oor action shot, which is hard to get in basketball. Facial expressions are a stopper.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Soft ball” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Lees-McRae College’s Scott Hudgins” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “UNC-Pembroke’s Aaron Parnell is tagged out by Anderson University catcher Brett Scarberry”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Slap in the face”

Judges’ Comments: Unusual. Funny photo of a serious moment. Great timing.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Westside fans celebrate Friday’s 60- 56 win over rival T.L. Hanna” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “No Celebration for Second Place” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Rally Caps” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “D.W. Daniel High School football team breaks through a paper banner”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAITFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Robert “Mountain Man” Perry”

Judges’ Comments: Picture that screams personality with the background, clothing and dog. Nice lighting.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Karson’s tops” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Terry James” HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Ron Wilson”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Rodeo”

Judges’ Comments: Eff ective use of silhouette and strong diagonals.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Tobacco Farming” THIRD PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Mud”

DAILY NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Th e Herald

Judges’ Comments: Really like all of the news you get on the website “above the fold.” In fact, the quantity of news you get throughout the home page is impressive. Video quality could be better, but the placement of videos on home page and variety of multimedia off ered is great. Databases make this site stand out. It’s news you can use, easy to fi nd, and keeps you on the site.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal

THIRD PLACE Personality Photograph or Portrait: Jonathan Dyer, The Beaufort Gazette, “Drill Instructor”


SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Richard Walker, “Perfect angel dies in fi re”

Judges’ Comments: Th e level of detail in reporting is matched by excellent storytelling. Th is is a powerful example of how a good reporter performs amid tragedy.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “Elmore freed” THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Karen Daily, “Offi cer killed, suspect jailed”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “$147,718.37”

Judges’ Comments: Detailing each council member’s payout nailed it.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Crider, “Big stars” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Erin Moody and Anne Christnovich, “Hiring of building code director questioned”

BUSINESS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Grant Martin

Judges’ Comments: Grant Martin deft ly explains the process for bringing casino gambling to the state and how the protest contrasts with other economic development deals that cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Martin’s stories are well sourced and his use of public documents strengthens his sound reporting.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Zaleski THIRD PLACE: Th e Journal, Mike Eads

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Justin Paprocki, “Th e keys to success”

Judges’ Comments: Heartfelt story written in a way that “took me around the cruise ship” when they discovered the piano prodigy.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Dionne Gleaton, “Freedom of expression” THIRD PLACE: Th e Journal, Mikayla Kreuzberger, “Love’s Lantern”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Item, Robert J. Baker, “Stem Cell Treatment”

Judges’ Comments: By far the best entry. Plenty of useful information, artfully told.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, Nick McCormac, “Wounded soldiers take aim” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Tom Barton, “A fi ght to preserve ‘An American History’”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Grant Martin, “Soldiering on”

Judges’ Comments: He had me at “his bandaged hands pressing a gauze wrap against his belly to hold his intestines in place.” He kept me all the way through to describing his voice. Illustrative and poignant throughout.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Erin Owens, “Overfl owing fi elds” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Rachel Heaton, “Beaufortian in every sense of the word”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Crider, “Fire consumes house”

Judges’ Comments: Th is story captures a great deal of emotion and concern for the woman who lived in the home. No doubt the readers anxiously awaited follow-up stories on the fi re.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Gene Zaleski, “Special squirrel hunter stopped” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Patrick Donohue, “Stolen horns turn up”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Amy Coyne Bredeson

Judges’ Comments: Amy’s columns stuck out because of the obvious connection she has made with readers and for the succinct way in which she provides advice.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Stacey Mosier THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Patrick Donohue

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, David Lauderdale

Judges’ Comments: Lauderdale’s light-hearted touch and conversational tone touches readers in ways they can relate to and makes his columns enjoyable reads.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Andy Carpenter THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Liz Farrell

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, St. Claire Donaghy, “Diabetes Management”

Judges’ Comments: Important story told from three interesting perspectives. Th e use of human experience to illustrate this problem is compelling.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, Bristow Marchant, “Outstanding cold cases” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Dale Linder-Altman, “What’s new for school”

Daily Under 20,000PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Double rainbow”

Judges’ Comments: Pretty photo, well exposed. People add interest.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Delayna Earley, “Kayaks” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Celebrating Freedom”

NEWS HEADLINE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Wendy Jeff coat Crider

Judges’ Comments: Clever without being cheesy. Great imagination! Good job!

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Carol Barker THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Steve Austin


FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Steam locomotive stops at Hub City train depot”

Judges’ Comments: Quality photos and storytelling. SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Swim lessons for adults” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Nathan Gray, “Clemson bands to perform at Olympics”

ONLINE SPORTS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Shriner’s Bowl”

Judges’ Comments: Great camera shots. Clear picture.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, John D. Russell, “Marlboro County Bulldogs” THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Speedy in the Sky”

ONLINE GENERAL NEWS/FEATURE VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Morning News, Rebecca J. Ducker, “Baptism Behind Bars”

Judges’ Comments: Compelling story! SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Offi cer Keith” THIRD PLACE: Morning News, John Sweeney, “Gun-toting Granny”


FIRST PLACE General News Photo: Matt Walsh, Index-Journal, “Sam Lamb”

REPORTING IN DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Allison Stice, “Shooting death of 8-year-old Khalil Singleton”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent reporting and following the story; great emotions in writing; great job!

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Staff , “Shooting deaths of two Aiken police offi cers” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Dale Linder-Altman, “S.C. State probes fi rings, resignations: fi nding explanations” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Rachel Heaton, “Principal resigns over changing grades”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Martha Rose Brown, “Norway”

Judges’ Comments: Th ese stories lay out a series of events with a detailed but well-placed account, without prejudice or pandering. Th e reporter’s objectivity likely made it easier to get the people involved to talk about what was happening and how they felt about it.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, Robert J. Baker, “Clarendon County” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Michelle Laxer, “Cops”

PUBLIC SERVICE FOR A DAILY NEWSPAPERFIRST PLACE - TIE: Aiken Standard, “Community Insights”

Judges’ Comments: Th e Aiken Standard’s “Community Insights” project produced cutting-edge involvement in Aiken County. Th e series and the responses are models for public service journalism at its best.

FIRST PLACE - TIE: Th e Times and Democrat, “Crime and Credibility”

Judges’ Comments: Faced with a hometown university in a deepening fi scal crisis and an administration operating in secrecy, Th e Times and Democrat staff must be applauded for their eff orts to uncover and report the escalating mismanagement at S.C. State University and to keep the public informed. Simultaneously, Th e Times and Democrat spent the year fi ghting with uncooperative offi cials for information about increasing crime in Orangeburg County.

THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Mike McCombs and Jeff Kidd, “School district’s attempt to conceal damaging emails”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Ben Breiner, “Gators score 23 unanswered in 37-21 victory against Eagles”

Judges’ Comments: Wonderful lead, captures the mood of the team’s heartbreaking loss. Th e theme continues throughout the story.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, Dennis Brunson, “Lady Eagles take fl oor for fi rst time since coach’s death” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Stephen Fasteneau, “Un(Bubba)believeable”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey, “On A Mission”

Judges’ Comments: Inspiring story – “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” quote set the stage to a great piece about overcoming adversity.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Journal, Eric Sprott, “Willpower” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Mike McCombs, “Look out, boys”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott Chancey

Judges’ Comments: Scott Chancey’s work showed great range, strong writing and superior storytelling. His column on Dale Kittles’ daughter was moving. His column on Justin Combs’ UCLA Scholarship was revealing and lucid. A joy to read.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Brian Linder THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Ben Breiner

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel

Judges’ Comments: Elegant design and clean layout make this entry shine. I’m jealous of this paper’s typography! Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Jennifer Alliet THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter


SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel

Judges’ Comments: Th ree headlines and fi ve captions help tell this story and create a package that uses design to compel attention and draw readers in. Clean, well-chosen fonts. Th e page has great interest, but stories do not compete. Every story uses diff erent design element to capture attention.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Brandon Lockett THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Daniel Townsend

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel

Judges’ Comments: Extra eff orts added an eye-catching focus to what could have been a routine template-like page.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Chris Carmody

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Scott J. Bryan

Judges’ Comments: Eye-catching, bright and crisp design quality. Specifi cally enjoyed “International Intrigue” page.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Holly Ellington THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker

Judges’ Comments: Th e page has strong visual impact with thoughtful original photography, a clear headline and creative layout approach. Bravo for the smart color accenting.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, Rob Cottingham THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Ellis Harman

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker

Judges’ Comments: Great use of color, fonts and white space. Clean design and good use of graphics. Nice dominant art. Well done in a competitive category!

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Lee Harter

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel

Judges’ Comments: Great graphics and so much to read! One of the best high school football previews I’ve seen. Even though there is so much on the page, it’s packaged so well that the reader is drawn in and can follow every element easily.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Nathan Christophel THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Index- Journal, Matt Walsh, “Sycamore Drive fi re”

Judges’ Comments: Picture with a lot of emotional impact. Th e reaction of girl on right is important to photo. Grabs attention of every reader.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Journal, Jessica Nelms, “Gas Lines” THIRD PLACE: Th e Journal, Jessica Nelms, “Tree fall” HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Train Derailment”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Sam Lamb”

Judges’ Comments: Photographer captured a remarkable moment. He was able to grasp fi re’s impact.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Amy Banton, “Hero’s fl ag” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Kindergarten kiss” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Kareem Singleton”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Mathews Mill village basketball”

Judges’ Comments: Unique angle and wide angle lens give photo impact.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Water balls” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “Cast net” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “It’s about the dogs” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Judo”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Intercepting line drive”

Judges’ Comments: Nice and clean with good light. Nice anticipation by the photographer.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Jay Karr, “John Larson” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Bob Sofaly, “One handed catch” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Bob Sofaly, “Aiken @ BHS” HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Batter ducks under a pitch”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Comfort aft er fouls”

Judges’ Comments: Interesting reaction for receiving two technical fouls. Story behind the picture sells this.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Dance up a storm” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Brian Linder, “Oh, yes” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jay Karr, “Celebratory pile”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAITFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Baby deer kiss”

Judges’ Comments: Moment refl ects both the owners and deer’s personalities. It’s the right photo for a strange story.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Box Car Race” THIRD PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jonathan Dyer, “Drill Instructor” HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Marilyn Monroe”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Coronaca House Fire”

Judges’ Comments: Collection of strong images that told a story from beginning to end. True picture story fashion.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Kindergarten” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Players of the Year” HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Train jumpers”


Daily 20,000 - 50,000 & Over 50,000 CombinedHUMOR COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Pam StoneJudges’ Comments: Wonderful writing style, very conversational.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Frank Wooten

Daily Under 20,000 & 20,000 - 50,000 CombinedHUMOROUS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Polar Plunge”

Judges’ Comments: What can you say about this photograph? A brave photographer.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Gavin Jackson, “Police Radar” THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Michael Justus, “Horse Face”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Christopher Huff , “Dangers of depression”

Judges’ Comments: Lighting helps illustrate issue. SECOND PLACE: Th e Item, Rob Cottingham, “Graduation” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “House of Th irteen”

DAILY NEWSPAPER WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Emery Glover

Judges’ Comments: Th e feature with the section navigation that when you hover over a section you can see some stories is neat. Th e videos add something to the stories and should be a reason readers come to the site for more than they can get in print.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Angela Hamilton THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Jamie Neff

ONLINE SPOT NEWS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “We Want Justice”

Judges’ Comments: Very emotional content, good audio.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Emery Glover, “Worse than any hoarder” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Tanker overturns”

PUBLIC SERVICE FOR A DAILY NEWSPAPERFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, “Storm of Money”

Judges’ Comments: Sports and entertainment coverage is an easy sell. Breaking news is a given. When news organizations dedicate scarce resources to public service journalism, however, they display what is at the heart of journalism – a special commitment to inform and protect their communities. Every newspaper in this category is worthy of its readers’ thanks, with the Post and Courier’s exposé of the insurance industry standing out as an example of tough work that could have just as easily been sidestepped or left undone. Instead, the paper tackled – and continues to tackle - the complicated and cloistered inner-workings of the insurance industry, showing how rates are set with apparently little connection to actual risk factors. Th e paper also off ered its readers, and political leaders, a road map to fi x the problem, with a special “Storm of Money” home on its website to focus attention on the issue.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, “Ethics” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, “Hacker steals residents’ data”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff

Judges’ Comments: Crisp, clever style sets this writer apart. Reading these pieces is a pleasure, not an eff ort.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Herald, Andrew Dys THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Shanesy

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn

Judges’ Comments: Very clean, crisp pages with dominant centerpiece packages featuring useful nuggets for readers. I like that the masthead isn’t lost in a piece of art or buried in the middle of the page. Bold move playing Obama art, big pay off . It was the story of the day. Nice bold headline and useful election index make the page the best of the entries.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Shana Gray THIRD PLACE: Th e State, Kelly Cobb

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar

Judges’ Comments: Nice big art featured on each page. Portfolio showed diversity in design and scale. Nice, clean pages.

SECOND PLACE: Th e State, Susan Ardis THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Money

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e State, Meredith Sheff er

Judges’ Comments: Meredith’s artistic creativity put her at the head of a very tough class. Her Masters illustration is top-notch and her “Gaining Momentum” and “Best Player (MVP)” pages stand out visually.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Mike McCombs THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner

INTEGRATION OF PRINT AND WEB COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, “Storm of Money”

Judges’ Comments: What a helpful resource for your readers! Print components are well done, but the Web package is what makes this the clear winner in a highly competitive category. Insurance comparisons and interactive map are easy to read and understand.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, “Spoleto” THIRD PLACE: Th e Post and Courier, “Cooper River Bridge Run” HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, “Tanzania on two wheels”

ONLINE SPOT NEWS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Seft on Ipock, “Homicide on C Street”

Judges’ Comments: Good information and clear video shots!

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Woman Rescued from Burning Car” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greenville News, John Olson, “Neighbors Hold Suspect”

SECOND PLACE Sports Feature Photo: Debbie

Rogers, News-Chronicle, “Friends”


ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, George Salsberry, “Burglary victim fi nally fi nds concerns eased”

Judges’ Comments: Th is was an extremely well-written article from beginning to end that showed the power a local newspaper can have. Burglary crimes can make one feel helpless, but Salsberry managed to change that with an article, showcasing the power of journalism.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Jesef Williams, “Th ere’s gold in the ground of southern Lancaster County” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Jesef Williams, “To carry or not to carry”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell, “Poeng seeks sweeter end to doughnut story”

Judges’ Comments: Scott Powell transformed a story about a lowly doughnut into an edifying look into history through the stories of an immigrant family. Stories like this can help inform our consideration of our future national immigration policy – and remind us what all our grandparents and parents sacrifi ced and endured.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Stolarski shares CSF experience with movie star” THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Marine buddies reunite 45 years”

Daily Under 20,000 & All Weekly CombinedINTEGRATION OF PRINT AND WEB COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, “Slammin’ and Jammin’”

Judges’ Comments: Clever use of integration not just between the printed paper and website, but also social media.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, “Th e Avengers”THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, “A Fatal Night for Football”


FIRST PLACE: Th e Beaufort Gazette, Jonathan Dyer, “Learning by example”Judges’ Comments: Neither storytelling nor photo quality were sacrifi ced.SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “2012 football preview”THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Jonathan Sharpe, “About last night: Drake, Colonial Life Arena”

ONLINE SPORTS VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Wheelchair tennis championships”

Judges’ Comments: Great story, artistic and interesting camera shots, good audio quality

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Th e Road to State”THIRD PLACE: Th e Weekly Observer, Matt McColl, “Coleman Shannon”

SPOT NEWS REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “Bodies of missing N.C. teens found”

Judges’ Comments: Fascinating glimpse into long search for missing teens beginning with the fi nding of their car under water. Cahn uses Facebook to fi nd the story and long relationships to get it.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Fire damages apartment complex” THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Pork... it’s what’s for dinner”

Weekly 2/3 Times

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Sun News, Alan Blondin, “Industry looks for boost from China”

Judges’ Comments: A really diff erent sports story. It surprises and then informs. It is well-researched and well-written.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Th omas Grant Jr., “B-E Coach David Horton retiring” THIRD PLACE: Th e Times and Democrat, Th omas Grant Jr., “State of State: Vote of Confi dence as losses mount”

ONLINE GENERAL NEWS/FEATURE VIDEOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Dawn of Freedom”

Judges’ Comments: Very moving and informative. Great camera shots and use of photos.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Island Packet, Sarah Welliver, “Mission Accomplished” THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Matt Walsh, “Hot dog eating contests” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Snake Shooting Leads to SWAT response”

FIRST PLACE Pictorial: C. Aluka Berry, The State, “Dancing”


NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Teen passes in her mother’s arms”

Judges’ Comments: Th is was an incredibly emotional and well-written story following a girl through her ultimately fatal struggle with illness. Th e heart-wrenching details coupled with the quality of writing were enough to bring anyone to tears.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Freedom and chocolate” THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Whittle is modern medicine marvel”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Scott Powell, “Estonian immigrant returns”

Judges’ Comments: Strong piece that is best overall. Nice lede and well-written narrative. Would like to read more of your writing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers, “Gypsy queen of the road” THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Tom Didato, “Former HCHS star pitcher”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “A great harvest”

Judges’ Comments: A good read with a nice lead. Profi les the tent preacher vividly in a short piece.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland, “Into the sunset” THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Miciah Bennett, “PTHS student excels in handwriting”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Charles Rowland

Judges’ Comments: Th e writing and feelings are deep. Th e Christmas tree column was a little dark and raw, which contributed to its power. Th e retelling of the low-income simulation was poignant and convincing.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Tommy Martin THIRD PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Cody Sossamon

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Jim Tatum

Judges’ Comments: Jim made our entire judging group laugh meters rise from neutral to smile to giggle to chuckle to fi rst place.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Charles Rowland THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Julie Smith

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli and Gregory Summers, “Brooklyn Avenue – now and then”

Judges’ Comments: Nice use of historical perspective to add context and emotion. Th ese writers took a dry subject and literally brought it to life.

SECOND PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “Road Trip” THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Denyse Clark, “Guardian ad litem”

REPORTING IN DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Jesef Williams, “Th e New Danger”

Judges’ Comments: An important story told with good narration and a sobering sidebar.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp and Brantley Strickland, “Colleton County Coaching Saga” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Jim Tatum, “Benton Murder Trial Under Way”

BEAT REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Cops and Courts”

Judges’ Comments: Compelling crime stories come alive because of good storytelling. Great details make what could be routine coverage become great coverage.

SECOND PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “Crime and Courts” THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Jim Tatum, “Crime and Courts”

SECOND PLACE Spot News Photo: Ken Ruinard, Independent Mail, “Father to Son”


SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Bob Sloan, “Fallen Fox”

Judges’ Comments: Comprehensive coverage of major story. I like that he included what state requirements for EMS at games and it was the third student death at school that year.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Heartbreaker” THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland, “Making the ‘Jump’”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Chester High football founding father”

Judges’ Comments: Interesting read. Well done! SECOND PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Tom Didato, “One great honors another” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey, “Cato’s center move a snap”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland

Judges’ Comments: Columns focus on local issues and are well written. Liked the focus on the unselfi sh QB who sacrifi ced for the team.

SECOND PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Robert Howey

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Stephen Guilfoyle

Judges’ Comments: Good use of color, sidebars and graphics. Mix of bold and light headlines is eye-catching. Overall, great design that is easy on the eye and appealing to the reader.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Barbara Rutledge THIRD PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Judy Watts

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Brantley Strickland

Judges’ Comments: Th e page is clean, well-organized and entertaining, with useful label heads, eye-popping art, and simple, yet catchy headlines.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Laura Caskey THIRD PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Stephen Guilfoyle

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli

Judges’ Comments: Th is education page is simple and informational, with plenty of faces and useful elements.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Jesef Williams THIRD PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Phyllis Lucas

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Athena Redmond

Judges’ Comments: Eff ective incorporation of graphics and photos with text. Nice balance between white space and elements.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Gaff ney Ledger, Laura Parker THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Gregory Summers HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Lancaster News, Laura Caskey

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Judy Watts

Judges’ Comments: Dominant image and headline really draw one’s eye into the page.

SECOND PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Tenell Felder THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Tenell Felder

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Rob Gantt

Judges’ Comments: Each layout eff ectively used photographs and headlines to capture the reader’s attention. For the important stories, the bigger font size for the headlines works well.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon Martin THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon Martin

Judges’ Comments: Nice fl ow of all the elements. All draw the reader in.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp THIRD PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon Martin

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Aaron Morrison, “Lancaster High School graduation”

Judges’ Comments: Wonderful moment. You can feel the emotion from the young lady. Got all the elements. Got the high fi ve and the lady’s hand around her, too. Can really tell aff ection.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, George Salsberry, “Victory Embrace” * Th e announced Second Place winner in this contest has been disqualifi ed at the request of the entrant.

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Charleston 9 memorial” *SECOND PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Bob Sloan, “President’s Day Parade” * Th e announced First Place winner in this contest, called “Scared,” has been disqualifi ed at the request of the entrant.

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Shane Roper, “Stratford at Summerville” SECOND PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Brushed Back” THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Close Shave” * Th e announced First Place winner in this contest has been disqualifi ed at the request of the entrant.

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “First pitch”

Judges’ Comments: Funny, quirky photo. Captures peak of action and personality.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Hartsville Messenger, Scott Huff er, “Dixie Ponytails World Series” THIRD PLACE: Th e Press & Standard, Drew Tripp, “Crushed” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Jon Martin, “State Championship Victory”


Weekly Over 6,000SPOT NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Th e Gazette, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Two keys, one assault, three arrests”

Judges’ Comments: Th e article included excellent in-depth coverage of a breaking news event. Superb information regarding an incident which resulted in several victims in the community.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Heather Gale, “Manhunt in Conway” THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, “Sun Fun Sunk”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Corey Hutchins, “State of Corruption”

Judges’ Comments: Big subject, big ambition, big results.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “Troublesome Houses” THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Anna Gelbman Edmonds, “Living in Limbo”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore, “Urban foragers”

Judges’ Comments: Outstanding use of quotes. “Don’t they have some kind of program where you’re not eating out of the garbage?” Th is made me laugh out loud a few times, and the story was also informative.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Heather Gale, “Darla the deer makes way into family’s heart” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Krista Gibson, “Mr. Tony moves to Vegas”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “Tony the Peanut Man rebuilds his empire with a little help from his friends”

Judges’ Comments: Fascinating feature on a man who is keeping a piece of South Carolina history alive – from beginning to tragedy to beginning again.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “God’s Grace” THIRD PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Mike A. Glasch, “Soldier’s letters returned aft er 43 years”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORYFIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “Th e Ballad of Michael & Cary Ann”

Judges’ Comments: Details, specifi cs and quotes bring this couple to life on the page. Delightfully quirky. Great reporting.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, “Mr. Walsh’s wisdom” THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Corey Hutchins, “Citizen Rainey”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Charles D. Perry, “Surfside pastor fosters fuzz for cause”

Judges’ Comments: Well written and enjoyable to read. A lot of detail packed into a short story.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “St. Anthony nears goal” THIRD PLACE: Th e Gazette, Frank Johnson, “Outlook good, not so good”

COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Krista Gibson

Judges’ Comments: Touching, poetic, and best of all, brief.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Ettie Newlands THIRD PLACE: Th e Columbia Star, Mike Maddock

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAITFIRST PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Pig lover” SECOND PLACE: Th e Cherokee Chronicle, Tommy Martin, “Indian Joe” * Th e announced First Place winner in this contest has been disqualifi ed at the request of the entrant.

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Th e News and Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Rodeo”

Judges’ Comments: Clear winner. Best group of storytelling images. Best sense of rodeo and spectacle of it.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Judy Watts, “Civil War Camp” THIRD PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Aaron Morrison, “Church Camp Meeting”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Columbia Star, Mike Maddock

Judges’ Comments: It’s nice the way it ties in the author’s relationship with his mother to her relationship with his kids.

SECOND PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, John Marks THIRD PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, John Marks, “Fighting child cancer”

Judges’ Comments: A wonderful series leading up to an important fundraising event. Th e list of “Where are they now?” was an important contribution.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Sully Witte, “Habitat for Humanity extreme build” THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Jenny Overman, “Fort Mill band directors: A tradition of excellence”

REPORTING IN DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Corey Hutchins, “Weak Tea”

Judges’ Comments: Well-written, well-rounded and an easy to understand approach to what could be a dry, diffi cult story. Great analysis.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Cottonpatch Sand Mine” THIRD PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “Th e Citadel’s Shame”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Reece Murphy, “Golf cart sets world speed record”

Judges’ Comments: A clear winner in the category because of the quirkiness factor. A fun story about how something slow turned into something ridiculously fast.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Amanda Kelley and Charles D. Perry, “Coastal Carolina football” THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Jackets dominate, take state”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore and Patrick Wall, “Bases Empty”

Judges’ Comments: Magazine-quality story. Tons of research clearly went into this. Very good writing and details.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Gazette, Rob Gantt, “Healing in Hanahan” THIRD PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Soldier’s letters come home”


Weekly Under 6,000SPOT NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Frank Johnson, “Where is he?”

Judges’ Comments: Gripping narrative. I like the reporter’s use of language to convey a sense that events are still unfolding.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “Shooting victim was in county for funeral” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Sinking car traps two women”

ENTERPRISE REPORTINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald and Larry Franklin, “Th e GOP pledge”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent enterprise reporting. Well researched. Th is is what all reporters should aspire to.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr., “Delinquent Dads” THIRD PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Larry Franklin, “Residents, apartment managers”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Roger Greene, “Hawkish”

Judges’ Comments: Engaging, informative read, especially for anyone unfamiliar with the subject.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Th e New Paranormal” THIRD PLACE: Lee County Observer, Lil Turner, “Down on the farm”

NEWS FEATURE WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “Four-legged hero”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent piece about a dog saving his best friend. Th e feature has a great fl ow describing the emotions of the day without getting bogged down with too much detail. Excellent quote placement.

SECOND PLACE: Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise, Naeem McFadden, “Graduate’s journey from homelessness to Ivy League” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “Who killed Scoopy?”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORYFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Charles Martin, “A soldier’s letter from the front tell the story of war”

Judges’ Comments: Th is award should be given in the name of Redus Martin whose voice – thanks to his son, Charles – so well captures the man and his experience in WWI. Charles Martin’s selections from his dad’s letters are seamlessly connected by his own explanatory prose.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Star, Phyllis Britt, “Farewell, Papa Doe” THIRD PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Winning war on food”

SHORT STORYFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Danger: keep off double entendres”

Judges’ Comments: Charles Swenson seized a golden opportunity. Aptitude like his keeps journalism alive.

SECOND PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Susan C. Delk, “Lost dog more than just a pet for woman” THIRD PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “Memorial visit brings honor to attendees”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

Judges’ Comments: We liked the variety of design, balance and use of space, as well as photos/graphics that draw the reader into the story.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride THIRD PLACE: Th e Island News, Pamela Brownstein

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

Judges’ Comments: Nice use of graphic to draw the reader into the story. Mug shots always make interesting art! Entire page blends together well.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Horry Independent, Heather Gale THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Chris Mowder

Judges’ Comments: Nice white space and graphic. Side bar gives reader easy access to what is inside

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Julie Holcombe THIRD PLACE: Th e Island News, Pamela Brownstein

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Praying for a hero”

Judges’ Comments: Strongest image captures tender moment.

SECOND PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, Catherine Muccigrosso, “Lake Wylie Zoning” THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “River Oaks Groundbreaking”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Bastogne Range”

Judges’ Comments: Her expression makes the photo. Out of the ordinary.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Farm fun” THIRD PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, Catherine Muccigrosso, “Dale ‘Cowboy’ Ward”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Island News, Bob Sofaly, “Looking back”

Judges’ Comments: Nice storytelling picture. SECOND PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Up to the challenge” THIRD PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Tricky play”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Waiting”

Judges’ Comments: Quiet moment captured. Universal truth to it.

SECOND PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Stephanie Marks Martell, “Indian Land fans” THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Girls volleyball”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAITFIRST PLACE: Free Times, Sean Rayford, “Curtis Loft is”

Judges’ Comments: Unusual composition avoids a tight crop and sets the scene.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Annie the fi rebreathing juggler” THIRD PLACE: Th e Island News, Todd Stowe, “Th e Glory of Graduation”


COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Mary Lou Willis

Judges’ Comments: Interesting and relatable. Tales from a diff erent time but compelling none the less.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Graham Williams THIRD PLACE: Th e Star, Phyllis Britt

HUMOR COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Elaine Ellison-Rider

Judges’ Comments: All three of her entries were fun and entertaining, but the bat story defi nitely put this writer over the top. We were laughing out loud.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr. THIRD PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown

SERIES OF ARTICLESFIRST PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “ignore.no.more human traffi cking”

Judges’ Comments: A designated series that included a wealth of information, discussed the topic from various angles and motivates action. Well-written.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Hampton County Guardian, Michael M. Dewitt Jr., “Bullying in Schools” THIRD PLACE: Th e People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “2012 Crime Series”

FIRST PLACE General News Photo: Gavin Jackson, Morning News, “Rouse funeral”

REPORTING IN DEPTHFIRST PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & Th e Dispatch News, Bill West and Terry Ward, “Clerk of Court race”

Judges’ Comments: Determined reporting like this keeps Americans informed, and individuals and organizations honest. Simply written. Easy to digest.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Th e Lost Generation” THIRD PLACE: Marion Star & Mullins Enterprise, Andrew Golden, “Capital Sales Tax”

SPOT SPORTS STORYFIRST PLACE: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “No Rebels repeat”

Judges’ Comments: Story does an excellent job of showing the pain brought on by the loss. Story fl ows with emotion and game details.

SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “Bears win” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Warriors write new chapter”

SPORTS FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: Jasper County Sun, Anthony Garzilli, “Unbeaten THA rocked SCISA hoops in 1993”

Judges’ Comments: A riveting trip down memory lane that captures the emotion from the season. Writer does a great job of tying many story angles together in the season without too much details to bog the feature down.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Th e four horsemen of THS” THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “Perfect attendance”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Th e Star, Brandon Lockett

Judges’ Comments: I like the variety and balance of graphics and headlines. One of these stories on these pages will pull you in.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Frank Johnson THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Lisa Chalian-Rock

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Lake City News & Post, Stephen Guilfoyle

Judges’ Comments: Fantastic colorful display of Old Glory captures the eye. Overall clean front page with great feature photos and diverse story selections.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Star, Brandon Lockett THIRD PLACE: Hampton County Guardian, Ann Reynolds

SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “House Fire”

Judges’ Comments: Emotional reaction of their house burning down. Photographer got there and put that together quickly. Good composition.

SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, David Rogers, “Fire at Gerber” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Hang Loose” HONORABLE MENTION: Lee County Observer, Gee Atkinson, “Farm Fire”


SPOT NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Th e Summerville Journal Scene, Stefan Rogenmoser, “Bond hearing”

Judges’ Comments: Good moment caught. Photo’s strength is emotions of subject, combined with dominant foreground with background composed of wire and the jail.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Lancaster News, Aaron Morrison, “Hay barn fi re”THIRD PLACE: Th e Link, Ashley Hatcher, “Dive team search”

Weekly Over 6,000 & 2/3 Times Weekly Combined

GENERAL NEWS PHOTOFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “Eastview Cemetery Candlelight ceremony”

Judges’ Comments: Beautiful image. Photographer pulled it off during diffi cult circumstances. To stand back, see it and crop the photo this way was a smart move. Photographer shows good vision by taking wider view and good crop.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Science Experiments” THIRD PLACE: Th e Star, Mike Adams, “I feel like dancin’” HONORABLE MENTION: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Graduation”

FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Memorial Day fl ag”

Judges’ Comments: Clean, unique. Low angle adds impact.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Star, Mike Adams, “Splash Down” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Giant Bubble” HONORABLE MENTION: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Green Fashion Show”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTOFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “Wrestling”

Judges’ Comments: It’s a double take. Pained expression of wrestler makes this an eye grabber.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Weekly Observer, Matt McColl, “First base dive” THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Rusty Estes, “Chase Coker concentrates on ball”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTOFIRST PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “Wrestling”

Judges’ Comments: Good reaction and interesting angle. Head is isolated and brings his face right at you.

SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “Friends” THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “Baseball Celebration” HONORABLE MENTION: Th e Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Truman Owens”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAITFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Mud Bowl”

Judges’ Comments: Th e way photographer centered in on eye draws you in to photo.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Star, Mike Adams, “Bryanna Huff ” THIRD PLACE: Th e Star, Bill Bengtson, “Compton Daugherty”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORYFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Lily Johnson”

Judges’ Comments: Nice, tight edit. Each picture told a piece of the story.

SECOND PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “Egg Drop” THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Fire”

THIRD PLACE Humorous Photo: Grace Beahm, The Post and Courier, “Zipper the Squirrel”


BEST NEWSPAPER PUBLICATIONFIRST PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate

Judges’ Comments: Although a religious newspaper, the Advocate is outstanding in depth and breadth of coverage. Strong graphic appeal and headlines are well-written. Catchy ledes and well-written stories. SECOND PLACE: GSA Business THIRD PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood

BEST MAGAZINE OR SPECIAL PUBLICATIONFIRST PLACE: SCBIZ, SCBIZ News, Fall 2012

Judges’ Comments: Compelling writing, solid design and good use of graphics accompanying content (not too overdone). Informational, yet interesting photography. Coexists well among the ads. SECOND PLACE: USC Magazine Group,

Carolinian Magazine, Fall 2012 THIRD PLACE: Lake Wylie Today, Spring 2012

BEST PUBLISHED FEATURE STORYFIRST PLACE: SCBIZ, Matt Tomsic, “Determining dreams”

Judges’ Comments: Good imagery, eff ective longitudinal approach: nice use of quotations. SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist

Advocate, Jessica Connor, “Th e Bridge” THIRD PLACE: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim Callahan, “Don’t be like Smokey”

Associate/Individual

Weekly Under 6,000 & Over 6,000 CombinedBEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: News and Press, Lisa Chalian- Rock, “Crime”

Judges’ Comments: Lisa did an excellent job staying on top of any police, crime and fi re department happenings in her area. Her in-depth and detailed coverage of her beat keeps the public informed on the things in the community which aff ect their safety.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore, “Chew on Th is”THIRD PLACE: Pickens County Courier, Nicole Daughhetee, “Pickens County School Board”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIOFIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Chris Mowder

Judges’ Comments: Engaging ideas that draw readers in. Design and photos complement the stories. Attractive packaging.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles SwensonTHIRD PLACE: News and Press, Lisa Chalian- Rock

INSIDE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Th e Moultrie News, Kathy Simes

Judges’ Comments: Th is was a creative and interesting design that captured the reader’s interest. Th e background graphic set the tone for the piece and the photos (done like old Polaroids). Hanging from the net with fi sh hooks was a nice touch.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson

Judges’ Comments: Th e image and text made me want to open this newspaper up to read it! Th e designer’s investment in space is a great investment in the story.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Chris Mowder THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

SPORTS COLUMN WRITINGFIRST PLACE: Th e Travelers Rest Monitor, Roger Jewell

Judges’ Comments: Backyard column really takes me back.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Dan BrownTHIRD PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Nick Herman

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

Judges’ Comments: We appreciated the variety of design, use of dominant photos and large headlines which really invite the reader into the stories.

SECOND PLACE: Th e Gazette, Rob GanttTHIRD PLACE: Th e Berkeley Independent, Linda Anderson

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST Feature

Photo: Nathan Gray, Independent Mail, “Hillbilly Day”

SECOND PLACE Personality Photograph or

Portrait: Travis Jenkins, The News and Reporter,

“Pig Lover”


BEST PUBLISHED NEWS STORYFIRST PLACE: South Carolina Policy Council - Th e Nerve, Rick Brundrett, “Tens of thousands of tax dollars spent on plane fl ights with no oversight”

Judges’ Comments: Nitty gritty reporting on statewide issue. Clean presentation of facts, explanation of method/foundation (investigation) and solid presentation of multiple perspectives. SECOND PLACE: Charleston Regional Business

Journal, Matt Tomsic, “Your home, their rules” THIRD PLACE: Th e Voice of Blythewood, Barbara Ball, “$5 million civil penalty imposed”

BEST PUBLISHED EDITORIAL/OP-ED COLUMN

FIRST PLACE:Columbia Regional Business Report, James T. Hammond, “S.C. should set clean energy standards”

Judges’ Comments: Comprehensive treatment of subject. Plenty of factual and statistical support. Clear conclusion and call to action. SECOND PLACE: Murrells Inlet Messenger, Tim

Callahan, “I miss my father at Christmas time” THIRD PLACE: GSA Business, Scott Miller, “Invest in better heath, expand Medicaid”

BEST PUBLISHED PHOTOGRAPHFIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Leslie Burden, “Boeing”

Judges’ Comments: Nicely done. Th e plane, people and smoke, partnered with a clean background, make this a winner. Nicely run as a double truck. SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist

Advocate, Matt Brodie, “Playing Superman” THIRD PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Matt Brodie, “Mobbed”

BEST GRAPHIC DESIGNFIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Jean Piot, “Our peaches”

Judges’ Comments: Great use of fonts. Everything fl ows together well.” SECOND PLACE: Charleston Regional Business

Journal, Ryan Wilcox, “Boeing/BMW comparison” THIRD PLACE: GSA Business, S. Kevin Green, “Driving exports”

BEST EVENT MARKETINGFIRST PLACE: Municipal Association of South Carolina, “2012 Annual Meeting”

Judges’ Comments: Great promotional materials. Professionally done, well-designed.

BEST PR PROGRAMFIRST PLACE: S.C. Farm Bureau, Bill Johns, “Member Benefi ts”Judges’ Comments: Strong piece with tight writing that is easy to understand. Clean design and interesting images add to overall presentation. Makes me want to be a member! SECOND PLACE: Simpsonville Sentinel, Keith Grounsell, “Drugs in our society”

BEST WEBSITEFIRST PLACE: Municipal Association of South Carolina, Staff , masc.sc

Judges’ Comments: Clean site that is easy to navigate with drop-down menus and defi ned areas of municipal resources, legislative information and news. SECOND PLACE: Greer Today, Jim Fair,

GreerToday.com

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GENERAL EXCELLENCE

PRESIDENT’S CUP OF EXCELLENCE

Daily Over 50,000 – The Post and Courier

Daily 20,000-50,000 – Herald-Journal

Daily Under 20,000 – The Times and Democrat

Weekly 2-3 Times – The Lancaster News

Weekly Over 6,000 – Myrtle Beach Herald

Weekly Under 6,000 – Coastal Observer

S W E E P S TA K E S AWA R D S

DAILY OVER 50,000 DAILY OVER 20,000-50,000 DAILY UNDER 20,000

WEEKLY 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY OVER 6,000 WEEKLY UNDER 6,000FIRST - Myrtle Beach Herald

Judges’ comments: Solid stories, well reported and clearly written. Good layout on front page. “Power to the Pedal” was a good art piece. Overall, very well done.

SECOND - Th e Horry IndependentTHIRD - Carolina Forest Chronicle

FIRST - News and PressJudges’ comments: If it moves in Darlington, this paper covers it. Excellent graphic presentation. Th is paper edged out some excellent small papers in your state.

SECOND - Th e Berkeley IndependentTHIRD - Th e People- Sentinel

FIRST - Th e News and Reporter

Judges’ comments: Breadth of strong coverage made this paper the winner in a competitive category. Excellenct writiing. Good use of photos.

SECOND - Th e Summerville Journal SceneTHIRD - Th e Press & Standard

FIRST - Th e Times and Democrat

Judges’ comments: Th e Times and Democrat richly deserves this award, not the least because this was the closest general excellence competition I have ever judged. Good coverage of the community, excellent writing and design.

SECOND - Th e Item THIRD - Index-Journal

FIRST - Herald JournalJudges’ comments: Th ere are some terrifi c papers in this group. Th e Herald-Journal’s excellent breadth of coverage that is presented very well in all sections. Th e writers, editors and photographers demonstrated strong quality and quantity of local news in both submitted editions.

SECOND - Th e Sun NewsTHIRD - Th e Herald

FIRST - Th e Post and Courier

Judges’ comments: Th e Post and Courier has the resources (i.e., talented reporters and editors) to produce a top fl ight daily news report. What sets it apart, however, are the enterprise stories that aff ect its readers and their lives. A publication to be emulated.

Based on overall performance in the 2012 News Contest with balance in design, writing and photography awards.

News & Politics

SCPA 2012 Winners' Tabloid