N EW Y ORK P RESS A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 9 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST

elebrating CCNewspaperelebrating Excellence N EW Y ORK P RESS A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 9 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST AAnd the Winners Are … TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR PAGE 2...... Excellence Award Winners The Independent PAGE 3...... Top Five Newspapers PAGE 4...... Most Competitive Categories PAGE 5...... Rookie of the Year STUART C. DORMAN AWARD JOHN J. EVANS AWARD PAGE 6...... Winners Listing Editorial Excellence Advertising Excellence PAGE 7...... Writer of the Year PAGE 8...... Winners Listing The Independent TIE — Dan’s Papers PAGE 9...... Sports Writer of the Year TIE — The Post-Standard PAGE 10...... Winners Listing PAGE 11...... Photographer of the Year PAGE 12...... Winners Listing 2019 WRITER OF THE YEAR 2019 ROOKIE REPORTER OF THE YEAR PAGE 13...... Best Front Page Hannah Dreyfus Annie McDonough PAGE 14...... Winners Listing The Jewish Week City & State PAGE 15...... Best Sports Action Photo PAGE 16...... Winners Listing PAGE 17...... In-Depth Reporting 2019 SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR 2019 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR PAGE 18...... Winners Listing PAGE 19...... Community Leadership Mike MacAdam Christina Daly PAGE 20...... Winners Listing The Daily Gazette Valley Stream Herald PAGE 21...... Overall Design Excellence PAGE 22...... Winners Listing PAGE 23...... Best Small Space Ad COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PAGE 24...... Winners Listing The Post-Standard — First Place PAGE 25...... Innovative Ad Project PAGE 26...... Winners Listing PAGE 27...... Best Art Photo THOMAS G. BUTSON AWARD FOR IN-DEPTH REPORTING ...... Graphic Illustration PAGE 28...... Winners Listing The Altamont Enterprise and County Post — First Place, Division 1 PAGE 29...... Besst Spot News Photos Albany Business Review — First Place, Division 2 PAGE 30...... Winners Listing The Red Hook Star-Revue — First Place, Division 3 PAGE 31...... Dorman and Evans Awards The Independent — First Place, Division 4 PAGE 32...... Winners Listing PAGE 33...... Best Special Section Cover PAGE 34...... High School Awards PAST PRESIDENTS’ AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE PAGE 35...... College Awards PAGE 36...... Photo Collage The Sag Harbor Express — First Place, Division 1 The Independent — First Place, Division 2 PHOTO CREDITS

F RONT C OVER BEST FRONT PAGE

TOP - BOY SCOUTS The Highlands Current — First Place, Division 1 Christina Daly North Salem News — First Place, Division 2 Valley Stream Herald The Independent — First Place, Division 3 BOTTOM LEFT - HARBOR DEBRIS The Record-Review — First Place, Division 4 Dana Shaw The Southampton Press - Eastern BOTTOM RIGHT - TRACK RUNNER EST DITORIAL AGE Jim MacLean B E P The Scarsdale Inquirer The East Hampton Press — First Place Shelter Island Reporter — Second Place B ACK C OVER The Altamont Enterprise and County Post — Third Place TOP LEFT - RED SKY FIREWORKS Christina Daly Valley Stream Herald PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE MIDDLE LEFT - TILT-A-WHIRL The Independent — First Place Jim MacLean The Scarsdale Inquirer BOTTOM LEFT - GRADUATE AND CAP OVERALL DESIGN EXCELLENCE Tim Lamorte The Rivertowns Enterprise) The Independent — First Place, Division 1 TOP RIGHT - GOSPEL CROSS The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — First Place, Division 2 Christina Daly Valley Stream Herald

MIDDLE RIGHT - BEACHED WHALE ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE Dana Shaw The Southampton Press - Western Edition — First Place The Southampton Press - Eastern The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — Second Place BOTTOM RIGHT - SCHOOL BUS STOP Dana Shaw Albany Business Review — Third Place 2 The Southampton Press - Eastern The Sag Harbor Express — Honorable Mention AAbout the 2019 Better Newspaper Contest … 173 newspapers submitted 2,918 entries. Participating newspapers competed for awards in 64 categories, and for Newspaper of the Year, the Stuart C. Dorman Award for Editorial Excellence and the John J. Evans Award for Advertising Excellence. 487 awards were presented during NYPA’s Spring Conference March 27th and 28th, 2020. The entries were judged by members of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. The winners were determined based on the following point system: EACH FIRST PLACE AWARD...... 20 POINTS EACH SECOND PLACE AWARD...... 10 POINTS EACH THIRD PLACE AWARD...... 5 POINTS THE TOP FIVE — GROUP OR CHAIN NEWSPAPERS TOTAL CONTEST POINTS: The Express Newspaper Group — 605 POINTS Sag Harbor Express, The Southampton Press - Eastern, The Southampton Press - Western, The East Hampton Press Times/Review Newspapers — 320 POINTS The Suffolk Times, The News-Review, Shelter Island Reporter Johnson Newspaper Corporation — 235 POINTS Watertown Daily Times, The Daily News, Livingston County News, Register-Star, Daily Mail Herald Community Newspapers — 230 POINTS Baldwin Herald, Bellmore Herald Life, East Meadow Herald, Franklin Square Herald, Freeport Herald Leader, Glen Cove Herald Gazette, Hempsted Beacon, Long Beach Herald, Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, Malverne West Hempstead Herald, Merrick Herald Life, Nassau Herald, Oceanside Island Park Herald, Oyster Bay Guardian, Rockaway Journal, Rockville Center Herald, Sea Cliff Glen Head Herald Gazette, Seaford Herald Citizen, South Shore Record, Valley Stream Herald, Wantagh Herald Citizen, The Jewish Star, The Riverdale Press, Uniondale Beacon TIE — Schneps Community News Group — 125 POINTS Astoria Times, Bay News Bayside Times, Bronx Times Reporter and Bronx Times, Brooklyn Graphic, The Brooklyn Paper, Caribbean Life, Chelsea Now, The Courier Sun, The Extra Courier, Downtown Express, El Correo de Queens, The Flushing Times, Forest Hills / The Western Courier, Gay City News, Healthwise Magazine, Long Island Press, Manhattan Express, Mill Basin Courier, North Shore Towers Courier, Northeast Courier, Noticia, Park Slope Courier, Queens Business Today, Queens Courier, Queens Family, Ridgewood Times and Times Newsweek, The Villager Express, The Ledger, The Villager (NYC) TIE — Ogden Newspapers of New York — 125 POINTS Adirondack Daily Express, Lake Placid News THE TOP FIVE — SINGLE FLAG NEWSPAPERS TOTAL CONTEST POINTS: The Independent — 310 POINTS The Post-Standard — 205 POINTS Albany Business Review — 180 POINTS Dan’s Papers — 135 POINTS The Highlands Current — 125 POINTS

THE TOP FIVE NEWSPAPERS TOTAL EDITORIAL CONTEST POINTS: The Independent — 260 POINTS The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — 150 POINTS East Hampton Press — 120 POINTS Albany Business Review — 110 POINTS The Sag Harbor Express — 95 POINTS THE TOP FIVE NEWSPAPERS TOTAL ADVERTISING CONTEST POINTS: TIE — Dan’s Papers — 80 POINTS NYNAME WINNERS TIE — The Post-Standard — 80 POINTS The Post-Standard — 80 POINTS The Suffolk Times — 55 POINTS Register-Star — 35 POINTS Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — 50 POINTS TIE — Finger Lakes Times — 20 POINTS Amherst Bee — 45 POINTS TIE — Times Union — 20 POINTS The Village Times Herald — 40 POINTS TIE — Rome Daily Sentinel — 20 POINTS TIE — Watertown Daily Times — 10 POINTS 3 TIE — The Citizen — 10 POINTS AAbout the Competition …

C ATEGORY 3 1 — F EATURE S TORY Congratulations to the first place winners in the most competitive category in the contest! Division 1:...... Roger Hannigan Gilson, The Other Hudson Valley Division 2:...... The Altamont Enterprise and Albany County Post Division 3:...... Michael DeMasi, Albany Business Review Division 4:...... Brian Marschhauser, TheYorktown News Division 5:...... Mallory Diefenbach, The Daily News Division 6:...... Kayla Breen, Press-Republican

C ATEGORY 3 0 — N EWS S TORY The quality of the entries in this category was outstanding — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Natalie Muster, Warsaw’s Country Courier Division 2:...... Valerie Gordon, The Southampton Press - Western Division 3:...... Kirstyn Brendlen, Michael Hinman, Heather J. Smith, The Riverdale Press Division 4:...... Benjamin Fang, Queens Examiner Division 5:...... Claude Solnik, Long Island Press

C ATEGORY 4 2 — F EATURE P HOTO ( S ) The judges had a particularly difficult time with this very competitive category — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Sarah Eames, The Daily Star Division 2:...... Jim Franco, Colonie-Loudonville Spotlight Division 3:...... Julia Hopkins, Watertown Daily Times

C ATEGORY 3 2 — B EST N EWS OR F EATURE S ERIES Many fine examples of excellent research and writing — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong and Chip Rowe, The Highlands Current Division 2:...... Nassau Herald Division 3:...... Press-Republican Division 4:...... David Russell and Michael Gannon, Queens Chronicle

C ATEGORY 4 3 — S PORTS A CTION P HOTO ( S ) Catching the right image at the right time — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Jim MacLean, The Scarsdale Inquirer Division 2:...... Ron Esposito, The Southampton Press - Eastern Division 3:...... Tim Martin, Register-Star

C ATEGORY 3 5 — B EST C OLUMN Providing perspective… making the reader think, understand and care — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Steve Wick, The Suffolk Times Division 2:...... Leah Dunaief, The Village Times Herald Division 3:...... Charley Githler, Ithaca Times

C ATEGORY 2 9 — S POT N EWS C OVERAGE Great coverage of a single news event — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Grant Parpan, Kate Nalepinski, Steve Wick, Tara Smith, The News-Review 4 Division 2:...... B. Bonfiglio, C. Daly, N. Nataly, A. Rifilato, D. Yanes, Freeport Herald Leader Division 3:...... Craig Fox and Abraham Kenmore, Watertown Daily Times Rookie Reporter of the Year, 2019 There were 21 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : ANNIE MCDONOUGH, CITY & STATE As City & State’s tech and policy reporter, Annie writes stories for both web and print, and compiles a new weekday email newsletter, First Read Tech. She recently graduated with a master’s degree from New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, with a concentration in magazine writing. In 2017, she completed her undergraduate degree in upstate New York at Colgate University, where she studied international relations and English. Her work has appeared in print, radio and online outlets across New York City and the greater Philadelphia area. A native Delawarean, Annie now lives in Alphabet City. The judges said, “Annie McDonough writes some long stories. But guess what? They don’t seem long at all; the pacing, the flow, the perfect placement of quotes move the reader quickly through her insightful and fantastically reported pieces. She approaches complex topics with aplomb and skillfully takes her readers to the heart of the issue while balancing each conflicting side. Solid structure, spot-on word choice. The best of many worthy candidates in this category.”

S ECOND P LACE : BRIANA BONFIGLIO, ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD Briana Bonfiglio is a reporter for the Rockville Centre and Oceanside/Island Park Heralds. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from SUNY New Paltz in May 2018. During college, she interned for the Seaford and Wantagh Heralds and Hudson Valley’s leading arts and culture magazine, Chronogram, as well as wrote and served as Arts & Entertainment Editor for the student-run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. She has been employed full-time at the Herald since October 2018. The judges said, “An impressive and versatile portfolio, from very tough subject matter — sexual abuse in the Catholic Church — to personality profiles to event coverage. What shines through in every story is Briana Boniglio’s attention to the telling detail, quotes that move the story forward, and thoughtful narrative.”

T HIRD P LACE : ELIZABETH LEPRO, THE RIVER REPORTER Elizabeth Lepro is a native of northeast Pennsylvania, just across the border from The River Reporter. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a dual degree in sociology and nonfiction English writing. While there, she interned at the investigative nonprofit PublicSource and the San Antonio Express-News. She was the editor in chief of The Pitt News, the daily student newspaper where her love for journalism was fostered. After graduating from Pitt, Elizabeth lived in Cairo, Egypt for a year, working for the American University in Cairo’s communications office. After returning to the U.S. she went to work for The River Reporter. Elizabeth is invested in the future of rural reporting and telling people’s stories. She’s also invested in horror movies, diners and big dogs. The judges said, “From hard news to a first-person narrative, Elizabeth Lepro’s stories are as crisp, fresh and nourishing as an apple plucked right from the tree. A terrific balance of in-depth reporting and fine storytelling.”

2 0 1 9 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST 5 EExcellence Awards PAST PRESIDENTS’ AWARD SECOND PLACE PHOTOGRAPHER HONORABLE MENTION Rockville Centre Herald, OF THE YEAR Valley Stream Herald, DIVISION 1 Rockville Centre Valley Stream Briana Bonfiglio FIRST PLACE Peter Belfiore, Melissa Koenig, FIRST PLACE Valley Stream Herald, The Sag Harbor Express, An impressive and versatile portfolio, Nicole Alcindor, Yolanda Rios from very tough subject matter — Valley Stream and Judy Ammerman Sag Harbor sexual abuse in the Catholic Church — Christina Daly This is an excellent newspaper with great to personality profiles to event coverage. Fireworks, sports, fun and emotion. content in each category. The newspaper What shines through in every story is the This portfolio has a little bit of everything. received a total of 94 points out of a writer’s attention to detail, quotes that And each image tells a story. Great angles. DIVISION 3 possible 100. move the story forward, and thoughtful Very strong entry. narrative. FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE The Independent, East Hampton The East Hampton Press, The Southampton Press- The quality of the photography is excellent East Hampton The River Reporter, Narrowsburg Eastern Edition, Southampton and engaging. Well done! This newspaper received almost perfect Elizabeth Lepro Dana Shaw scores in each category, with the lowest From hard news to a first-person SECOND PLACE scoring category being graphic design and narrative, the stories are as crisp, fresh Enjoyable portfolio. Good combination of feature, news and sports work. Ithaca Times, Ithaca typography with a score of 8 out of 10. and nourishing as an apple plucked right Marshall Hopkins Newspaper received a total of 93.5 points. from the tree. A terrific balance of THIRD PLACE in-depth reporting and fine storytelling. Excellent use of bold photography; clear THIRD PLACE The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale and strong fonts; nice use of index in The Riverdale Press, Riverdale Jim MacLean block formation along bottom of pages — Nice action and colorful portfolio. The all make these front pages consistent. This is an excellent newspaper. There is a They definitely make a statement. wide variety of content in news coverage, photographer didn’t forget to change levels good use of pictures, community, editorial, WRITER OF THE YEAR to get a different perspective. Best of all, his perspective tells the story readers want. THIRD PLACE front page content, family/lifestyle/features, FIRST PLACE Chelsea Now, Chelsea sports, advertising, and graphic design. HONORABLE MENTION 90.5 points. The Jewish Week, New York Mark Ramos and Robert Pozarycki Hannah Dreyfus The Rivertowns Enterprise, Like the bold masthead. Great front page HONORABLE MENTION The reporter dives fearlessly into difficult Hastings-on-Hudson teasers make you want to get into these The Suffolk Times, Mattituck subject matter. Her nuanced writing Tim Lamorte papers. Wonderful masked photo over- This is an excellent overall paper, with helped give voices to the men and women Nice overall entry. Good color. Nice change laying the masthead on the Nov. 7 issue. almost perfect scores in each category. who have been victims of abuse. Writer of of perspective. Images tell a story. A little The event banners along the base of pages The lowest scored category was the the year included all different types of light on the action photography. is a great touch. stories from news agencies big and small, advertising design and layout which HONORABLE MENTION could use a little bit of work. 90.5 points. but the writer expertly localized an important — and difficult to talk about — The Villager (NYC), New York subject. Excellent sourcing, as well as Mark Ramos and Robert Pozarycki digging for data, brought these stories to BEST FRONT PAGE Really attractive masthead. Very DIVISION 2 life and kept me reading. Great job! community minded photos. DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE The Independent, East Hampton Ithaca Times, Ithaca FIRST PLACE This is a very good newspaper — it could be Matt Butler The Highlands Current, DIVISION 4 excellent if it reworked the editorial pages. This category was extremely close. Philipstown FIRST PLACE The reporter’s work tackled difficult SECOND PLACE Pierce Strudler The Record-Review, Bedford subjects and brought into the open stories Overall – nice presentation, good Queens Chronicle, Queens of mismanagement, incompetence and Nice photography. Clean masthead. photography, masthead is clean, layout is Interesting stories. This was the only paper This is an excellent newspaper, minus the recovery. Strong writing, as well as great appealing. Consistent title capitalization. very miniscule sports content. This topics, made this the second-place winner that I felt like, wait, I want to read that Attractive and varied layouts. Writing is also story! Congratulations. Lots of good stuff. newspaper received 85.5 — it was just edged out of first place. very clean. Nicely done. SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE Colonie-Loudonville Spotlight, The Altamont Enterprise and The Suffolk Times, Mattituck The Riverdale Press, Riverdale Colonie Albany County Post, Altamont Maria Gennaro and Joe Werkmeister Michael Hinman and Richard Stein This paper earned high marks 8-10 in Elizabeth Floyd Mair Nice, clean masthead without Great photography – upbeat and clever, interruptions. Solid writing. Good topics. almost every category, while the news Great writing, and very hard-hitting technically good. Strong, professional coverage received a 17 out of 20 score. work from this reporter. Stories included masthead. Clean writing. Nice photos. Some inconsistent Oxford This newspaper received 85 points. difficult-to-obtain information that I’m comma usage. Some extra commas where sure were difficult to write due to their THIRD PLACE there shouldn’t be. HONORABLE MENTION subject matter. These stories will change Amherst Bee, Williamsville Gay City News, New York lives and will continue to give your very THIRD PLACE David F. Sherman Watertown Daily Times, This is a very colorful newspaper. An fortunate readers a reason to pick up their Strong photography, attractive layout, good excellent source of photos, news coverage, newspaper moving forward. masthead, consistent title capitalization. Watertown advertising, etc. This paper received a Matt Underwood total of 80.5 points. HONORABLE MENTION Headline says it all. Strong, powerful The News-Review, Riverhead photo evokes immediate emotion. SPORTS WRITER Lauren Sission, Steve Wick OF THE YEAR and Joe Werkmeister “ROOKIE” REPORTER Well written. Nice, strong masthead. Clear, OF THE YEAR FIRST PLACE sharp images (although I wish Villanova had provided one of Ethan Greenidge’s face BEST EDITORIAL PAGE IRST LACE The Daily Gazette, Schenectady F P showing). Headlines are consistently FIRST PLACE City & State, New York Mike MacAdam capitalized. Nicely done. Great breadth and fine writing distinguish The East Hampton Press, Annie McDonough these entries. Without question, this was East Hampton Some long stories. But guess what? the number one entry. They don’t seem long at all; the pacing, DIVISION 2 Beautifully written, well designed, carefully the flow, the perfect placement of quotes edited and curated, and with a nice variety SECOND PLACE of art and viewpoints. A first-place effort, moves the reader quickly through her Rockville Centre Herald, FIRST PLACE insightful and fantastically reported pieces. North Salem News, North Salem for sure. She approaches complex topics with Rockville Centre Tony Bellissimo Jodi Weinberger, Tabitha Pearson SECOND PLACE aplomb and skillfully takes her readers to Marshall and Christina Rose the heart of the issue while balancing each Tight writing, vivid detail and great range Shelter Island Reporter, distinguish these entries from the rest. Nice photos & good headlines. Shelter Island conflicting side. Solid structure, spot-on Aesthetically pleasing. word choice. The best of many worthy Very nice job. Ambrose Clancy candidates in this category. HIRD LACE SECOND PLACE Nice clean layout, nicely written editorials, T P informative columns, good art, cartoons The Suffolk Times, Mattituck The Northport Observer, Northport Really great photos - they make the page. and a lively letters section makes this Bob Liepa winner. Nice job! It’s clear this writer values the people THIRD PLACE as much as the statistics they compile. A great job, showing a nice writing style Mahopac News, Mahopac and significant range. Bob Dumas, Tabitha Pearson Marshall 6 and Christina Rose Nice masthead. Good photography. Writer of the Year, 2019 There were 42 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : HANNAH DREYFUS, THE JEWISH WEEK Hannah Dreyfus is a staff writer for the New York Jewish Week newspaper, published online and in print. Her work focuses on abuses of power within religious and non-profit settings and holding institutions accountable to their constituents. In 2019, she tracked New York state’s historic passage of the Child Victims’ Act, legislation that extends the statute of limitations for a survivors of child sexual abuse in criminal and civil cases in New York. Her investigative work delved into a complex Title IX case filed at a preeminent rabbinical seminary; the questionable practices of rabbinic ethics committees’ tasked with policing their own members; and a former middle-school rabbi arrested by federal agents in September of 2019 for possessing child pornography and extorting minors for sex. Her work exposed a pattern of behavior that shadowed the rabbi’s storied education career, culminating in the fall arrest that left a community of parents and students stunned. Despite difficult headwinds, Dreyfus persists on reporting difficult stories that give voice to disempowered and stigmatized segments of the Jewish community, including LGBTQ youth, Orthodox women chained to broken marriages by religious law, and survivors of child sexual abuse. Her investigative work has appeared in The New York Times, ProPublica, Mother Jones and VICE?. She heads the Investigative Journalism Fund, a special project of The Jewish Week to fill a gap in investigative and enterprise reporting. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son. The judges said, “The reporter dives fearlessly into difficult subject matter. Her nuanced writing helped give voices to the men and women who have been victims of abuse. Writer of the year included all different types of stories from news agencies big and small, but Hannah expertly localized an important — and difficult to talk about — subject. Excellent sourcing, as well as digging for data, brought these stories to life and kept me reading. Great job.”

S ECOND P LACE : MATT BUTLER, ITHACA TIMES Matt Butler is the managing editor of the Ithaca Times, an alt-weekly newspaper in Ithaca, NY. He moved to Ithaca shortly after graduating from the University of Delaware in 2016, accepting the general assignment reporter position and ascending to the managing editor role in 2018. His stories range from documenting the struggles of the homeless and impoverished in Ithaca and investigating wage theft and labor complaints in local organizations all the way to gambling previews of the local Chili Cook-Off. His work has appeared in the Ithaca Times, Delaware Today Magazine and the Maine Antique Digest. He enjoys spending his free time lobbying passing pedestrians to support his long-term goals of bringing a minor league baseball team to Ithaca or FOIL-ing for write-in candidate ballots. The judges said “This category was extremely close. The reporter’s work tackled difficult subjects and brought into the open stories of mismanagement, incompetence and recovery. Strong writing, as well as great topics, made this the second-place winner — it was just edged out of first place.”

T HIRD P LACE : ELIZABETH FLOYD MAIR, THE ALTAMONT ENTERPRISE AND ALBANY COUNTY POST Elizabeth Floyd Mair covers Guilderland, a large suburb of Albany with a population of 36,000, in words and pictures. She covers crime, government, schools, business, and more — sometimes with words and photographs and other times with photographs alone that speak for themselves. Before joining The Enterprise in 2015, she worked freelance for the Albany Times Union, writing hundreds of features. Floyd Mair lived in Tokyo, Japan, working for almost a decade as a book editor in a publishing company. She speaks Japanese and has worked freelance as an interpreter. In past New York Press Association contests, she has won first prize for News Story in Division 1 and second prize in the Thomas G. Butson Award for In-Depth Reporting. The judges said, “Great writing, and very hard-hitting work from this reporter. Stories included difficult-to-obtain information that I’m sure were difficult to write due to their subject matter. These stories will change lives, and will continue to give your very fortunate readers a reason to pick up their newspaper moving forward.”

2 0 1 9 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST 7 TONY BELLISSIMO After serving 13 years as a freelance sports reporter for Herald Community Papers, Tony Bellissimo joined the company as its full-time Sports Editor in the summer of 2007. In addition to providing the majority of weekly sports content for the large Nassau County based chain, which also publishes special sections previewing football, basketball, and multiple spring sports, Mr. Bellissimo oversees a staff of four freelance sportswriters and a dozen freelance sports photographers. Prior to joining the Herald on a full-time basis, Mr. Bellissimo worked the National Football League beat for nine years and held the title of NFL Editor at College and Pro Football Newsweekly.

EExcellence Awards BEST EDITORIAL PAGE ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE HONORABLE MENTION DIVISION 2 Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo THIRD PLACE FIRST PLACE Great coverage of the effort to bring FIRST PLACE The Altamont Enterprise and The Southampton Press- businesses and entrepreneurs home. Albany Business Review, Albany Albany County Post, Altamont Western Edition, Nice accompanying photography. Chelsea Diana and Liz Young Westhampton Beach Although there is an accompanying letter, A thoroughly impressive account of how Melissa Hale-Spencer the entry lacks proof of the newspaper’s These pages reflect a newspaper firmly Best ad in all entries: Fourth of July ad for the idea for a jobs-producing high-tech leadership in the “Coming Home” effort. hub failed to deliver on its promises, rooted in the local soil. The lead editorial Dr. Jack Heller vet. Very high-quality It’s missing supporting editorials or is always a nice piece of writing, and on business card and classifieds - clean and despite the infusion of millions of dollars columns, and advertising and promotion. of public funds. A complex story artfully the many, many pages that follow, interesting graphically. After-the-fact coverage alone does not community members weigh in with lively explained and detailed. In-depth and SECOND PLACE show leadership. Still, there’s no reason to explanatory journalism at its best. election debates, folksy columns, claims doubt the newspaper role, and the amount and counter claims, many which carry The Southampton Press- of space dedicated to this coverage shows SECOND PLACE editorial notes and responses from the Eastern Edition, Southampton the publication is invested in the topic. other side of the fence. Other editorial Nassau Herald, Lawrence Standout ad for Montauk Plumbing in Comprehensive and complete coverage sections are more carefully pruned, but magazine on p.91. here the pages are an organic thicket that of an issue — structural racism —which serves the community well. THIRD PLACE remains embedded within the American BEST NEWS WEB SITE experience. The newspaper’s devotion Albany Business Review, Albany to covering this story, which included Clean, professional work. Good examples FIRST PLACE interviewing 44 sources in seven articles of small-space retail. The Sag Harbor Express, that reached a combined 11,000-plus PHOTOGRAPHIC words, represents a great service to EXCELLENCE HONORABLE MENTION Sag Harbor readers and reflects the newspaper’s The Sag Harbor Express, Great use of photography. Nicely commendable commitment to pursuing FIRST PLACE Sag Harbor designed, easy to navigate. Like that journalism that matters to its community. Hard working small-space ads. comments are tracked on stories to see The Independent, East Hampton what everyone is talking about. The Best all-around photography entry. THIRD PLACE mixed-media page is great, only wish the Franklin Square Elmont Herald, SECOND PLACE link to the video wasn’t buried in the text (as user, I expected the top image to open Franklin Square The East Hampton Press, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP as video). Ronny Reyes and Peter Belfiore East Hampton Journalism that makes a difference: Great sampling of photos of local interest. FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE The comprehensive coverage of speeding The Post-Standard, Syracuse The Chronicle, Goshen cars on Dutch Broadway and the ensuing THIRD PLACE Karen Sherwood and Pete Pinto, Christina Scotti community outrage provided a needed The Sag Harbor Express, spotlight — and catalyst — for positive JoAnne Coughlin Walsh and Pam Chergotis change. An excellent example of Sag Harbor Wow. Just wow. Great example of Very nice site; attractive use of photos; Chock full of photos; local photos of enterprise reporting on a topic of community leadership. Raising $47,000 accepts user comments; easy to contact to interest to a broad swath of readers. interest and good quality. is no small feat and this entry shows just staff & unique to have a local games tab. how it can be done. Leadership is the common thread throughout the entire THIRD PLACE entry, with the accompanying letter The Independent, East Hampton DIVISION 3 VERALL ESIGN explaining how staffers raised the money. High design concept well executed. No O D FIRST PLACE EXCELLENCE And attached brochures and promotional opportunity for reader comments and a materials go above and beyond the other navigation bug I encountered detracted The Red Hook Star-Revue, DIVISION 1 entries. The Post Standard even had a from a higher place finish. Brooklyn mascot for the effort. Great job. Brett Yates FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE Thorough and clear reporting/writing. The Independent, East Hampton The lack of attribution struck me as Excellent layout and design, easy to read Long Beach Herald, Long Beach freeing for the writer without sounding and ads are well done. Anthony Rifilato THOMAS G. BUTSON made up. You really knew how things Damn good reporting! Excellent coverage AWARD IN-DEPTH work and what the issues are from a lot SECOND PLACE of government spending, complete with REPORTING of angles. I loved this line, which visually Shelter Island Reporter, strong editorial support. Clearly the describes the business model: Insofar as Shelter Island newspaper took a leadership position DIVISION 1 we’ve accepted a retail model that, by here, with its efforts exposing corruption standard practice, whenever someone Layout, ads and overall design easy to and prompting further auditing. The FIRST PLACE read, eye catching. wants to buy a box of toothpicks, newspaper allocated far more space to the The Altamont Enterprise and immediately sends a truck to deliver THIRD PLACE coverup that most would have done. Albany County Post, Altamont those toothpicks directly to the buyer’s The News-Review, Riverhead Outstanding job. Melissa Hale-Spencer doorstep instead of asking him to walk Design and layout easy to follow with You really drew me into this story, a few blocks to a store, last-mile THIRD PLACE distribution centers must exist. the eye. Ads also easy to read. Long Island Advance, Patchogue great detail. Nicole Fuentes, Linda Leuzzi SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE and Glenn Rohrbacker The Columbia Paper, Ghent The Red Hook Star-Revue, DIVISION 2 Way to take the lead in a very Diane Valden Brooklyn controversial subject. The reporting is The great beginning telling the story’s Brett Yates FIRST PLACE excellent, and the editorial support gives result and then you filled in the many An amazing piece of journalism. The The Southampton Press- credibility to the need to address details. time, the effort, the story was outstanding, Eastern Edition, Southampton prejudice in the community. especially about the self-righteous cop and THIRD PLACE the phases the police force went to try to Great layout and design on each page. HONORABLE MENTION Photography and ad design exceptional. The Highlands Current, improve relations and the case stories. Kudos to your team. The Altamont Enterprise and Philipstown Overall, many strong stories put together. Albany County Post, Altamont SECOND PLACE Solid investigative reporting and op/ed Chip Rowe THIRD PLACE The Sag Harbor Express, support. Reporter H. Rose Schneider Your opening could have been stronger by The Times of Huntington, exposed the possible illegal actions in the tying it to the readers: white supremacists Sag Harbor are growing their movement next door Huntington Wonderful photography, layout and ad firing of transfer-station employees and Donna Deedy and David Luces her publication backed it up with a call (hinted at in the title, “The Extremist design. Easy to read and packed full Next Door.” A sentence or two in that There were a lot of different angles to stories. Would be nice to see color on for correcting the situation. Following the cover. Interesting to see how it progressed, story through, the coverage and editorial vein would lead nicely into the podcast. every page. Well-written multi-faceted article. still not resolved. I’d be interested in what support eventually prompted the improper was there before they built a school on it terminations to be overturned. Excellent I appreciated the accompanying THIRD PLACE breakouts, photos and notes. 65 years ago. The Riverdale Press, Riverdale leadership. This package shows how a newspaper can make a difference in the HONORABLE MENTION Easy to read headlines, photos and ads are community. a bit dark, overall layout easy to follow The Altamont Enterprise and with the eye. Albany County Post, Altamont Elizabeth Floyd Mair You told a difficult story with cautionary insight and weaved in the family’s loss.

8 Sports Writer of the Year, 2019 There were 19 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : MIKE MACADAM, THE DAILY GAZETTE Mike MacAdam has been a member of The Daily Gazette’s sports department since 1987, covering a variety of beats along the way. Currently, MacAdam serves as the department’s columnist, and covers horse racing and college hockey as his primary beats. Additionally, MacAdam plays a valuable role in the day-to-day production of the newspaper. The judges said, “Great breadth and fine writing distinguish these entries. Without question, this was the the number one entry.”

S ECOND P LACE : TONY BELLISSIMO, ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD After serving 13 years as a freelance sports reporter for Herald Community Papers, Tony Bellissimo joined the company as its full-time Sports Editor in the summer of 2007. In addition to providing the majority of weekly sports content for the large Nassau County based chain, which also publishes special sections previewing football, basketball, and multiple spring sports, Mr. Bellissimo oversees a staff of four freelance sportswriters and a dozen freelance sports photographers. Prior to joining the Herald on a full-time basis, Mr. Bellissimo worked the National Football League beat for nine years and held the title of NFL Editor at College and Pro Football Newsweekly. The judges said, “Tight writing, vivid detail and great range distinguish these entries from the rest. Very nice job.”

T HIRD P LACE : BOB LIEPA, THE SUFFOLK TIMES Bob Liepa has 35 years of reporting and editing experience in newspapers. He is in his 27th year working for Times/Review Media Group. Mr. Liepa started with the company as a general assignment reporter with beats that included government and education. In 1995 he moved to the Sports Department and went on to become sports editor, overseeing sports coverage for The Suffolk Times and The Riverhead News-Review. Mr. Liepa won the New York State Press Association’s Writer of the Year award in 1991 and its Sports Writer of the Year award in 2000. He was the recipient of the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association’s Media Award in 2009. He is a four-time winner of the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association Newsperson of the Year Award (2009, 2013, 2015, 2016). Mr. Liepa started his professional journalism career working at Metropolitan Soccer Week, where he rose to the position of editor, coordinating coverage of local, national and international soccer. Mr. Liepa, who is 57, is a graduate of East Meadow High School. He did not write for his high school paper, but he was the sports editor of the Nassau County Community College paper, Vignette. A former soccer goalkeeper, he played the sport for 20 years. He resides in Moriches, N.Y. The judges said, “It’s clear this writer values the people as much as the statistics they compile. A great job, showing a nice writing style and significant range.” 9 EExcellence Awards THOMAS G. BUTSON DIVISION 2 DIVISION 2 COVERAGE OF THE ARTS AWARD IN-DEPTH FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE REPORTING DIVISION 1 Queens Chronicle, Queens The Red Hook Star-Revue, DIVISION 4 Ryan Brady, Michael Gannon Brooklyn FIRST PLACE and Michael Shain Brett Yates and Nathan Weiser Adirondack Daily Enterprise, FIRST PLACE These varied entries show broad Outstanding writing. Thoughtful, Saranac Lake The Independent, East Hampton commitment to covering agencies and fresh and clear writing tackles complex Griffin Kelly and Aaron Cerbone Kim Velsey discovering facts. They are such good subjects delivering readers the genuine Great coverage! I felt pulled into all the Your opening profile painted a nostalgic reads you hardly notice what deep local journalism every community stories, both in content and visually. past and brought us to the present with dives they are. deserves. a tearful moment of Fiore accepting her SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE fate. The article went on too many SECOND PLACE The Riverdale Press, Riverdale poignant examples, each offering many Norwood News, Bronx Queens Chronicle, Queens Tiffany Moustakas, Julius Motal facets of this problem. The story was David Cruz, Silé Moloney David Russell, Mike Shain, filled with empathy, frustration and Mike Gannon and Anthony and Raphael Lassauze hope. Incredible well-sourced reporting and Christy Rae Ammons These stories are moving, interesting, Your entries show fantastic breadth and O’Reilly informative. Visually, the entries are also and compelling writing made eight pages The team delivers the latest on extremely readable. deep connections to your community. very strong. They are not government meeting education with journalism that informs, SECOND PLACE coverage. They are so accessible, enlightens and strengthens communities. THIRD PLACE The Independent, East Hampton pertinent to readers — great writing. THIRD PLACE The Southampton Press- Eastern Edition, Southampton Kevin Gray THIRD PLACE The Spotlight, Delmar Excellent and disturbing reporting on Michael Hallisey and Diego Cagara Annette Hinkle and Michelle Trauring water pollution. I was surprised when Long Island Press, Syosset Good range of stories. I wanted to keep Timothy Bolger Solid reporting all around in a it morphed from Sand Land to other competitive category. reading. I enjoyed these stories. Very strong pollution. The graphics highlighted the You give deep context on tough topics competition this year. story well. without also drowning readers in detail. The writing and presentation are HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE engaging. The Southampton Press- Norwood News, Bronx Western Edition, HONORABLE MENTION COVERAGE OF BUSINESS, David Cruz INANCIAL CONOMIC Westhampton Beach Your hard work shows in pulling together Cazenovia Republican, F & E NEWS Annette Hinkle and Michelle Trauring the data. The story showed many aspects Cazenovia I especially loved “It’s Not Easy Being of the problem through real people’s Kate Hill FIRST PLACE Green.” Very, very competitive category examples and ended with a positive Your commitment to stick with a this year, or else this entry would have thing that organized people can do. Albany Business Review, Albany controversial project shows as you What an impressive array of deep-dive placed higher. Made my job as judge HONORABLE MENTION brought as much information to readers enterprise stories. These are big-concept, very difficult. Long Island Press, Syosset as possible from different perspectives. high-wire projects that require Claude Solnik authoritative reporting and compelling storytelling, enhanced by personal stories DIVISION 2 – and they deliver. The presentation is consistently superb: Bold, engaging FIRST PLACE COVERAGE OF EDUCATION design; powerful photography; exemplary Lake Champlain Weekly, COVERAGE OF use of graphics, sidebars and information DIVISION 1 pull-outs. Plattsburgh LOCAL GOVERNMENT Benjamin Pomerance FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE Phenomenal job. I felt like I was pulled into DIVISION 1 Merrick Herald Life, Merrick Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo each story and wanted to keep reading. FIRST PLACE Andrew Garcia, Erik Hawkins Allissa Kline, James Fink Beautiful way with words and an obvious Cortland Standard, Cortland and Alyssa Seidman and Dan Miner love of the arts. Thank you! Shenandoah Briere Great storytelling. Good use of Ambitious stories, well-conceived and SECOND PLACE Top-notch watchdog reporting all pictures and pull quotes too. Liked the well-executed, clearly topical and Garden City Life, Garden City around. Excellent scene-setting intro on presentation and the fact that you shared grounded in the community. Thoroughly Dave Gil de Rubio the Cortland County truck dilemma in her resignation letter. Great pull quotes, reported and nicely written – accessible the story on the county’s fiscal crisis. headline/subhead. Connects with readers to (and of interest to) a wide spectrum of Great reporting, vivid details. I loved all of Lede on the recycling story relates well on an emotional level. Delicate but readers. Excellent design, photography these in-depth portraits and the range that to the common taxpayer/reader. Loved important subject. Like that you gave a and graphics make every story inviting. they represented in the art world. the story on Banewicz’s KKK connection teen suicide hotline at the end as well. THIRD PLACE with quotes that seem surreal even for Great presentation and education of THIRD PLACE today. The fact this guy won via write-in readers to understand the topic. The Highlands Current, The Villager (NYC), New York vote is scary. Your stories are well- Philipstown Bob Krasner reported and well-written - and they SECOND PLACE Victorian Shannon, Jeff Simms Engaging stories and strong visuals that force readers to pay attention and finish. The Altamont Enterprise and and Brian PJ Cronin helped complete the narrative. They shake people awake. Albany County Post, Altamont The “Living on the Edge” series HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE Very in-depth article on drug cost impact effectively tackles head-on a subject that The Jewish Week, New York to budget. Love the chart — easily most economically challenged Albany Business Review, Albany educated the community on budget communities find difficult to deal with. Sandee Brawarsky Solid, straightforward, well-constructed changes as well as potential reductions. The “p” word (poverty) can be an This ranking is for all stories submitted watchdog reporting all around. Very thorough and thoughtful uncomfortable issue to parse, but the by this reporter. Wish I could rank higher Absolutely beautiful package on presentation of data. Paper is not afraid newspaper approaches it from both the ...very competitive category. Cuomo - had it all. Fascinating story personal and pragmatic perspectives, on Todd Pletcher and his struggle to tackle tough issues. Does a great job of putting things into context and with a wealth of high-utility sidebar with H-2B visas. communicating facts/data. Good use information. Community service journalism of the highest caliber. THIRD PLACE of pull quotes, charts, to support storytelling. COVERAGE OF THE Suffolk County News, Sayville HONORABLE MENTION ENVIRONMENT Nicole Fuentes and Randall THIRD PLACE The Sag Harbor Express, Waszynski The East Hampton Press, Sag Harbor FIRST PLACE Stories are well-reported through a East Hampton Michelle Trauring The Record-Review, Bedford watchdog lens and written with love for Good stories — very educational, and Christine Sampson Atractive packaging, tight writing, and the community they serve. Especially like balanced, good context, good use of Revealing reporting on a community breadth of coverage — from plastic bags the Islip town budget story and editorial photos/pull quote. Nice graphic to that is undergoing an economic to beaver dams — make this a winner. because they stand up to the ridiculous support story. transition, with clear-eyed conditions the city put on viewing a acknowledgment of all the issues that SECOND PLACE public document. HONORABLE MENTION raises. The cannabis package is The Times of Smithtown Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo beautifully designed and photographed Township, Smithtown HONORABLE MENTION and is as engaging as it is educational. The Highlands Current, Dan Miner and Scott Thomas Donna Deedy Philipstown Very well done! Comprehensive, great Lovely writing, nice photography, some layout/design, good use of charts/graphs, off the beaten path subjects and a Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong, love the map. Thorough, good research/ comprehensive and balanced look at Chip Rowe and Michael Turton data/storytelling. charges surrounding a cancer cluster make Excellent watchdog reporting on the this entry stand out. county exec’s bodyguard. HONORABLE MENTION Westmore News, Port Chester THIRD PLACE Sarah Wolpoff The Altamont Enterprise and Albany County Post, Altamont and Victoria Bresnahan Some nice, hard-nosed reporting in this 10 Good context and great use of photos entry. Stories go beyond studies and to support story. government handouts and show real initiative. Good job. Photographer of the Year, 2019 There were 14 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : CHRISTINA DALY, VALLEY STREAM HERALD

Christina Daly, a lifelong Long Islander, shot her first newspaper assignment in 2007 and has been hooked ever since. She has worked as the Herald photo editor since 2009 and is responsible for photography, picture selection and story illustration for 18 Heralds and the Jewish Star. A self-taught photographer, Daly is most interested in capturing life’s little moments, those split second emotions that are almost impossible to recreate. The judges said, “Fireworks, sports, fun and emotion. This portfolio has a little bit of everything. And each image tells a story. Great angles. Very strong entry.”

S ECOND P LACE : DANA SHAW, THE SOUTHAMPTON PRESS - EASTERN Dana Shaw, Photo Editor at The Southampton Press, originally from Western Pennsylvania, moved to the East End of Long Island in May of 1998 to work as the first full-time photographer at The Southampton Press. In 1999 she was promoted to Photo Editor. Dana earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Communications at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1989, where she met her husband, Joe Shaw. In 1989 she started a career in journalism as an assistant editor/reporter/ photographer for the weekly newspapaers: The Reynoldsville Star, The Sykesville Post Dispatch and the Brockway Record and worked as reporter for the daily the Punxsutawney Spirit in Punxsutawney (home of the groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil), Pennsylvania. While working for those papers Dana discovered that she had a knack for photography. She then went on to the daily paper The Leader Times in Kittanning, PA., where she became their chief photographer. Dana has been married to Joe for 29 years. Together they live in Hampton Bays, NY, with their two adorable cats Felix and Oscar. In her spare time she is a rescue and transport volunteer for the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center. The judges said, “Enjoyable portfolio. Good combination of feature, news and sports work.”

T HIRD P LACE : JIM MACLEAN, THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER Jim MacLean is the staff photographer for the Scarsdale Inquirer, it’s sister publication the Rivertowns Enterprise, and the Scarsdale Living Magazine. He joined the staff of the Inquirer in 2007 and has 20 years of experience overall with weekly newspapers in Westchester County, New York. A graduate of Fordham University, Jim has won more than 60 NYPA awards over the years including seven in the Photographer of the Year category and two in the Sports Writer of the Year category. The judges said, “Nice action and colorful portfolio. The photographer didn’t forget to change levels to get a different perspective. Best of all, his perspective still tells the story.”

H ONORABLE M ENTION : TIM LAMORTE, THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE Tim Lamorte has been the editor of The Rivertowns Enterprise for more than 20 years. He has won awards from the New York Press Association (NYPA) and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). In the NYPA’s annual Better Newspaper Contest, he has placed seven times in the Photographer of the Year category, including first place in 2015. Tim has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism. He is a lifelong resident of Westchester County. The judges said, “Nice overall entry. Good color. Nice change of perspective. Images tell a story. A little light on the action photography.” 11 EExcellence Awards COVERAGE OF HEALTH, COVERAGE OF CRIME/ COVERAGE OF SPORTS FEATURE HEALTH CARE & POLICE/COURTS AGRICULTURE SCIENCE DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE The East Hampton Press, The Southampton Press- FIRST PLACE East Hampton The News-Review, Riverhead Eastern Edition, Southampton The Southampton Press- Michael Wright, Elizabeth Vespe, Bob Liepa Eastern Edition, Southampton “Everybody loves a comeback story.” Entries were varied and all interesting. Andrew Messinger and Lisa Daffy Great local angle, honest storytelling, Authors take national topics and tie Greg Wehner, Valerie Gordon, The coverage of agriculture news and them in with local perspectives/ Rachel Valdespino and Michael Wright trends is impressive, and the newspaper SECOND PLACE impacts. There was good information Nice selection across a broad range of crime/ was the runaway winner in this category. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, throughout and plenty of voices. court stories, written so well it’s impossible Michael Wright consistently offers more Strong effort all around. Great job! to stop reading. than expected; his story on overtime was Saranac Lake comprehensively sourced and reported Elizabeth Izzo SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE and explored related issues that are major Not your typical sports feature, but starts The Southampton Press- The Suffolk Times, Mattituck factors in the economyof small-scale with an engaging lede and takes us step Western Edition, Grant Parpan, Kate Nalepinski farming. Excellent use of quotes and by step through Praveen’s story. Westhampton Beach and Steve Wick descriptive detail; top-drawer reporting at its best. The writer’s story on the plight THIRD PLACE Strong entries from staff that covered Not your everyday crime/court reporting; Albany Business Review, Albany the gamut of health news and in-depth and engaging story telling. of bees is the best I’ve read; and I’ve read personality profiles. Their community many on this slowly unfolding tragedy. Robin K. Cooper is lucky to have a group like this THIRD PLACE All of the writers for this entry were Well written and researched story with covering its issues. Good job! The Altamont Enterprise and outstanding. Job well-done! impact on the community. THIRD PLACE Albany County Post, Altamont SECOND PLACE The paper is recognized for its wide range Lake Placid News, Lake Placid The News-Review, Riverhead of in-depth stories, with first-person DIVISION 2 Tara Smith, Mahreen Khan, interviews. Andy Flynn, Elizabeth Izzo Kate Nalepinski and and Carol Swirsky FIRST PLACE A most solid and comprehensive package Joe Werkmeister of farming news, from news to features to The Southampton Press-Western Strong stories ranging from human DIVISION 2 profiles to go-see-do pieces. The writing interest to hard news. Field was Edition, Westhampton Beach is engaging, informative and entertaining. Cailin Riley, Drew Budd incredibly diverse and competitive, FIRST PLACE And practical; yes, I am looking at you, and this group stood out for its range. The Independent, East Hampton recipe for rhubarb crisp. and Gavin Menu Good job! T.E. McMorrow The newspaper put together a timely, THIRD PLACE well-researched look at an issue that more HONORABLE MENTION Consistently strong, engaging writing makes The Altamont Enterprise and and more schools will be facing in the The Jewish Week, New York this the winner. future. Amy Sara Clark, Hannah Albany County Post, Altamont SECOND PLACE The coverage of agriculture strongly SECOND PLACE Dreyfus, Stewart Ain, Gay City News, New York displays the value the newspaper places The East Hampton Press, Michele Chabin and Duncan Osborne, Matt Tracy on farming issues. The writer’s story on East Hampton Madison Hahamy and Andy Humm rabbits was a delight to read. Nice variety Comprehensive coverage of the of stories, and the pieces devoted to local Elizabeth Vespe Kudos for providing insightful background The writer conveys the innocence and measles issue from a hyperlocal angle. on each story, truly comprehensive pieces. farming history were deftly executed. Stories had a lot of voices and tied a excitement of an unexpected journey of a national topic into the local area. THIRD PLACE young boy. Readers are lucky to have this paper. North Country This Week, Potsdam THIRD PLACE Good job in a competitive field! Jimmy Lawton, Andy Gardner COVERAGE OF RELIGION The Southampton Press-Eastern HONORABLE MENTION and Matt Lindsey Edition, Southampton GreaterLongIsland.com, Comprehensive reporting on the FIRST PLACE Cailin Riley Patchogue downstream effects of crime, poorly run Our Town (NYC), New York The writer crafts an inspiring story about administrations, and straight-up court a young man facing and overcoming Lon Cohen, Nicholas Esposito reporting. Emily Higginbotham and Julianne Mosher and Doug Feiden challenges. Great profiles throughout! All stories Lovely and thoroughly insightful were good reads in a competitive field. reporting on a tough story. The nurse feature could have been DIVISION 3 fleshed out more, but the stories this COVERAGE OF ELECTIONS/ SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE news group pursues are great. Put me POLITICS The Red Hook Star-Revue, on the list for the baby cuddle program! Brooklyn Watertown Daily Times, Good job! FIRST PLACE Erin Degregorio Watertown City & State, New York Fascinating and interesting reporting. Philip Sanzo Ben Adler, Jeff Coltin, The story is an inspiring profile at an THIRD PLACE Annie McDonough, Rebecca Lewis athlete whose life is marked by incredible Gay City News, New York twists and turns. HEADLINE WRITING and Zach Williams Excellent writing on some important topics. Matt Tracy, Arthur S. Leonard and Paul Schindler SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE The Daily Gazette, Schenectady The News-Review, Riverhead SECOND PLACE Great, clear coverage with meaningful The Highlands Current, content for the community. Michael Kelly Steve Wick, Joe Werkmeister The writer delves deeply into the life of a and Bob Liepa Philipstown HONORABLE MENTION rising basketball star, enabling the reader Nice sampling across news categories; Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong, Westbury Times,Westbury to gain a rare insight into what makes an consistently accurate, succinct and Chip Rowe and Jeff Simms Frank Rizzo and Joseph Wolkin elite athlete tick. clever! Best overall coverage. Writing was really Excellent coverage of a variety of stories. good but lacked the excellence of the THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE top pick. Watertown Daily Times, Lynbrook East Rockaway Watertown Herald, Lynbrook THIRD PLACE Gregory Gay Mike Smollins Gay City News, New York The writer handles a delicate subject with Catchy and accurate headlines sampled Matt Tracy and Paul Schindler compassion and sensitivity. across categories. Some obvious Some excellent writing, and I enjoyed thought when into making the puns the watchdog-type stories. work. HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE The West Side Spirit, New York The Rockaway Times, Doug Feiden Rockaway Great writing on some high-powered Katie McFadden leaders. Best writing in the category but All are clever and appropriate, lacked the depth and overall coverage of drawing the reader into the story. those ahead of you.

12 Best Front Page, 2019 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 PIERCE STRUDLER — THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT “Overall – nice presentation, good photography, masthead is clean, layout is appealing. Consistent title capitalization. Attractive and varied layouts. Writing is also very clean. Nicely done.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 JODI WEINBERGER, TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL AND CHRISTINA ROSE — NORTH SALEM NEWS “Great visual, nice headline, aesthetically pleasing.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 THE INDEPENDENT “The quality of the photography is excellent and engaging. Well done!”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 4 THE RECORD-REVIEW “Nice photography. Clean masthead. Interesting stories. This was the only paper that I felt like, wait, I want to read that story! Congratulations. Lots of good stuff.”

13 EExcellence Awards SPORTS COVERAGE SPOT NEWS COVERAGE THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE The Independent, East Hampton The Riverdale Press, Riverdale TIE - FIRST PLACE DIVISION 1 The East Hampton Press, T.E. McMorrow Kirstyn Brendlen FIRST PLACE Comprehensive coverage included A nicely written, well researched profile East Hampton police reports, time of day, road of a school dealing with disturbing news. Drew Budd The News-Review, Riverhead conditions and detailed information You really feel the sadness mixed with Great short story on swim author . . . Grant Parpan, Kate Nalepinski, about the victim and the driver. social realities and the deliberate steps and photo. Good outdoor columns; Steve Wick and Tara Smith Tightly written, compelling narrative. officials took to reclaim confidence real people doing real things beyond the Amazing tribute to Detective Simonsen. Great reporting and writing. and trust. sidelines and dugouts. Variety really spices Excellent team effort, well-written and these pages. And section cover photos well-sourced stories, amazing photography/ THIRD PLACE are great lures. Good writing, good presentation. This newspaper clearly rose Sea Cliff Glen Head Herald presentation, good variety. to the challenge - on deadline - and Gazette, Glen Cove delivered. NEWS STORY TIE - FIRST PLACE Laura Lane Well written and emotionally compelling, The Southampton Press- SECOND PLACE DIVISION 1 Western Edition, Livingston County News, Geneseo this story lays out an obvious mis- FIRST PLACE calculation by the state on who deserves Westhampton Beach Ben Beagle and Matt Surtel compensation for responding to the Drew Budd Excellent coverage of such a tragic event. Warsaw’s Country Courier, World Trade Center disaster. Nicely done. Very good event coverage, even comments Follow-up stories are solid, especially the Warsaw by participants besides the coaches. Lots respectful tribute to the four teens who Natalie Muster died. The fact that you did this on of detail. Excellent photos. Great Little Well detailed, sourced, researched and DIVISION 4 League feature . . . with parents included. deadline is remarkable. Kudos. This is developed. Reflects the community’s Greatoutdoor columns; good variety . . . why community newspapers matter. values and position. Good job. FIRST PLACE with a Panda, no less? A team loses: huge action photo eases the pain in this story. THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE Queens Examiner, Queens Adults get ink, and photos in this Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Benjamin Fang Westmore News, Port Chester Interesting story, especially for a judge comprehensive community sports package. Saranac Lake Sarah Wolpoff You-catch seafood and sailing add balance Elizabeth Izzo from Washington state, home of Amazon. to the pages. Excellent features! Thorough, good sourcing and reaching Well done - the story with Chelsea all sides; well developed, researched SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Walker’s perspective added the right and written. The Smithtown News, Smithtown touch to the package. Kudos for capturing The Sag Harbor Express, a photo of the burning lodge. THIRD PLACE David Ambro Sag Harbor The Altamont Enterprise and A great tribute to a man who was Gavin Menu, Drew Budd HONORABLE MENTION obviously well-liked and effective Albany County Post, Altamont in his job. and Cailin Riley Albany Business Review, Albany Well written, timely, well sourced for Lot of ink for a beached whale in this Chelsea Diana a difficult story to research, develop THIRD PLACE sporting section. Hope some readers The story conveyed the sense of and write. Well done. Queens Ledger, Queens consumed it . . . the story, not the subject. uncertainty and disbelief that these Benjamin Fang In the magazine, another whale of a tale: employees and businesses were facing. ONORABLE ENTION H M Would have liked comments from inanimate Whaler’s Cup personified here. The Sun & Record, Williamson Nice feature using a variety of voices, even impacted business owners to be higher in the cup’s. Additional stories in the Josh Faulks and John Addyman the story but overall, it was a great effort. magazine struck notes of competitive DIVISION 2 Good coverage of an important tragedy; well sourced, researched and developed. HONORABLE MENTION success, if not survival, and treated readers IRST LACE to emotional and practical coverage not F P The Smithtown News, Smithtown apparent on the “regular” sports pages. Freeport Herald Leader, Freeport HONORABLE MENTION David Ambro Some writing needed a good edit but did Briana Bonfiglio, Christina Daly, The Cornwall Local, Cornwall Good effort on a story that impacts people not detract from story focus in those Nadya Nataly, Anthony Rifilato Jason Kaplan nationwide. magazine narratives. Great graphic appeal, and Darwin Yanes Top five story; important topic; wanted too! Nice to read broad community-linked Congratulations to a dedicated team that more of an emphasis on her job in news. sports stories, such as equestrian, summer insisted on journalism more impactful DIVISION 5 swimming. Magazine features “earned” than video clips and sensational headlines this placement. ripe for social media and judgmental DIVISION 2 FIRST PLACE THIRD PLACE commentary. Diligent, uncompromising, Long Island Press, Syosset The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale steady and focused, the newspaper FIRST PLACE Claude Solnik produced the quality journalism essential The Southampton Press- Does good job of explaining the sales Very good coverage of local traditional for a community to fully comprehend such sports teams. Stories include competitors’ Western Edition, pitch for filtration systems and the a brutal murder of a neighborhood high perspective of water purveyors. comments along with the usual coaches’ school senior committed in broad daylight. Westhampton Beach remarks. What makes the coverage special Valerie Gordon SECOND PLACE is the analysis and “meaning” — besides SECOND PLACE the inclusion of participants reactions to A poignant story just waiting to be told. The Daily Gazette, Schenectady their actions — planted throughout. The East Hampton Star, And it was told clearly and with passion. Jason Subik and John Cropley Statistic boxes share the space, but the East Hampton Fine work. Package presents a cogent explanation of stories carry the real narratives of outcomes Taylor K. Vecsey SECOND PLACE the direct impacts of the school district’s and possibilities. Good photos. Good Top notch reporting with excellent budget cuts. writing/reporting. Absent are stories about coverage of the event from personal The Southampton Press- community members not aligned with the perspectives. Fine work in a competitive Eastern Edition, Southampton THIRD PLACE traditional sports: fun runs, recreational field of entries. Cailin Riley The Independent, East Hampton activities, adult fitness through competition This piece is an example of wonderful THIRD PLACE Bridget LeRoy and personality features in general — storytelling. Excellent writing and The article informs and entertains readers a couple were part of these entries. The East Hampton Press, research. about a local landmark. East Hampton HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION The Smithtown News, Smithtown Elizabeth Vespe Solid reporting of mysterious murder. The Southampton Press- The Chronicle-Express, Penn Yan Anthony Lifrieri Eastern Edition, Southampton John Christensen Lots, and lots, and lots, and lots of team Piece provides a primer for parents event coverage. Stories (not all, some) Margaret Osborne DIVISION 3 Valuable research was included in this challenged by the conditions of their include comments/reactions from children. participants. Good photos; good written report that is relevant to community FIRST PLACE readers. Great work. accounts. Very good feature on special HONORABLE MENTION teams under a unifiedathletic program Watertown Daily Times, for athletes with challenges. Queens Courier, Bayside Watertown Mark Hallum DIVISION 3 HONORABLE MENTION Craig Fox and Abraham Kenmore and Carlotta Mohamed Solid and detailed reporting of a horrible The Independent, East Hampton FIRST PLACE Both series do a good job providing tragedy written with compassion and a lot of details. Desiree Keegan respect. The Riverdale Press, Riverdale and Gordon M. Grant Kirstyn Brendlen, Michael Hinman Good game coverage! The best elements SECOND PLACE and Heather J. Smith are observations and reactions from the Bayside Times, Queens Multiple sources, wide-ranging participants, not just the coaches. And Mark Hallum viewpoints, solid facts and good writing some healthy stories for adults make Tragedy from friendly fire is difficult make this a substantial story worth athletes of us all. Nice golf column if reporting. The writer covered this reading. you’re a celebrity. breaking news story with clear orderly 14 precision. Best Sports Action Photo(s), 2019 Best Sports Feature Photo(s), 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 JIM MACLEAN THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER “Great shot of the soccer player in flight for the save. Crisp focus overall, but especially like the player’s facial expression captured, and even detect the wind generated by his leap billowing through his uniform. Great photo of an athlete with great form.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 RICH BARNES THE SUFFOLK TIMES “Fun photo. Great expressions on all of their faces. Even the water droplets are in sharp focus. Very nice.” FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 RON ESPOSITO THE SOUTHAMPTON PRESS - EASTERN “The photographer captures the feel of the event with a superb collage of images. “

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 TIM MARTIN MARK GUTMAN REGISTER-STAR THE DAILY NEWS “Great airborne photo! Very impressive!” “Wonderful capture of the spectators’ surprise and delight during play of America’s favorite summertime game.”

15 EExcellence Awards FEATURE STORY DIVISION 3 SECOND PLACE DIVISION 7 Eagle Bulletin, Fayetteville DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE Jason Klaiber FIRST PLACE Albany Business Review, Albany The Jewish Week, New York FIRST PLACE Jason’s writing brings the reader into Michael DeMasi the mother’s parlor where she writes her Steve Lipman The Other Hudson Valley, This story is expertly crafted, with great letters to her late son and her own late This exceptional narrative bridges a huge Hudson descriptions that put you at the scene mother. The grieving process is not often cultural-religious-national gap and inspires Roger Hannigan Gilson while weaving business information spoken or written about often, and a reader to wonder (reflect upon) how All news is local news and this piece is around a compelling narrative of a family’s certainly not the actual things people to societal differences could be resolved a prime example of how to localize a dreams and efforts. You know you have a do cope in positive ways. I appreciate the without an inspirational war. Great nation-wide epidemic. The article winner when you finish the story and wish writer’s decision to write this woman’s reporting-sourcing-writing! This explores the darkness of addition and its there was more. Good job. story and the sense of community it substantive examination of Muslim-Jewish larger impact on the state, from both a provides. collaboration in the spirit of humanity human perspective and a credible SECOND PLACE should be discovered, embraced and research-based perspective. The author The East Hampton Press, THIRD PLACE shared across our nation. included key sources, from the East Hampton The Times of Smithtown Department of Health to the local police Township, Smithtown SECOND PLACE chief, and skillfully tied in the compelling Annette Hinkle Manhasset Press, Manhasset details of an individual facing addiction. A touching story of a famous cartoonist Donna Deedy nearing the end of his life, how his family The story sheds light on an issue that Marco Schaden ECOND LACE coped, and how his fans still support him. affects many communities but takes it Weird, unusual, sensational, uplifting, S P revealing, personal: turning a robot into GreaterLongIsland.com, Tight writing, Intimate details and an a step further by looking at some of amazing illustration that says volumes the actual steps of recovery through a human, and vice versa. A compelling Patchogue make this a winner. perspectives on either side of the opioid story for readers, well written, well Nicholas Esposito epidemic. Including a former user’s focused! It makes a solid connection. Esposito finds and shares the golden THIRD PLACE personal recovery story, and what medical nugget of Port Jefferson with Hannaford’s THIRD PLACE The Sag Harbor Express, professionals are taught about pain Ithaca Times, Ithaca story. The article’s strong lede ropes the Sag Harbor management and opioid misuse, in the reader in and breaks down her unique context of explaining addiction recovery Matt Butler career switch with originality, detail Michelle Trauring methods made this a strong piece. Nicely written with a consistent focus and clarity. This could have been a routine story, on the central subject, this story should but the writer brought some heart to the HONORABLE MENTION resonate with readers--addicts, recovering THIRD PLACE effort. Beautifully written, emotional and drug abusers, families affected by authentic. Very nice job on an amazing The Times of Middle Country, Shelter Island Reporter, Centereach addictions, the general community in Shelter Island enterprise. which this subject resides, and the Laura Johanson professionals who confront this problem . . Ambrose Clancy This story touches on many different This article thoughtfully explains the story . and those who cause it, which itself issues – farming, food banks, accessible should be a feature focus. behind the tragic and chaotic incident in DIVISION 4 spaces, loss – but it still feels cohesive. Queens, providing readers with a glimpse Although the main character in the story HONORABLE MENTION behind the police badges. The article finds FIRST PLACE is one woman, the community is New York Law Journal, New York a meaningful local angle while using The Yorktown News, Yorktown highlighted throughout the story. strong story development and descriptions Brian Marschhauser Jason Grant to portray the emotions of Sgt. LeGrady. Excellent watchdog story and public HONORABLE MENTION A great account of multi-year litigation steeped in acrimony, frustration, passion, HONORABLE MENTION service in notifying the public about this The Times of Middle Country, fraudulent business. and lots of money. And the final outcome Lake Placid News, Lake Placid Centereach remains even after a jury trial favored Andy Flynn SECOND PLACE Rita J. Egan plaintiffs with millions of dollars in It’s not every day someone in Lake Placid North Salem News, North Salem A nice, concise story about a man, who settlement. Appeals have set that outcome turns 100, but when they do, the writer likely many people have seen but don’t aside. Wish we could read the final story . . Jodi Weinberger know all the details, and what he does to . if we’re still alive. Good writing: sourcing should cover their birthday party. This Fun story! I laughed out loud at the line article conveys who Ruth Hart is, through help his community. This story sheds light mostly from plaintiffs, though defendant “and, ya know, whether aliens built on an “ordinary” citizen’s impact and the has space here via trial transcript. the recounting of her birthday party and Balanced Rock!!!” I’m guessing this was the historical moments of her life. quote selection shows the reader the man’s Through a unique human-interest angle, one of your most popular stories of the personality instead of just telling the HONORABLE MENTION the writer captures the originality of Hart. year. Perfect story for your paper and reader. Long Island Weekly, Mineola community. Rudy Malcom THIRD PLACE A very comprehensive news-feature IVISION DIVISION 6 reviewing s water quality report: reactions, D 2 The Putnam Examiner, Putnam actions, evaluation, analysis all with FIRST PLACE David Propper FIRST PLACE identifiable sourcing beyond just the Wow. Fascinating story about how report. Excellent writing, reporting and The Altamont Enterprise and renowned slimeball Roger Ailes can Press-Republican, Plattsburgh the series DID provide this reader with Albany County Post, Altamont even ruin a small town and a community Kayla Breen an understanding of its purpose! Elizabeth Floyd Mair newspaper. This was a once-in-a-lifetime story that Heartwarming story of reunion includes a these students will remember their whole mystery and how it was solved. HONORABLE MENTION lives. The story flows well with a nice The Riverdale Press, Riverdale intro and setup. It made me want to hear SECOND PLACE Michael Hinman all of the students’ questions, so I watched BEST NEWS OR The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale Wow. All I can say is great story to the video. The info box was a nice touch. FEATURE SERIES Todd Sliss coincide with the firebombing’s Writing about such a cool experience Inspiring story about a woman’s decision anniversary. Considering the event translates well, and it made me grin. DIVISION 1 to withhold information about her illness happened in 1989, the details carry a SECOND PLACE from her children to give them a normal degree of gravity and relevance to FIRST PLACE childhood, and the impacts of that today’s times. The Smithtown News, Smithtown The Highlands Current, decision, told in a bittersweet tone. David Ambro Philipstown The writer does a good job of transporting THIRD PLACE DIVISION 5 the reader to these hikers’ experiences. Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong Westmore News, Port Chester I could imagine what they felt and their and Chip Rowe FIRST PLACE struggles. It left me wanting to see more. Really well written. Good sentence Sarah Wolpoff structure, no typos! Wonderful! The intersection of two histories — that The Daily News, Batavia It was inspiring to see people of all ages make the trek. Good job! of baseball and the service of a WWII vet- Mallory Diefenbach SECOND PLACE eran — are linked in this well-told story. The writer weaves the man’s story HIRD LACE The character of Alfred Vita jumps off the seamlessly with others from the T P The Highlands Current, page in a fully formed 3D persona. Tied in presentation, facts and the man’s own Press-Republican, Plattsburgh Philipstown with an upcoming event for timeliness and story. It was a beautiful read and included Robin Caudell Victoria Shannon and Jeff Simms family connections makes this a well- a detailed, personal narrative of the part Author connects a national icon into Really good and interesting article. rounded feature. that many addiction and recovery stories the local writing scene with a purpose. don’t include – childhood and the man’s The story has a lot of good quotes THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION descent into using. The quotes and intertwined with biography. Good job! The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale The Highlands Current, paraphrased bits were stitched together Catherine Ferris Philipstown smoothly and were easy to read, which is HONORABLE MENTION Good, clean writing. Alison Rooney not easy to do. What a fabulous and well- Lake Champlain Weekly, Nice story about Mr. Nice. (Kudos to written story about an issue that affects Plattsburgh HONORABLE MENTION whoever did the layout too!) Uplifting so many communities, especially since The Record-Review, Bedford this one had a positive ending. Benjamin Pomerance story of not only overcoming a life- With limited time for an interview, changing brain injury, but actually the story does a good job of setting the creating a new artform out of his circumstances, establishing a biography, altered perception. Written with an setting up a future event, and using 16 engaging style. quotes from Shatner. An engaging read! Good job! Thomas G. Butson Award for Investigative/In-Depth Reporting, 2019 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 MELISSA HALE-SPENCER THE ALTAMONT ENTERPRISE AND ALBANY COUNTY POST “You really drew me into this story, great detail.” FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 CHELSEA DIANA AND LIZ YOUNG ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW “A most thoroughly impressive account of how the idea for a jobs-producing high tech hub failed to deliver on its promises, despite the infusion of millions of dollars of public funds. A complex story artfully explained and detailed. In-depth and explanatory journalism at its best.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 BRETT YATES THE RED HOOK-STAR REVUE “Thorough and clear reporting/writing. The lack of attribution struck me as freeing for the writer without sounding made up. You really knew how things work and what the issues are from a lot of angles. I loved this line, which visually describes the business model: Insofar as we’ve accepted a retail model that, by standard practice, whenever someone wants to buy a box of toothpicks, immediately sends a truck to deliver those toothpicks directly to the buyer’s doorstep instead of asking him to walk a few blocks to a store, last-mile distribution centers must exist.” FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 4 KIM VELSEY THE INDEPENDENT “Your opening profile painted a nostalgic past and brought us to the present with a tearful moment of Fiore accepting her fate. The article went on to many poignant examples, each offering many facets of this problem. The story was filled with empathy, frustration and hope. Incredible well- sourced reporting and compelling writing made eight pages extremely readable.”

T HOMAS G . B UTSON This is the third year for the Thomas G. Butson Award for In-Depth Reporting. The award was established by Elizabeth M. Butson, former co-publisher of The Villager and Downtown Express, in memory of her late husband, who was a retired New York Times assistant news editor, former managing editor of the Toronto Star, and editor of The Villager and Downtown Express.

17 EExcellence Awards BEST NEWS OR HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE FEATURE SERIES The Northport Observer, Westbury Times, Westbury Lake Placid News, Lake Placid Northport Frank Rizzo Andy Flynn DIVISION 2 David Ambro The writer is a pro. Great opening Editorials cover unusual topics but ones Epic coverage, indeed. A story about a sentence to the series, which would pull pertinent to residents of Lake Placid. FIRST PLACE deputy mayor who built his home outside almost any reader in. He also has a deft Nassau Herald, Lawrence of approved specifications turned into a touch in terms of conveying facts and THIRD PLACE Edgy, well-researched, well-written, human drama as deputy mayor Kehoe figures and keeping the story interesting. Islip Bulletin, Bayshore polished, just excellent. Congratulations. proved to be averse to facts. No huge A real pleasure to read Good, strong surprise, then, when he surfaces in the photographs of the students keep it Liz Finnegan SECOND PLACE last of more than a dozen installments personable and human. Well done. The crisp writing provides readers a The Daily Star, Oneonta doing a turn on talk radio. The stories clear picture of the various issues. HONORABLE MENTION Sarah Eames reflect careful reporting. The editorials HONORABLE MENTION REALLY WELL WRITTEN. are unafraid, serving as a Greek chorus Queens Chronicle, Queens The Altamont Enterprise and Very interesting, moves along nicely, pointing out the factual record. Helping Michael Gannon no typos – well done! to balance the scales, three former “Our stomach’e empty; there it all Albany County Post, Altamont mayors wrote a letter to the editor begins,” goes one of Bertolt Brecht’s Melissa Hale-Spencer THIRD PLACE essentially backing up what was lyrics from “The Three Penney Opera.” The in-depth analysis of very personal Albany Business Review, Albany contained in the reporting. The public This series examines hunger in the experiences really draws the reader in. was well-served in terms of being able Borough of Queens from multiple angles Chelsea Diana to know what was going on. Really well written. Great job! with excellent reporting that shatters stereotypes about who needs help. “Many DIVISION 2 HONORABLE MENTION of these people own their own homes,” The Southampton Press- DIVISION 4 says one provider. “They have jobs.” On FIRST PLACE the rounds with a Citymeals on Wheels The Examiner, Mount Kisco Eastern Edition, Southampton FIRST PLACE provider, the writer puts the reader there: Shinnecock: Well written, very clean, “Most residents greet Flores warmly. Martin Wilbur informative. Queens Chronicle, Queens Strong defense of local official and calling David Russell and Michael Gannon Some just say ‘thank you.’” Others, it turns out, are more effusive. The series out statewide organization for its abuse of An exploration of high suicide rates power and inappropriate involvement within the NYPD starts out with the ends with a look at a municipal pilot DIVISION 3 program to help low-income residents and criticism. While maintaining a local story of a beloved and respected deputy focus offers a mirror of devolved state of chief who shot himself the day after put fruits and vegetables on the table — FIRST PLACE a good sign-off. politics in the culture. Standing up and filing mandatory retirement papers at naming a wrong. Ending quetion speaks Press-Republican, Plattsburgh age 63. Quotes from colleagues provide to the erosion of democracy that these A powerful series, with outstanding portray the kind of man one would least actions further. writing. The lead story contrasting the expect to take his own life. The next two cases is excellent; the interview with installment focuses on perceived lack of SECOND PLACE Zander’s mother, who is a tragically internal support from NYPD, drawing BEST OBITUARIES The Northport Observer, eloquent lantern bearer through the on the perspectives of relatives and terrible experience, is searing. The writer colleagues of suicide victims, followed by FIRST PLACE Northport lets her speak and creates the necessary an examination of the current epidemic David Ambro narrative links between quotes with an vs a similar one in the 1990s — what’s Adirondack Daily Enterprise, For the editorial “Del Vino debacle” — expert hand to keep the story moving. changed, what needs to. The writing is Saranac Lake Championing the local community/ The sidebar hits the perfect note and, strong all the way; a serious subject gets Elizabeth Izzo and Aaron Cerbone neighborhood and calling out the bad in this case, the screen works. The story proper and professional treatment. It’s These are very good: detailed, specific, faith actions of the ‘vineyard’ and “Language can mean Life or Death” is hard to imagine how this could have present tense, active, alive, giving a full calling for specific reform/change while superb. The reader is in the hands of a been done any better. and total sense of a well-lived life. acknowledging the likely continuation real story tellers. The series contains of the status quo. Shows sensitivity to some great photos, strong writing, SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE the people affected while taking a strong urgent facts. It’s thorough, maybe over- Norwood News, Bronx The Jewish Week, New York stance against the company. The “Kehoe” thorough, but respects the intelligence David Cruz, Joseph Konig editorial is similarly strong, forcefully of the reader. Bonus points here for Steve Lipman and Sandee calling out wrongdoing and advocating ambition, which was considerable. and José A. Giralt Brawarsky for action to be taken. Outstanding. The coverage of is These are very good: detailed, specific, SECOND PLACE thorough, fair and professional. The front present tense, active, alive, giving a full THIRD PLACE The Times of Huntington, page presentations with photos are strong and total sense of a well-lived life in each The Smithtown News, and attention getting without being case. The personal touch fits. Hard to Huntington over-the-top. Some opening paragraphs distinguish beyond first place this year. Smithtown Donna Deedy and David Luces could have been handled differently: David Ambro Really good, solid reporting on an In the first installment the opening is THIRD PLACE Strong suite of editorials showing unfolding issue critical to the community clogged with too much information. Sullivan County Democrat, concern for and championing the — bad air in a middle school. Events Simplify. Punch it up. Why not start out Callicoon needs of the community and region. begin with a sickout and evolve until it with something like: “They are finally The comprehensive assessment of turns out a bus depot and refueling going to be heard.” And move into the Fred Stabbert III problems and players for the “Kings Park station are nearby. Not everyone was rest as written. The same goes with the These are very good: detailed, specific, sewer” editorial and the call to action aware of that fact. The coverage has the opening to the “Super” installment. present tense, active, alive, giving a among the various parties, however right proportionality in terms of Still, this is a stellar series doing what full and total sense of a well-lived life. strong or weak a role they might have importance; the headlines don’t hype newspapers are supposed to do: Report Extensive and priority coverage given shown an emphasis and understanding but hit the right notes. Someone from fairly and factually, tell the stories and highlights the commitment of the of people and place, including timing out of town with no interest in the issue make a difference. Clearly, this is an community to the individuals and and the limits of governments to resolve could easily be drawn into the various editor and a newsroom, under-resourced individuals to the community. Hard to crises in a timely manner. stories. If I were a parent in the as they are, that takes the mission distinguish beyond first place this year. community, I would have confidence seriously. Bravo! HONORABLE MENTION my newspaper was doing its job. The Examiner, Mount Kisco THIRD PLACE Martin Wilbur THIRD PLACE Our Town (NYC), New York Strong advocacy and defense of the The Daily News, Batavia Doug Feiden EDITORIALS community and calling out incompetence Scott DeSmit, John Anderson by firm. And also calling for action and An terrific series, told in vivid, DIVISION 1 and Brian Quinn descriptive terms by a writer in command resolution. Rats will always be with us, as will social of his materials and a deep appreciation FIRST PLACE media, most likely. The pairing makes for the subject matter. The writer’s Adirondack Daily Enterprise, for a combustible combination. Solid knowledge and the passion behind it reporting on a local restaurant’s come through.Here’s a masterful touch: Saranac Lake infestation, and exposure on Facebook. “This is a story about relics, religion and Peter Crowley Which led to the health department’s real estate. It’s about parking garages, Difficult as it is to sort and judge performance in the mix, and public preservation and a passion for lost numerous editorials about matters, records access. The Daily News followed causes.” An absolutely convincing story I have very little information about, the unfolding story with clarity and about an architectural relic that involves and admittedly little interest in, I came interesting detail. more than a building, but values and back to these editorials after plowing what a community values, in the face-off through many poorly written, poorly economic pressures. edited, verbose and meandering editorials. Once I settled in for the medium length read, I was delighted to read the context within the comments.

18 Sharon R. Fulmer Award for Community Leadership, 2019 FIRST PLACE — THE POST-STANDARD KAREN SHERWOOD - Campaign, JOANNE COUGHLIN WALSH - Covers ‘Old Newsboys’ Hope for the Holidays Christmas Fundraiser Campaign “Wow. Just wow. Great example of community leadership. Raising $47,000 is no small feat and this entries shows just how it can be done. Leadership is the common thread throughout the entire entry, with the accompanying letter explaining how staffers raised the money. And attached brochures and promotional materials go above and beyond the other entries. The Post Standard even had a mascot for the effort. Great job.”

The Post-Standard has led community groups and individuals in this recognizing community leadership, it can’t be stressed enough the annual fundraising drive since the 1930s. Each year, we line up dozens of role The Post-Standard plays in leading this project, with our own groups (such as Kiwanis, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Rotary, Syracuse employees (participating ourselves) and as importantly leading Crunch hockey team, etc.) and hundreds of individuals as volunteers to members of the community, in this project that helps members of “sell” special editions of The Post-Standard on street corners, in malls, our community. at gas stations and convenience stores, downtown sidewalks and more. Our leadership includes articles, ads, outreach, organization and All of the money raised goes to the Salvation Army/United Way’s annual when needed motivation and inspiration. Of course, we also print Christmas Bureau. and donate the special editions of The Post-Standard. The result is Post-Standard employees participate as well “selling” the special thousands of children and families have a nicer Christmas than they editions in early December (this year Dec. 6 and 7), and helping to give otherwise would have. out toys and food baskets to needy families on distribution day (Dec. 13). Entry submission: quarter page ad, full page ad, digital display ads, Last year’s drive raised $47,000. This year’s drive was a similar success, editorial, pages from the special editions Dec, 6 and 7, social media and raised a similar amount, final numbers still to come. With this award posts, and marketing materials for business partners and volunteers.

S HARON R . F ULMER Sharon R. Fulmer was co-editor of The Review (Liverpool, NY). She served as president of the NYPA board of directors in 1994. In recognition of the countless hours that Sharon devoted to community service, this award was established in her honor in 2008. The award is presented with a stipend for the winner to donate to the community service project of his/her choice. 19 EExcellence Awards EDITORIALS THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE BEST USE OF VIDEO The Daily Star, Oneonta DIVISION 3 The Southampton Press- Denielle Cazzolla Eastern Edition, Southampton FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE These articles touch on things close to Anthony Brandt GreaterLongIsland.com, Patchogue Gay City News, New York home in easy, conversational language. Your writing swept me along and I learned Andrew Theodorakis The statistics in the column about early new things about old topics, freshened up and Ryan Honan Paul Schindler start for teens really backed up your I enjoyed this video immensely. The Strong suite of editorials, all specific, with the present. You offered strong argument and added to what I already opinions and made your case very well restaurant owners seemed real and natural focused, well-reasoned, with strong values knew. The tips on giving tips to and not forced. The customer base/clientele and causes laid out for the reader. The with abortion laws being illegal as religious newspapers was so valuable to your interference in politics - the strongest of seemed really natural as well, and not like Unfair Sentencing editorial strongly readers. People don’t understand that the business just went and grabbed people advocates for justice, is sensitive to the the three submissions. Your nostalgia over reporters can’t investigate their personal sea food knowing it’s too late to change off the street to make a video. The video individual, and makes the case that issues or cover rumors. flowed smoothly and presented a wide justice was not served. climate change was bittersweet. The past is a foreign country was an enjoyable trip. variety of classic Italian dishes and was HONORABLE MENTION very pleasing to the eye. After watching ECOND LACE S P Putnam County News HONORABLE MENTION the video, I would be willing to go the The Southampton Press- & Recorder, Cold Spring The Jewish Week, New York restaurant if I was near that location. Western Edition, Douglas Cunningham Andrew Silow-Carroll SECOND PLACE Westhampton Beach Timely and topical, these columns put The News-Review, Riverhead “Button Boondoggle” This editorial pays an important issue in perspective and attention to the needs of the community Joe Werkmeister follows up. Well written with attitude. Beautifully done video. Made me tear-up for governance accountability and for the family’s loss, and for the friends of reflection on decision making, program EDITORIAL CARTOON the fallen soldier, Tech. Sgt. Briggs. Very effectiveness and fiscal responsibility. DIVISION 2 nice that he was nominated as News- It supports a minority viewpoint in DIVISION 1 Review’s 2018 Public Servant of the Year. another part of the county. It is helping FIRST PLACE Nicely done, great background info of who the community pay attention to the FIRST PLACE he was and the fact that he died doing reality of their surroundings. All the The Village Times Herald, Shelter Island Reporter, what he loved, and he will be forever editorials are well written and reasoned. Setauket Shelter Island remembered. They show a breadth of focus and Leah Dunaief emphasis, just as important issues occur Peter Waldner THIRD PLACE Your experience in “Balancing a career A hilarious angle on a vexing modern across the spectrum. and motherhood” painted a picture of problem shows texting at its most ludicrous. The Independent, East Hampton how it was, how things have changed. Handsome artwork and interesting Jason Nower THIRD PLACE And yet so much is the same. It takes characters. You hit the humor target Absolutely stunning video. Great music, Hicksville Illustrated News, two incomes. “Women’s Soccer” pulled with an economy of words. nice looking people, fancy-looking food Hicksville together a lot of layers and gave the and wine/champagne in a warm, relaxed Kimberly Dijkstra message depth. Your experience added SECOND PLACE and inviting atmosphere. Excellent job. authority. These two columns were great. “Hung Out To Dry” and “Concentrate,” Shelter Island Reporter, HONORABLE MENTION as with all her editorials, display a SECOND PLACE Shelter Island The Southampton Press- compassionate and sensitive soul drawing The East Hampton Press, Peter Waldner Western Edition, attention to suffering brought on by This is topical since ticks are in the news Westhampton Beach deliberate actions and our tax dollars at East Hampton more now, hunting humans. This cartoon work.The paper is to be commended for Carlos Sandoval puts a humorous spin on it. Gary Ghayrat taking strong stands on national issues, Hats off to this columnist for using his If I had the option to give this video a knowing, as it must, that some readers voice as a call to action — thoughtful, THIRD PLACE fourth place instead of honorable mention, strongly disagree. The local newspaper insightful, passionate writing to inform I would. This video was amazing. You got The Sag Harbor Express, to hear many different people in different helps its community when it engages and influence. Sag Harbor them as citizens of the nation and the aspects of the special Olympics, including world as well as their locale. THIRD PLACE Peter Waldner volunteers, parents, and people with The relationships between your characters disabilities. It goes to show that you can’t Merrick Herald Life, Merrick show. A lot of people feel the same about judge a book by its cover. This video made HONORABLE MENTION Scott Brinton Hicksville Illustrated News, the news, but can’t get away from it, which me tear-up and smile at the same time. This is a writer who takes his journalism makes this funny, along with the man’s Good job. Hicksville personally, relating to his subjects, entertainment choices. Youngsters might Kimberly Dijkstra telling their stories passionately and not get this one, but after some years, HONORABLE MENTION Good job in bringing attention to gratefully. His storytelling is they will be in the same boat. The Batavian, Batavia environmental issues near and far and compassionate and introspective — Howard Owens pointing to actions citizens can take to his columns are a good read. HONORABLE MENTION Amazing video about classic hot rods and involve themselves toward solutions. The Altamont Enterprise and vehicle enthusiast at 14th year of the HONORABLE MENTION Albany County Post, Altamont Hardcore Happening. Awesome cars and Mahopac News, Mahopac Carol Coogan neat seeing what the vehicles can do and Bob Dumas about the distances people will travel to Big message with no words. Each bird is the event. nicely done video, real people. well-drawn and easily identifiable. To me, Overall, great job. BEST COLUMN it seems more like an illustration than a cartoon. DIVISION 1 DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Ithaca Times, Ithaca DIVISION 2 BEST ONLINE STATIC AD Charley Githler Steve Wick FIRST PLACE DIVISION 1 Your bold columns shine a light on big, Sharp commentary on local spin on larger dark global issues at home. We’re context is hilarious when morphed into a The Independent, East Hampton FIRST PLACE surprised that slavery still exists, sexual tax form, thank you notes and multiple Karen Fredericks Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton abuse still thrives in high places and answer quiz. The pun cracked me up. The cartoon brings Great effects on the tortilla. white supremacy is still publicly honored. out the humor in a serious topic. The art Why are we surprised? — these things SECOND PLACE style is clean and quirky. SECOND PLACE never stopped. North Country This Week, The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Potsdam SECOND PLACE Steven Dorney SECOND PLACE Bill Shumway The Independent, East Hampton Great idea to stick a fork in the ground. The Highlands Current, Green newspapers, news shutdown/ Karen Fredericks Very creative! Philipstown evolution, hold the presses for breaking This joke is so classic, I thought it must news —nice trio looks into the changing have already been done. However, I didn’t THIRD PLACE Chip Rowe Albany Business Review, Albany Why I Flipped on Secrecy, Code of newspaper business both locally and find it on the web. globally. These columns give readers an Kayden Fitzgerald Conduct, Why No Room Tax. You draw THIRD PLACE the reader in with questions, humor and a understanding of what it takes to bring Great design! Nice colors. personal take on local issues. The articles them news these days. The Wave, Queens made technical understandable and Thomas Kerr interesting. I particularly liked the twist Evocative illustrations of the editorials. at the end of Why I Flipped on Secrecy.

20 Richard L. Stein Award for Overall Design Excellence, 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 THE INDEPENDENT “Excellent layout and design, easy to read and ads are well done.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 THE SOUTHAMPTON PRESS - EASTERN “Great layout and design on each page. Photography and ad design exceptional. Kudos to your team.”

R ICHARD L . S TEIN Richard L. Stein is the former publisher of The Riverdale Press. He served as president of the New York Press Association board of directors in 1988. Acknowledging the countless hours Richard has spent sharing his award-winning design talents with journalism students and newspaper graphic designers, the NYPA board established this award in his honor in 2008.

21 EExcellence Awards BEST ONLINE STATIC AD DIVISION 2 THIRD PLACE SPORTS ACTION PHOTO(S) The Highlands Current, DIVISION 2 FIRST PLACE Philipstown DIVISION 1 The Post-Standard, Syracuse FIRST PLACE Michael Turton FIRST PLACE Lea Gonyea A horse? In the house? This image is able Times Union, Albany Great opening animation! to stand alone and make a viewer think, The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale Jeremy Schoonmaker Very eye-catching! wonder and question what is going on. Jim MacLean Great use of photos. Great shot of the soccer player in flight for ECOND LACE The rarity of this picture piques interest S P and tells a story all at once. the save. Crisp focus overall, but especially SECOND PLACE The Post-Standard, Syracuse like the player’s facial expression captured, The Post-Standard, Syracuse Kayleigh Tarbet HONORABLE MENTION and even detect the wind generated by his Great design! Powerful graphic, easy to navigate tool The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale leap billowing through his uniform. Great for driving prospects to the site. photo of an athlete with great form. THIRD PLACE Jim MacLean This photo captures the excitement of SECOND PLACE Watertown Daily Times, a carnival ride. The blurred and vividly Watertown colorful scene conveys the thrill of the The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Rick Gaskin ride, yet also focuses in solely on the joy Robert O’Rourk Very eye-catching and creative with the BEST ONLINE NEWS of the kids’ experience. Nice clean, uncluttered shot of the cleats heartbeat line. PROJECT OR on the baseman and his jump in response. PRESENTATION Add to that the fact the action, clearly HONORABLE MENTION captured, was part of a contentious call DIVISION 2 The Post-Standard, Syracuse FIRST PLACE on the field. I only wish I could see the expression of the base runner, to see if Lea Gonyea The Jewish Week, New York FIRST PLACE I could detect malice. Great design! Miriam Groner Colonie-Loudonville Spotlight, A delightfully engaging profile, Colonie THIRD PLACE enhanced by good photography and Jim Franco Adirondack Daily Enterprise, videos, of an unusual artist and The photo captures the boy’s excitement Saranac Lake intriguing personality. The reporter and amazement. BEST ONLINE DYNAMIC becomes the storyteller without Lou Reuter Though some believe golf and action is an injecting herself into the story. SECOND PLACE DIVISION 1 oxymoron, this shot captures attention in a SECOND PLACE The Rockaway Times, Rockaway surprising way. Nice focus on player’s face, FIRST PLACE The River Reporter, Katie McFadden his iron, and the ball in flight. The News-Review, Riverhead Capturing the essence of a community Narrowsburg event from sea to sky: what a grand, Steven Dorney A hip trip revisiting a legendary event ... Very easy to follow. focused image to enlighten this DIVISION 2 stories, photos and audio create a sense newspaper’s audience and commemorate of the experience for those who weren’t a centennial event. SECOND PLACE there, as told by those who were. FIRST PLACE Albany Business Review, Albany THIRD PLACE The Southampton Press- Kayden Fitzgerald THIRD PLACE Eastern Edition, Southampton The Independent, East Hampton The Sag Harbor Express, You can feel the breeze from the fan. Sag Harbor Ron Esposito Great use of colors. Ty Wenzel and The photographer captures the feel of the Jessica Mackin-Cipro Michael Heller event with a superb collage of images. THIRD PLACE A soft, comfortable image of bay life in Colorful, engaging, information packed. action. Just a nice visual impression of The Independent, East Hampton I’d read it every week. SECOND PLACE Ty Wenzel a scene in context. The Spotlight, Delmar HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION Jim Franco Ithaca Times, Ithaca The Rockaway Times, Rockaway The intensity of competition is fully DIVISION 2 Edwin J. Viera Katie McFadden expressed through this great action photo. Accessible, current and useful. An A montage of hate written in this THIRD PLACE FIRST PLACE appealing summary of the day. community’s sandy shore. A good The Post-Standard, Syracuse composition delivering the message The Examiner, Mount Kisco Great plane animation! without the mongers. Andy Jacobs The photo helps to illustrate and illuminate SECOND PLACE HONORABLE MENTION what many people love about the sport of Register-Star, Hudson FEATURE PHOTO(S) The Southampton Press- wrestling. Steve LaRowe DIVISION 1 Eastern Edition, Southampton Very eye-catching and not too Kyril Bromley text heavy. FIRST PLACE Terrific expressions here evoke the power DIVISION 3 THIRD PLACE The Daily Star, Oneonta of competitive spirit… mostly spirit, Sarah Eames indeed. Very good, tightly focused scene FIRST PLACE The Post-Standard, Syracuse makes a stunning result. Simple and clean. Good play on words. This photo represents a moment in time, Register-Star, Hudson a moment in these boys’ lives, yet also Tim Martin HONORABLE MENTION portrays a “blast to the past” feel. Great airborne photo! Very impressive! The Post-Standard, Syracuse Composition wise, the image perfectly DIVISION 3 Kayleigh Tarbet represents the rules of thirds with the SECOND PLACE three boys, each with their own FIRST PLACE Register-Star, Hudson Like the animation of the Ferris wheel similarities and unique pose differences, Watertown Daily Times, to connect readers to the Fair and kids. along with the top and bottom halves of Tim Martin Watertown Great tackle! Caught my attention! the photo draws the viewer’s eye straight Julia Hopkins to the subjects. The rarity of the THIRD PLACE moment captured, three kids entirely A lovely shot! Close up and personal engaged in reality around them, is in a way that pulls the viewer in. The Independent, East Hampton BEST CONQUESTED striking. The longer one looks at this Gordon M. Grant SECOND PLACE TARGET E-MAIL picture, the more unusual details begin Great energy. to reveal themselves and the more The Daily Gazette, Schenectady DIVISION 1 questions surrounding the moment Marc Schultz begin to arise. Nice action! A great use of color and FIRST PLACE expression as well as timing. Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton SECOND PLACE Great imagery! Very eye-catching and The Rivertowns Enterprise, THIRD PLACE also easy to follow the headlines. Hastings-on-Hudson The Daily Gazette, Schenectady Marc Schultz SECOND PLACE Tim Lamorte This stunning image includes attention- Not only is the composition great, the Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton grabbing pops of color, strong subject color and action bring the locale to life. Great Halloween design! Very framing, and captures the creative interesting look! energy and essence of the subject. HONORABLE MENTION Norwood News, Bronx THIRD PLACE Adi Talwar Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Fantastic expression that conveys the Got my attention very fast. tone of the story.

22 Best Small Space Ad, 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 JACKIE SZARAFIN AMHERST BEE “Simplicity makes the ad stand out from others. Attractive pup photos will always draw the reader’s eye.” FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 SHARON NICHOLSON THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD “The simple messaging and artwork are appropriate for what I believe (from its advertising) is a homey, rustic store. It stands out on the page which is what you want!”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 4 ANNE ALLIS FINGER LAKES TIMES FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 “Nice and clean. DAN’S PAPERS Very creative.” “The colors and the logo make it stand out. Nice job.” 23

2 0 1 2 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST EExcellence Awards SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO(S) HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo The News-Review, Riverhead Times Newsweekly, Queens DIVISION 1 Joed Viera Bill Landon There is a nice variety of events included in this submission. I appreciate how many FIRST PLACE I like how this is down-to-earth, even You don’t need a lot of photos for an though there are bright lights around. effective essay, and this entry proves people from the community were featured The Suffolk Times, Mattituck It actually looks like a TIME magazine the point. Action and expression are in the photos at each event. It looks like it Rich Barnes cover. The focus and details on the expertly captured with crisp imagery. was a fun year. Fun photo. Great expressions on all of person are spot on. The photog was patient and attentive their faces. Even the water droplets are for just the right shot, and it paid off. in sharp focus. Very nice. ONORABLE ENTION DIVISION 2 H M SECOND PLACE The Rivertowns Enterprise, SPOT NEWS PHOTOS The Southampton Press- FIRST PLACE Hastings-on-Hudson DIVISION 1 Eastern Edition, Southampton The Villager (NYC), New York Tim Lamorte Michael Heller Bob Krasner I am absolutely charmed by this well- FIRST PLACE Love the low angle. Nice job getting the Vibrant stylized colors, perfect timing on conceived and beautifully executed horse’s face despite the back lighting from Long Island Advance, Patchogue the shot and cropping that both focuses photo story. It’s conceptually simple – Linda Leuzzi and Mark MacNish the sky. Very enjoyable. attention on the action and sets the mood take the same shot from the same place – but difficult to pull off and keep things Great photo, and great work by the THIRD PLACE with context come together for a very designer to make that photo pop out. The arty composition in this category. interesting. Seemingly casual but precise Rockville Centre Herald, imagery keeps you moving from shot to photographer really captured emotion in Rockville Centre SECOND PLACE shot, each of which suggests its own this photo. Brian Ballweg The Village Times Herald, story. Has a very nostalgic feel of SECOND PLACE Great expressions. Great color and Setauket another place and time, transported to The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale sharpness. Love their faces. the present. It is, indeed, “An American Jay Gao Parade.” If you don’t know what that Jim MacLean HONORABLE MENTION Perfectly timed, stop-action shows every means, this essay will educate you. Great moment captured by the feather, talon and twig in sharp detail. photographer. There’s interesting contrast The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale The contrast of foreground and brilliant in the photo with the ice and the Jim MacLean blue sky immediately draws the viewer firefighter, and the moment and emotion I really see his joy in winning the into the picture and allows us to “get it” DIVISION 2 from the sitting first responder tells the state title. right away. (The moon appearing like an story. extra egg landing in the nest as the bird FIRST PLACE lands.) Engaging composition. The Southampton Press- THIRD PLACE DIVISION 2 Eastern Edition, Southampton The Columbia Paper, Ghent THIRD PLACE Michael Heller David Lee FIRST PLACE Watertown Daily Times, With brilliant color, sharp focus, Great timing and composition in this The Daily News, Batavia Watertown good composition and real emotion, photo. It’s well-balanced and the ladder Mark Gutman Christopher Lenney this was clearly the first-place entry. perfectly intersects the shot — not sure if Intriguing aerial perspective capturing it was cropped this way or shot this way, Wonderful capture of the spectators’ SECOND PLACE surprise and delight during play of the moment of the launch of this event. but either way, the photo is well done. America’s favorite summertime game. Lighting gives a pleasing hue to the blues The Sag Harbor Express, and greens and the misty patches help set Sag Harbor HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE the scene. Michael Heller The Suffolk Times, Mattituck The Independent, East Hampton This entry uses good vantage points Joe Werkmeister HONORABLE MENTION Good emotion captures in these well- Gordon M. Grant The Independent, East Hampton and nice light and captures unstaged What’s more fun to photograph than moments. Tells the story of the music composed photos. a human pileup after winning a Irene Tully festival well. championship. It’s a nice expression of The vignette shading and rich golds THIRD PLACE exhilaration and joy by the players. I wish combine nicely with the sharp focus DIVISION 2 the photographer had been able to capture details of the seeds and bees going about Press-Republican, Plattsburgh the top player’s arm in the shot, but that’s their work. Kayla Breen FIRST PLACE a minor quibble. HONORABLE MENTION Nice layout, brilliant color. Hard to The Sag Harbor Express, go wrong with hot air balloons and Sag Harbor THIRD PLACE The Village Times Herald, a blue sky. The Independent, East Hampton Setauket Michael Heller A brilliantly composed photo stands above Desirée Keegan F.J. Buncke the rest in a competitive class. It’s always fun to see the happy smiles of Catching the water ballet of this bird DIVISION 3 youngsters after they achieve a lofty goal! seemingly walking on water, dramatically SECOND PLACE Nice catch by the photographer. posed, in strong contrast with the FIRST PLACE shimmering waters makes for a pleasing The Village Beacon-Record, composition. The Independent, East Hampton Miller Place Gordon M. Grant Kyle Barr The change of perspectives and the This photo conveys exuberance and pain ART PHOTO interplay of foreground and background at the same time. Excellent timing, focus really show that this photographer and composition makes this a great photo. DIVISION 1 ICTURE TORY knows what he’s doing and does it well. Nice work. P S Each photo pushes the story further FIRST PLACE DIVISION 1 and captures the musical performance THIRD PLACE Albany Business Review, Albany without having to over-describe in the The Sag Harbor Express, FIRST PLACE text. This is done well – and is more Donna Abbott-Vlahos impressive since it was done indoors. Sag Harbor I love the abstract look, and it caught Lake Placid News, Lake Placid Michael Heller my eye, as it looked like a puzzle. Elizabeth Izzo SECOND PLACE Excellent photo, particularly illustrative to Very creative. A black-and-white photo essay for first The Independent, East Hampton the loss of life from opioid addition and place? Absolutely. B/W is hard to do well Wil Weiss the particular sense of isolation felt by SECOND PLACE these days, but this engaging collection grieving families. The Rockaway Times, Rockaway has it all ... sharp images, variety of These photos are beautiful. I like the composition, a range of expressions and play of perspectives, color, movement, HONORABLE MENTION Katie McFadden and expression. Each photo adds I think this is so beautiful. Not only is the actions, sense of place and mood. There is Valley Stream Herald, nothing forced about these images, so something new to the piece and while picture breathtaking, the sun reflecting they overlap, they are not repetitive. Valley Stream on Dawn of a New Decade looks like the each feel like the real essence of a captured moment. The bubbles-and- The use of color is lovely. Sue Grieco colors are literally blending. Brilliant. And This is an amazing photo, but in a very the foamy water makes me want to put my umbrella pic would be a stand-alone THIRD PLACE prizewinner. competitive category. It was a shame the feet right in. This should be in a frame! The Independent, East Hampton image was cropped in the print edition as the photo was stronger without cropping. THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE Justin Meinken Albany Business Review, Albany These photos are beautiful. There is The Suffolk Times, Mattituck so much color and movement for the Jeremy Garretson Michael DeMasi Well-paced chronological, single-subject eye to look at, and they highlight a OOOh! I love lightning and I love the community not often seen in the colors in this. All the textures and storytelling that captures the mundane reality of the landlord’s day without media. The description is concise different shades of color are breathtaking. and lets the photos take center stage. I’m looking for Jesus to come!! losing visual momentum. Good variety of composition. Great access to be sure, but clearly the subject was put at ease by the photographer and so she comes across 24 as a real person, rather than someone who knows the camera is there. Innovative Ad Project, 2019

SECOND PLACE — THE RIVER REPORTER “Very clever way to capitalize on the global appeal of Woodstock during its 50th anniversary celebration. Each card being sold to an advertiser on something as universally appealing as a deck of playing cards gives FIRST PLACE — DAN’S PAPERS their recognition the longevity of a treasured keepsake. Every aspect of the production was well thought out, “What an ambitious project! Some might ask what’s so innovative from the design of the cards themselves, to the about a newspaper putting out a tab to celebrate a milestone packaging, to the point-of-purchase display materials, anniversary. Well, anyone who has read the project description - to the promotion of the cards. Groovy!” or has heard it read out at the awards ceremony - can see that the innovation is in the degree which Dan’s Papers has taken this basic concept. The long range planning and thoughtfulness for audience interest are apparent. The writing rich and creative yet sprinkled generously with humor. Tantalizing bits about hoax stories, brushes with fame, covers featuring acclaimed artists, cartoons and a once-in- an-80-year-so-far-lifetime interview with the founder are eyeball magnets. Advertisers are treated as partners in producing the project, with revenues exceeding the $200k goal by 35% as testament to the appeal to them. Tied in with a gala event and a portion of the proceeds donated to a local nonprofit which benefits many local charities put a nice bow on the entire package. Way to put an innovative spin on an anniversary tab.”

HONORABLE MENTION — AMHERST BEE “Nice innovative touch tying in the holiday theme by having all the pets’ photos required to feature some holiday aspect (in costume, with Santa, by the tree, etc.) Cute pet photos, THIRD PLACE — THE POST-STANDARD sure to have attracted lots of eyeballs. The only thing I would have liked to have seen, to give it more local appeal, would “Great way to tie in video/web to promote the newspaper’s be to have at least the pets’ owners’ names listed with the pet sports products. Excellent production value, and a real sense names, rather than on the next page (as it mentions of the paper’s involvement with local sports.” in the small type). Otherwise, nice promo.” 25 EExcellence Awards SPOT NEWS PHOTOS THIRD PLACE SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE DIVISION 4 Ithaca Times, Ithaca DIVISION 3 PUBLICATIONS- FIRST PLACE Marshall Hopkins NEWSPRINT FIRST PLACE These great original illustrations really The Daily Gazette, Schenectady The Independent, East Hampton add character to the sidebars. The quality DIVISION 1 Beautiful cover, love the page designs and of drawings and the technique of the also that they have recipes. Nicely done! Gordon M. Grant coloring is very consistent with each. FIRST PLACE Excellent photo, particularly strong due Very impressive. SECOND PLACE to the angel in which it was taken. The Albany Business Review, Albany The Daily Gazette, Schenectady foreshortening is incredible. Very classy, well done from the cover to HONORABLE MENTION the back page. Great graphics and nice Nice multi-section all summer entertainment-related content. Great SECOND PLACE Our Town (NYC), New York page design. Christina Scotti use of photos provides great insight on The Independent, East Hampton SECOND PLACE everything there is to do. T.E. McMorrow This graphic just screams at you with the bold coloring against the stark white page. The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale THIRD PLACE Strong photo that depicts real happenings The treatment to the text and the choice Todd Sliss and Ann Marie Rezen that are not seen every day. of font definitely make it stand out. The Post-Standard, Syracuse Sharp cover, great color and graphics Michele Sardinia THIRD PLACE throughout. Content and ads all stayed within Back to School theme. Unique cover, great action shots, and Watertown Daily Times, photography throughout. Content all Watertown THIRD PLACE relating covers everything you need to Sydney Schaefer BEST SPECIAL SECTION The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale know about basketball. It feels so real. The smoke, the crisp COVER Todd Sliss and Ann Marie Rezen HONORABLE MENTION vividness makes the you feel like you are Eyecatching, content consistent witnessing the blaze. DIVISION 1 The Post-Standard, Syracuse throughout. Nice day camp article. Michele Sardinia FIRST PLACE Nice comprehensive football section. The Katonah-Lewisboro Times, Katonah DIVISION 2 GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION Tabitha Pearson Marshall FIRST PLACE DIVISION 1 Great image! Really encapsulates Long Beach Herald, Long Beach springtime. SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE Very well done, thorough, consistently PUBLICATIONS-GLOSSY FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE classy page design. Great presentation The Highlands Current, from a business that does not get a lot of DIVISION 1 Minority Reporter, Rochester play. Like that they sold sponsorships. Philipstown Sasha Smith and Patti Singer Deb Lucke FIRST PLACE Powerful imagery. SECOND PLACE Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo Not only was this a great illustration, it The East Hampton Star, also served as a great storytelling devise. THIRD PLACE Scott Thomas, Joed Viera I would have never thought to use a East Hampton and Nancy Knight The Sag Harbor Express Crisp photos, beautiful design. comic to report on an event — very Sag Harbor, Bryan Boyhan Thorough, great design elements, creative. A fun art style and use of humor Content all specific to title subject. beautifully crafted from cover to cover; made this the top entry. Fantastic job. I LOVE LOVE the detail in this image. Breathtaking. THIRD PLACE everything one might need to consider when making a decision about a school SECOND PLACE The Garden City News, district. Kudos. Albany Business Review, Albany HONORABLE MENTION Garden City Kristina Walser The Somers Record, Somers Nice presentation of the 150th SECOND PLACE Great use of a watercolor effect and Simone Kurtz Anniversary. Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo background cutouts to bring this Adorable. James Fink, Donna Collins illustration to life in an interesting and and Nancy Knight creative way. Nice work by the designer. DIVISION 3 Another top-notch publication in this DIVISION 2 THIRD PLACE category, with strong design elements FIRST PLACE and copy throughout. The Southampton Press- FIRST PLACE The Independent, East Hampton Eastern Edition, Southampton Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs Beautiful cover photo, good page design THIRD PLACE Michael Pintauro Francis Zuber, Marisa Scirocco and nice use of photos throughout. The Sag Harbor Express, A fun take and charming artwork makes and Chris Vallone Bushee ECOND LACE Sag Harbor this entry stand out in a competitive Great eye-catching photo. I like how the S P Impressive design elements, wonderful field. Great color and humor. Nice work. ice axes are well-positioned with the text The Southampton Press- color throughout and when necessary underneath. Clean and simple. Eastern Edition, Southampton great use of space to let the content HONORABLE MENTION Great use of photos relating to subject breathe. Excellent work from cover Fire Island News, Fire Island SECOND PLACE content. Love the garden design tips and to cover. Lauren Stevens Warwick Advertiser, Warwick features on bees. Great idea and excellent illustration. HONORABLE MENTION Christina Scotti HIRD LACE I would like to print this out and color Fun school photo. I like the fonts chosen T P East Aurora Advertiser, it myself! Very creative idea. on “Back to School”. Nice color scheme The Independent, East Hampton East Aurora for a school section. Clean, simple, and Nice cover design, quality photos. Excellent map of what is going on in the easy to read at a glance. community; clean, easy on the eyes and HONORABLE MENTION DIVISION 2 good stories mixed in with calendar THIRD PLACE Gay City News, New York events. FIRST PLACE Ithaca Times, Ithaca Paul Schindler and Marcos Ramos Garden City Life, Garden City Marshall Hopkins and Casey Martin Nice concept of honoring those that have HONORABLE MENTION Cathy Bongiorno Nice winter photo draws a reader in. impacted the community. Albany Business Review, Albany I like the overlapping font at the top — Very thorough publication with great This double-page spread is outstanding. design elements and all the information The treatment using the sepia tones truly colorful and eye-catching. Nice way to display a lot of text in the corner with one might need for almost any aspect of gives the feel of 150-year timeline. The business. styling of the parchment paired with the your headlines and page numbers — vintage photos and their frames really stays simple and not overpowering with give the flavor to this piece. tons of text. SECOND PLACE HONORABLE MENTION The Wave, Queens The Independent, East Hampton Paula DiGioia Ty Wenzel These maps are incredibly well done. Fabulous photo — love it! Nice, simple The illustrative design of scatter icons to cover design. depict all of the hot spots of interest in the communities is brilliant and would definitely be informative for both those who live in or are visiting.

26 Best Art Photo, 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 DONNA ABBOTT-VLAHOS BOB KRASNER ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW THE VILLAGER (NYC) “I love the abstract look, and it caught my eye, as it looked like a puzzle. Very creative.” “Vibrant stylized colors, perfect timing on the shot and cropping that both focuses attention on the action and sets the mood with context come together for a very arty composition in this category.” Best Graphic Illustration, 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 DEB LUCKE CATHY BONGIORNO THE HIGHLANDS CURRENT GARDEN CITY LIFE “Not only was this a great illustration, it also served as a great “This double-page spread is outstanding. The treatment using storytelling devise. I would have never thought to use a comic the sepia tones truly gives the feel of 150 year timeline. The to report on an event — very creative. A fun art style and use styling of the parchment paired with the vintage photos and of humor made this the top entry. Fantastic job.” their frames really give the flavor to this piece.” 27 EExcellence Awards SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE THIRD PLACE DIVISION 2 BEST AUTOMOTIVE Finger Lakes Times, Geneva PUBLICATIONS-GLOSSY FIRST PLACE SPECIAL SECTION Mary E. Thorpe, Anne Allis DIVISION 2 Westchester County Business OR MAGAZINE and Alan Brignall Journal, White Plains FIRST PLACE Obviously, a ton of work went into this FIRST PLACE publication, what is sure to be a must - Dee DelBello East Aurora Advertiser, Eagle Bulletin, Fayetteville have for football fans in the region. Very smart and stylish. Stands out with Jennifer Wing highly appealing cover and editorial East Aurora Kudos for getting all of this together in The “Vintage Wheels” section is Good mix of content, graphics and one publication. spreads. photography throughout. outstanding. It instantly throws readers HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE into yesteryear. Great photography and SECOND PLACE Westchester County Business nice advertisements throughout. Any The Citizen, Auburn automotive enthusiast would cherish Sullivan County Democrat, Excellent work here for the community Journal, White Plains this informative section based on the Callicoon at large. Superb graphics and easy-to-find Dee DeBello upcoming shows listing. This will Fun publication, nice keepsake for the content that made this entry stand out. Bright, great mix of edit and layout. certainly have a shelf-life. Everyone anniversary. Good use of photography knows someone who loves automobiles. and excellent layout. THIRD PLACE This section really gives that The Southampton Press- “hometown” vibe. Well done! THIRD PLACE Eastern Edition, Southampton The Village Times Herald, BEST PUBLIC SERVICE OR Attractive throughout, strong graphics and SECOND PLACE Setauket NON-PROFIT SPECIAL arresting cover Long Island Weekly, Mineola Very good layout and design measured SECTION Joseph Wolkin and Alex Nuñez use of graphics and fonts. HONORABLE MENTION The “Anton Auto Guide” is a “high- FIRST PLACE Queens Courier, Bayside fashion” style showpiece. Beautiful Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs Cate Corcoran attention to details. Really like the DIVISION 3 Chris Vallone Bushee “History of Racing On Long Island” and Marisa Scirocco piece. Well-written and very clever FIRST PLACE layout. This section is polished and Gorgeous holiday magazine promoting DIVISION 3 upscale for sure. Nice work! Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs Catholic Charities Festival of Trees. Chris Vallone Bushee Beautiful photography, page layouts, ad FIRST PLACE and Marisa Scirocco design, typeface - exquisite. Consistent Tons of great, colorful content with great messaging amplifies the mission of the The Post-Standard, Syracuse mix of stories, columns, graphics and non-profit - great engagement with Mary Jo Kravec numerous community members. SPECIAL HOLIDAY more. Impressive entry that stood out and Amy Bleier Long EDITION right away. SECOND PLACE Great photos and art direction. Engaging layout, very readable and high-quality FIRST PLACE SECOND PLACE Ithaca Times, Ithaca writing throughout. Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs Matt Butler and Edwin J. Viera The Southampton Press- Chris Vallone Bushee Very special section highlighting the SECOND PLACE Eastern Edition, Southampton and Marisa Scirocco mission and good works of non-profits The Post-Standard, Syracuse Very nice Holiday Guide! I like the that fly under the radar or are largely Mary Jo Kravec simple, eye-catching layout of the The top bridal special section I’ve seen unknown — great service to the table of contents in the front with an yet: lavishly decorated pages, great color, community and the service providers. and Amy Bleier Long advertiser directory in the back. Includes top graphics and stories on quality page Novel concept — great work. Another winner for this great team. everything a guide for the holidays stock… superb. Professional and talented. should have – an events calendar, nice THIRD PLACE mix of ads and local stories, eye-catching THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE photos, recipes, a gift guide “wish list”, Warwick Advertiser, Warwick Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo Tracey Drury The Post-Standard, Syracuse and more. It’s topped off with a high-end Becca Tucker Mary Jo Kravec print job. Fun mix of eclectic stories and photos, In depth profiles of 312 Million Dollar and Amy Bleier Long SECOND PLACE with some good design elements Non-Profits in Buffalo. Great page Clean layout, great flow and good cover. involved. layouts and graphics help reader navigate The Sag Harbor Express, the amazing amount of information. Sag Harbor HONORABLE MENTION Content and packaging are extraordinary Nice high-quality magazine! I like Syosset-Jericho Tribune, Syosset — great community service piece. extensive “the season ahead” events Alex Nunez BEST REAL ESTATE/HOME calendar – definitely a book that will be Well-designed publication that’s a great SECTION consulted throughout the winter months. fit for the niche. Nice layout of advertiser directory in the FIRST PLACE back. Love the local stories, photos and HONORABLE MENTION MAGAZINE Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton recipes. Good mix of stories with ads. The Jewish Week, New York Wow, Wow, WOW!!! — Outstanding Gamliel Kronemer DIVISION 1 THIRD PLACE publication from cover to cover, and every The Daily Gazette, Schenectady and Dan Bocchino FIRST PLACE single page in-between. Incredible “over Fantastic layout and content, great use the top” photography, spectacular What caught my attention with your of graphics and stories throughout; an advertisements, wonderful and interesting holiday guide wasn’t necessarily the The Sag Harbor Express, layout and design, but the mix of local impressive entry. Sag Harbor features — this masterpiece went straight to the top. and holiday content. There’s something Bright, engaging, upscale. Excellent art for everyone (even a fun page for the direction/layout with superior feature SECOND PLACE kids). There’s a calendar (which is a DIVISION 4 writing. A pleasure throughout, must). There’s even reader submitted balancing the usual mix of retail ads The Post-Standard, Syracuse holiday memories (nice to get the FIRST PLACE against strong editorial. Patrice David community involved). And the scrap- The Spectator, Hornell Gorgeous homes paired with beautiful book adds a nice historical element. SECOND PLACE decorating ads really make this standout. I can see the amount of work you spent Gracie Contestabile The East Hampton Star, Nice use of graphic elements throughout. gathering content. Impressive design elements throughout, East Hampton The builders, contractors and decorators lively pages, good use of index makes must really appreciate this publication, HONORABLE MENTION content easy to find. This is exactly what Clean, attractive and engaging. Excellent cover. as well as anyone interested in home Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs is needed for a top-notch guide for both searching or just looking to gather tourists and locals. great ideas. Chris Vallone Bushee THIRD PLACE and Marisa Scirocco SECOND PLACE The East Hampton Star, THIRD PLACE Nice high-quality piece. Love the “Our Watertown Daily Times, East Hampton Adirondack Daily Enterprise, History” section. Nice mix of advertising Watertown Clean, attractive and engaging. Great and local stories. I like the holiday gift photos and writing Saranac Lake guide showcasing specific items. Holly Boname Lindsay Munn and Peter Crowley Excellent mix of narrative and how-to/ HONORABLE MENTION Beautifully executed magazine. Definitely advice columns, ads and graphics. The East Hampton Star, gives the readers warm and cozy feelings. Solid design elements East Hampton The majority of ads are a wonderful balance to the beautiful photos. Nice work.

28 Best Spot News Photo(s), 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 LINDA LEUZZI AND MARK MACNISH LONG ISLAND ADVANCE “Great photo, and great work by the designer to make that photo pop out. The photographer really captured emotion in this photo.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 MICHAEL HELLER THE SAG HARBOR EXPRESS “A brilliantly composed photo by Michael Heller stands above the rest in a competitive class.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 GORDON M. GRANT THE INDEPENDENT “Excellent photo, particularly strong due to the angle in which it was taken. The foreshortening is incredible.”

29 EExcellence Awards

DIVISION 2 BEST SPECIAL SECTION - DIVISION 2 DIVISION 4 ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE The Post-Standard, Syracuse FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE Colonie-Loudonville Spotlight, The Post-Standard, Syracuse The Southampton Press- Lea Gonyea and Steve Hodgens Colonie I love this—the focus and detail, and it Eastern Edition, Southampton Love how the ad campaign tied in with captures the excitement of being there. the video. Video addressed multiple David Abbott Very comprehensive dining guide, Nice photos, simple, elegant design. attractive high caliber ads, well organized. issues the 211 service can help with. SECOND PLACE Well done! “If you go” block is handy for quick Appetizing images and well-designed information. The Flavorful Dining The Post-Standard, Syracuse layouts. A keeper. The advertiser index SECOND PLACE graphic at the top grabs my attention. Karen Sherwood and Matt featuring descriptions of the restaurants Nice choice / mix of fonts. and their offeringsis a great launchpad for The Post-Standard, Syracuse Sourwine browsers to seek full ads inside. Another Lea Gonyea SECOND PLACE This was designed very nicely. I love the skimmer-friendly feature is the color- Very nice job relaying the message. community events and layout of the The Sag Harbor Express, whole day of festivities! coded edges of the pages by town, with The video draws you in and has some Sag Harbor the restaurants’ names listed right there nice touches...love it! THIRD PLACE on the edge. Thank you for identifying Charlie Tumino the agency ads, but even that is a THIRD PLACE I like how you’ve designed the look of Register-Star, Hudson testament to your ad sales team and The Post-Standard, Syracuse the quotes and speaker photos. Handles Steve LaRowe the desirability of being featured in Kayleigh Tarbet a lot of information in an easy-to-read I like the vibrant colors and arrangement your publication. format. I like the categorized, clean look of this ad. The testimonials are a great Appealed to my senses…bravo…might of the sponsors at the bottom. have to Discover Albany for myself. addition and I wish I lived close enough SECOND PLACE to try them out! THIRD PLACE Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs HONORABLE MENTION Chris Vallone Bushee North Country This Week, The Village Times Herald, HONORABLE MENTION and Marisa Scirocco Potsdam Setauket The Citizen, Auburn Visually attractive, lots of good Debbie Morgan Beth Heller Mason Lee Cunningham information, well organized and Nice, clean, elegant and simple. I like This is such a beautiful ad. Cohesive ad campaign warning about the the layout and the fonts selected. nice layouts. dangers of lead poisoning…very nice. HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION Watertown Daily Times, The News-Review, Riverhead The Southampton Press- Watertown Nice use of people throughout, both Western Edition, Stacey Frysinger in the ads and in the content. Getting BEST LARGE SPACE AD Westhampton Beach I like this ad and I like the way they a main advertiser to sponsor the inter- Nice huge attention-getting offer. Good displayed the Gardner veterans! views to provide content — smart move. DIVISION 1 use of colors. Could have maybe mixed Well layed out, by category. These in another font to break things up, but things differentiate it from other FIRST PLACE overall nice job. You kept it business directories and make it Albany Business Review, Albany straightforward and simple. stand out. Kayden Fitzgerald BEST SMALL SPACE AD Very well done! You were able to make HONORABLE MENTION DIVISION 1 The Sag Harbor Express, a lot of information eye-catching and DIVISION 3 easy-to-read. I like the use of the maps, IRST LACE Sag Harbor colors, and graphics. It’s simple and FIRST PLACE F P Bright and appealing photography, clean. Bay News & Brooklyn Graphic, Amherst Bee, Williamsville images and content convey strong Brooklyn Jackie Szarafin feeling of a waterfront community. SECOND PLACE Simplicity makes the ad stand out from The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Arthur Arutyunov others. Attractive pup photos will always This is beautiful! Great use of space and draw the reader’s eye. Maria Gennaro wonderful color scheme. It flows together Nice layout, engaging photo, clean really well. I like the credentials on the ECOND LACE and simple. S P BEST ADVERTISING right. I would make an appointment! The Highlands Current, CAMPAIGN THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE Philipstown East Aurora Bee, East Aurora Michele Gedney and Pierce Strudler DIVISION 1 North Country This Week, Vince Visciano and Suzanne Cyr Potsdam Great use of color to get large impact FIRST PLACE Nice layout. I like the use of one large from a small ad. photo and then organized smaller photos Debbie Morgan below it. Easy-to-read with attention- This really deserves recognition. It is THIRD PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck colorful and fun, but not juvenile. I love Steven Dorney grabbing colors. Nice clean look. Putnam County News & the middle strip and bursts of color with Recorder, Cold Spring Love the colors, the message… HONORABLE MENTION two-dimension wording. The price and first-class advertising! Love! product are busy, but not too busy, and Sheila Smith Cunningham West Seneca Bee, West Seneca is consistent. Judicious and appropriate use of color SECOND PLACE Trey Measer and Karl Scheitheir in a b/w ad makes it pop off the page. Putnam County News & Fun, colorful and engaging. I like the THIRD PLACE It attracts attention and communicates Recorder, Cold Spring use of the horn player along with the Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton with strong symbolism. “Tour of Champions” logo. Nice big This is a beautiful ad. It is very inviting, Sheila Smith Cunningham offer grabs the reader’s attention. Very clever play on words. and I would call this company based on Love these, very clean and classy. this ad. DIVISION 2 THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION FIRST PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck North Country This Week, The Village Times Herald, Steven Dorney Potsdam Setauket Quality photos, color scheme… Catherine Whalen Sharon Nicholson beautiful! I know, from working with dealerships, The simple messaging and artwork are the work that goes into price and appropriate for what I believe (from its product constantly changing. This is advertising) is a homey, rustic store. very well-done, with a Christmas look. It stands out on the page which is what You could use the same color scheme for you want! the 4th and use flags instead of bulbs. SECOND PLACE HONORABLE MENTION The Village Times Herald, Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton This is a unique design, and I like the Setauket doily look. It is a simple picture of lady A simple, attractive design with a with model dress, but the arrangement prominent call to action. and information is tastefully and THIRD PLACE creatively arranged. The Village Times Herald, Setauket Beth Heller Mason The graphics and font strongly support the roaring 20s theme. It stands out on 30 page and apart from other entries. 2019 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR The Independent The team at The Independent earned 310 contest points (yes, 310 points!) including ten first place awards, taking home Newspaper of the Year honors. They took home first place plaques for General Excellence, Best Front Page, Photographic Excellence, Overall Design Excellence, In-depth Reporting, Coverage of Crime, Police and Courts, Picture Story, Editorial Cartoon, Spot News Photo, and Best Special Section Newsprint. The judges referenced incredible, well-sourced reporting, compelling writing, beautiful photography and excellent page layout and design. Exceptional photography prompted the judges to say, “best all around photography entry.” This is an outstanding newspaper.

2019 STUART C. DORMAN AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE The Independent The staff at The Independent collected 260 points in the editorial competition, including first place awards for General Excellence, Best Front Page, Photographic Excellence, Overall Design Excellence, In-depth Reporting, Coverage of Crime, Police and Courts, Picture Story, Editorial Cartoon and Spot News Photo. The judges said, “This is a very good newspaper…the quality of the photography is excellent… easy to read…excellent layout and design…editorial photos push the story further.

2019 JOHN J. EVANS AWARD FOR ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE TIE — Dan’s Papers Dan’s Papers earned 80 points in the advertising competition including five first place awards for Innovative Ad Project, Best Online Static Ad, Best Conquested Target E-mail, Best Real Estate/Home Section, and Best Small Space Ad. The judges said, “ ads are very creative...great use of humor… there is a strong focal point and a strong call to action…catchy.” TIE — The Post-Standard The Post-Standard earned 80 points in the advertising portion of the contest. They won first place awards for Best Ad Campaign and Best Large Space Ad, and second place awards for Best Real Estate/Home Section, Best Ad Campaign, and Best Large Space Ad. They also earned third place honors for Innovative Ad Project. The judges said, “very nice job relaying the message…this ad appealed to my senses… great way to tie in video/web…love the focus and detail…bravo!”

STUART C. DORMAN JOHN J. EVANS Stuart Callender Dorman established a John J. Evans is the former executive precedent for excellence in publishing when vice presidentof Bee Publications, Inc., he owned the Suffolk Times (1969 - 1978) and the Buffalo. Evans is a past president of the News-Review (1976 - 1978). Dorman died in 1978, New York Press Association and the during the year he was to have served as president New York Press Service. Acknowledging the of the New York Press Association. Dorman was also countless hours Evans has devoted to president and founder of Graphics of Peconic. assisting NYPA members with their He was educated at Andover Academy and Harvard advertising programs, the NYPA Board University. Prior to purchasing the Suffolk Times, Dorman of Directors established the John J. Evans held a number of important positions in the book publishing industry, Award for Advertising Excellence in 1990. including a ten-year stint as vice-president of McGraw-Hill Book Co.

STUART C. DORMAN AWARD JOHN J. EVANS AWARD 1990 - The Riverdale Press 2005 - The Villager (NYC) 1991 - East Hampton Star 2006 - The Southampton Press - Eastern 1991 - The Riverdale Press 2006 - The North Shore Sun 1992 - The Riverdale Press 2007 - The River Reporter 1992 - The Riverdale Press 2007 - The Riverdale Press 1993 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2008 - The East Hampton Press 1993 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2008 - The North Shore Sun 1994 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2009 - The Suffolk Times 1994 - The Riverdale Press 2009 - The Suffolk Times 1995 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2010 - Nassau Herald 1995 - The Cuba Patriot 2010 - Long Island Press 1996 - The Record-Review 2011 - The Village Times Herald 1996 - The Record-Review 2011 - The Sag Harbor Express 1997 - The Record-Review 2012 - The Record-Review 2012 - Long Island Press 1998 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2013 - TIE — The Record-Review 1997 - The Record-Review and The Epoch Times 1998 - The Record-Review 2013 - The News-Review 1999 - The Record-Review 2014 - The Epoch Times 1999 - The Record-Review 2014 - The Suffolk Times 2000 - The Village Times 2015 - Dan’s Papers 2000 - The Sag Harbor Express 2015 - The Sag Harbor Express 2001 - The Record-Review 2016 - The Sag Harbor Express 2001 - The Villager (NYC) 2016 - The Sag Harbor Express 2002 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2017 - Dan’s Papers 2002 - The Record-Review 2017 - The Sag Harbor Express 2003 - The Record-Review 2018 - Dan’s Papers 2003 - The Sag Harbor Express 2018 - The Suffolk Times 2004 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2005 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2019 - TIE — Dan’s Papers 31 2004 - The Villager (NYC) 2019 - The Independent and The Post-Standard EExcellence Awards

BEST SMALL SPACE AD BEST MULTI-ADVERTISER DIVISION 2 SECOND PLACE PAGES DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE The River Reporter, Narrowsburg Amanda Reed DIVISION 2 The Chronicle, Goshen FIRST PLACE Christina Scotti Very clever way to capitalize on the Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton FIRST PLACE global appeal of Woodstock during its A winner on a lot of levels. The color, 50th anniversary celebration. Each card The colors and the logo make it stand out. Times Union, Albany shape and style of the ad augment the Nice job. being sold to an advertiser on something Jill Ginac idea of the Girl Boss Expo event. This ad as universally appealing as a deck of also has a call to action, which is SECOND PLACE The whole campaign was bright and playing cards gives their recognition very clear. important for response success. What a the longevity of a treasured keepsake. Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton great area for your paper to lead the way Clean, attractive. Great use of space. Every aspect of the production was well SECOND PLACE in. Nicely done! thought out, from the design of the cards THIRD PLACE Daily Sentinel, Rome SECOND PLACE themselves, to the packaging, to the This section was just plain fun! point-of-purchase display materials, to Ithaca Times, Ithaca The Independent, East Hampton the promotion of the cards. Groovy! Marshall Hopkins THIRD PLACE Ty Wenzel Nice, eye catching. Love the color with the Register-Star, Hudson Ask for what you want, and you are THIRD PLACE grayscale image. Steve LaRowe likely to get it. Wonderful design. The Post-Standard, Syracuse HONORABLE MENTION Simply elegant and peaceful. THIRD PLACE Lea Gonyea and Jason Murray Great way to tie in video/web to Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton promote the newspaper’s sports products. Lynbrook Newspaper as event poster - you could Excellent production value, and a real be on to something! sense of the paper’s involvement with HONORABLE MENTION BEST HOUSE AD/AD local sports. Long Beach Herald, Long Beach HONORABLE MENTION Nice ad, catches the eye. Not too busy. CAMPAIGN The Red Hook Star-Revue, HONORABLE MENTION DIVISION 1 Brooklyn Amherst Bee, Williamsville George Fiala Teresa Eastman DIVISION 4 FIRST PLACE Cool! But also hot. Excellent use of Nice innovative touch tying in the The Suffolk Times, Mattituck color and style increases the impact holiday theme by having all the pets’ FIRST PLACE Steven Dorney with album-cover style. photos required to feature some holiday Finger Lakes Times, Geneva I can’t get over how much I love what this aspect (in costume, with Santa, by the Anne Allis ad is doing. It’s right on message, simple, tree, etc.) Cute pet photos, sure to have Nice and clean. Very creative. uncluttered and effective. Best of all, it DIVISION 3 attracted lots of eyeballs. The only thing does not feel forced or rushed. It makes I would have liked to have seen, to give SECOND PLACE use of a local news photo too, so it’s on FIRST PLACE it more local appeal, would be to have at message. In a world of 1,000,001 things least the pets’ owners’ names listed with The Citizen, Auburn Register-Star, Hudson the pet names, rather than on the next Lee Cunningham this ad focuses on one idea that matters. Steve LaRowe We should all learn from it, for us and page (as it mentions in the small type). Nice use of space. Fresh feel. Greene is for GO! The shape and color Otherwise, nice promo. also for our customers. help communicate a friendly beginning THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE to this wonderful “Best Of” tradition Register-Star, Hudson The Highlands Current, that I’m seeing all over. Steve LaRowe Philipstown SECOND PLACE Eye catcher. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Pierce Strudler, Heidi Kitlas Daily Sentinel, Oneida HONORABLE MENTION and Chris Bockelmann Irene Tyler and Stephanie Capria FIRST PLACE Watertown Daily Times, I am getting a newspaper as NPR vibe This is a nice collection of flyers and a Amherst Bee, Williamsville Watertown from this - not in a bad way. The entire wonderful example of what can be done Wonderful use of color, and a nice ad approach and execution of this is with templates etc. from services such as count. Organized well, fun to read. Stacey Frysinger polished and put together well, with Metro. Imagining myself as a client in Nice. To be honest, I am envious of this colors and design that tie it all together. your area, these on-message flyers would classified section. It puts a spotlight on The testimonials make it relatable, and break through clutter of other pitches the small advertiser, which is the bread the “You the Reader” point of view comes and entice me without wasting my time. and butter of any Classified Department. through. For some newspapers, this Excellent work! approach is a way to the future. THIRD PLACE BEST MULTI-ADVERTISER Watertown Daily Times, SECOND PLACE PAGES TIE - THIRD PLACE Watertown The Garden City News, East Aurora Advertiser, DIVISION 1 Holly Boname Garden City East Aurora Good image call to action and A good look, nice clean headers. FIRST PLACE Kudos on featuring yourselves and tooting uncluttered design. I especially like the photo of the dog The Red Hook Star-Revue, your own horns! More local papers need with the newspaper. Good overall to self-promote with things like this. For positive feel for both the advertiser Brooklyn readers who have not come to your office and the reader. Liz Galvin and met your staff, you are bringing your This is a fun and interesting spread that staff to meet them in this way. INNOVATIVE AD PROJECT THIRD PLACE just spelled FUN. Watertown Daily Times, TIE - THIRD PLACE FIRST PLACE Watertown SECOND PLACE Amherst Bee, Williamsville Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton The News-Review, Riverhead This is a fun house ad that makes you Holly Boname What an ambitious project! Some This is a good example of the power of Michael Versandi want to pick up the phone. Nothing might ask what’s so innovative about a wrong with that! photography as a selling tool in great ads. and Kimberly Gersic newspaper putting out a tab to celebrate In fact, “Photography in Advertising” A bright, clean, telegraphic section. HONORABLE MENTION a milestone anniversary. Well, anyone should be its own category for entries. who has read the project description — THIRD PLACE Albany Business Review, Albany or has heard it read out at the awards HONORABLE MENTION Ithaca Times, Ithaca Kayden Fitzgerald ceremony - can see that the innovation The Village Times Herald, Very clever! It builds a sense of community Event-based business leadership is is in the degree which Dan’s Papers has forward-thinking. Color and design have taken this basic concept. The long-range Setauket and the dates encourage the reader to the Bright layout and good column spacing. reader to look at every ad. a modern look. This is a great business planning and thoughtfulness for audience approach, akin to what Chambers of interest are apparent. The writing rich This is uncluttered and easy to read. HONORABLE MENTION Commerce accomplish. It is a very and creative yet sprinkled generously HONORABLE MENTION The East Hampton Press, professional approach that invites future with humor. Tantalizing bits about hoax opportunities for paid advertising. stories, brushes with fame, covers The Suffolk Times, Mattituck East Hampton featuring acclaimed artists, cartoons and Karen Cullen and Kim Gersic Lovely and light design with modern style. a once-in-an-80-year-so-far-lifetime Clean layout, good volume and use of contrasts. There is a lot of good HONORABLE MENTION interview with the founder are eyeball magnets. Advertisers are treated as information here. The Suffolk Times, Mattituck partners in producing the project, with Michael Versandi revenues exceeding the $200k goal by and Kimberly Gersic 35% as testament to the appeal to them. The judge loved how the ads blended Tied in with a gala event and a portion well into the entire theme. of the proceeds donated to a local nonprofit which benefits many local charities put a nice bow on the entire package. Way to put an innovative spin 32 on an anniversary tab. Best Special Section Cover, 2019

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL FRANCIS ZUBER, MARISA SCIROCCO, THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES CHRIS VALLONE BUSHEE SARATOGA TODAY “Great image! Really encapsulates springtime.” “Great eye-catching photo. I like how the ice axes are well-positioned with the text underneath. Clean and simple.”

P RINTING OF THIS AWARDS NEWSPAPER COURTESY OF

EEditor’s Note Members of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association judged the contest entries in January — no small task — there were 2,918 entries. Their thoughtful, detailed comments reflect their professional experience in our industry. We are grateful for their time and commitment to this project, which means so much to NYPA member newspapers. NYPA staffers Jill Van Dusen and Rich Hotaling spend hours processing entries, working with judges, verifying the winners, creating plaques, certificates, award scripts, and creating this contest newspaper. Thank you for your meticulous attention to detail and your good humor. You make the work fun. NYPA’s adopted staff member, Rick Fensterer, has for decades, been the wizard behind the curtain, converting the winning entries into four separate awards slide shows — all during his “free time.” Thanks Rick, we couldn’t do it without you. And to our good friends at Trumbull Printing — thank you for helping us to showcase our winners by printing this newspaper. The newspaper is a treasure to many — shared with family, friends and colleagues and then tucked away for safe keeping. Thank you for your quality reproduction and your generosity. Finally, to all of the newspaper staff who entered — we know it is a time consuming job and we’re grateful that you take the time. The contest provides an opportunity to display the powerful, impactful work being done by community newspapers — we are proud of you and we’re grateful for the good work you do every day.

Michelle Rea — Executive Director 33 SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE 2019 BEST HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER The Spectator, Tarmac, Chaminade High School Fredonia Central High School Aidan Cappellino Marissa Burr Cappellino clearly knows how to capture the Spectator Marissa Burr took seemingly mundane topics - excitement as well as the nuances of a hard- homework, senioritis and lunchtime - and made fought football game. With words, he painted Spectator, from Fredonia Central High School, is the 2019 them fascinating columns. With wit and polish, a picture of the contest. The result was a Burr put the spotlight on real-life problems faced by gamer that stood out above the rest. Best High School Newspaper in New York State. The newspaper high school students. staff earned 65 contest points, including the first place award for THIRD PLACE Design, and eleven other awards. THIRD PLACE The Spectator, Tarmac, Chaminade High School Fredonia Central High School The judges said, “Full-bleed photos on covers; clean and Aidan Cappellino Ally Walton-Bald consistent font choices for headlines, body text, photo captions; Cappellino’s column are both well-reasoned and Walton-Bald did more than focus on a young interesting. His writing displays both intelligence woman’s decision to pursue the male- nice use of photography, graphics and original creative and thoughtfulness as well as a firm grasp of his dominated sport of wrestling. She added illustrations; the inclusion of local advertisements — all of subject matter. depth to her story and the result was a fun, informative read. these elements have placed the Spectator at the top of the list. HONORABLE MENTION Students should be very proud of their collective efforts.” The Spectator, HONORABLE MENTION Fredonia Central High School Horizon, Lynbrook High School Dominic Gullo Harrison Simon GENERAL EXCELLENCE clearly explaining the project with the amount This basketball game story did a great job of of detail a city editor at a daily newspaper capturing action and intensity, as well as FIRST PLACE would demand. The story hit all the bases - putting the game into context with the season Manor Ink, Livingston Manor Free Library from financial details to comments from DESIGN as a whole. This truly ambitious undertaking covers both those involved. school and community issues with pro- FIRST PLACE HONORABLE MENTION fessionalism. Layout and design are solid, HONORABLE MENTION The Spectator, The Spectator, making good use of both photography and The Spectator, Fredonia Central High School Fredonia Central High School display type both in advertising and the editorial Fredonia Central High School Full-bleed photos on covers; clean and consistent Mackenzie Quinn font choices for headlines, body text, photo space. The headlines were well-written and on Mackenzie Abbey Kudos for pursuing a story on this new point and the stories were well-written and well- captions; nice use of photography, graphics and When it comes to a news story, there’s great regulation. edited. A special tip of the hat to their Trout original creative illustrations; the inclusion of local value in providing your audience with detailed Parade coverage, which showcased the staff’s advertisements — all of these elements have placed information about their physical environment. initiative and creativity. the Spectator at the top of the list. Students should This story about a major construction project be very proud of their collective efforts. BEST WEB SITE SECOND PLACE also included a sidebar on the project’s inclusion Brocton Review, Brocton Central School of unisex bathrooms. SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE This paper has a lot going for it: Great covers Hoofbeats, Sanford Calhoun High School Horizon, Lynbrook High School as well as wonderful design, photography, ads Nice front page layout; like the index boxes along Great looking site with a clean design and and writing. Beyond those valuable basics, the the bottom; fully justified text within the four consistent use of fonts and text blocks. The paper had truly interesting and germane stories, FEATURE STORY column format makes for great uniformity and scrolling box across the top is a wonderful columns and editorials providing its readership readability; pull quotes are a nice touch; usage FIRST PLACE touch to give a quick glance of topics. The with a wealth of information and insight. Bravo of both grayscale and full-color photography — “opinions” section is filled with interesting to everyone! The Phoenix, all make for a great school paper. Nicely done. and well-written articles. Actually, the Kellenberg Memorial High School writing through these pieces is well done. HIRD LACE THIRD PLACE T P Isabella Nieminen I do like the use of original illustrations and Brocton Review, Brocton Central School The Spectator, Isabella Nieminen’s story began with a impressive photos. Staff listing with the Strong use of photography; the mixture of weights Fredonia Central High School compelling lede and retained the reader’s headshots is a great idea too. Very well and placement of those photos is nicely executed; Great use of photography, solid editorials and interest with lively writing and solid inform- constructed site. columns and well-designed ads made The ation. This is a great example of the power the “At a Glance” section is very informative and Spectator stand out. All of their editions of active verbs and concrete descriptions. useful, consistent column formatting and great SECOND PLACE were a joy to read. gutter width keep body copy clean and easy to read. Tarmac, Chaminade High School SECOND PLACE When you start clicking into the home page HONORABLE MENTION The Spectator, icons, the overall layout is extremely clean The Phoenix, Fredonia Central High School PHOTOGRAPHY and breathable. The use of white space makes Kellenberg Memorial High School for easy readability. The treatment to each Samantha Militello FIRST PLACE James Mooney III Informative and well written, Militello’s story headline is very nice. Quality writing The Phoenix provides its school community Tarmac, Chaminade High School throughout. The use of many student and about teachers who are beekeepers makes Vibrant color; incredibly sharp foreground focus; a good reflection of people and events. The great use of quotes to advance the narrative. faculty photographs throughout each section writing is solid, and the design is clean and asymmetrical cropping; paired with superb auction paired with talented illustrators’ work truly The author did a great job of structuring her of the tackle all make this particular photo jump easy to navigate. story and incorporating broader issues. show the school’s spirit. Students should be to the top. very proud. THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE Horizon, Lynbrook High School The Spectator, NEWS STORY Julia Swerdin The Phoenix, Fredonia Central High School Kellenberg Memorial High School This profile was well organized with plenty Alexis Schroeder FIRST PLACE of detail. The result was a piece that did an James Mooney III Alexis really captured a moment with this shot. Brocton Review, Brocton Central School admirable job of telling an important story. This is a very informative site. Many Malachi Rummings The theatrical facial expressions alone make this questions about admissions, policies, In a very competitive category, this news article HONORABLE MENTION worthy. I can see why this became the cover. programs, athletics, busses report cards... stood out for its news value and likely interest The Spectator, THIRD PLACE you name it, can be answered. Outstanding to its audience: The abrupt shutting down of the Fredonia Central High School Tarmac, Chaminade High School number of photos of student life and activities school’s boys’ bathroom. The story was timely, Emily Smith This group photo of the students at “World Youth throughout the gallery. Nice touch with the informative and to the point, with Rummings A solid job of covering an important subject. Day” is very patriotic. The backdrop of Panama previous editions of The Phoenix school asking the hard questions that needed to be Smith is a fine writer and her story provided City on such a sunny and bright day really creates a newspaper. asked. insight, context and perspective. statement. The crisp clarity from the brick pavers, the facial expressions, the flags, right on to the SECOND PLACE HONORABLE MENTION skyline really make this stand out. Manor Ink, Livingston Manor Free Library Manor Ink, Livingston Manor Free Library BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA Marlee Madison Hunter Krause HONORABLE MENTION This story demonstrated incredible initiative FIRST PLACE Hunter Krause’s ambitious review of nine The Spectator, Horizon, Lynbrook High School and a great job of getting out in the world and Radiohead studio albums showed initiative Fredonia Central High School talking to people. and creativity. That, coupled with his musical Elizabeth Ratkiewicz Mackenzie Abbey This was a good use of combining current and THIRD PLACE knowledge, produced a fascinating review that This photo depicts the desire to win. You can feel even non-fans could appreciate. recycled content, with a dash of Billy Joel star Horizon, Lynbrook High School the power that drives this swimmer. Capturing power, to post a YouTube birthday tribute. Jane Hoeflinger the motion of the water is incredible. Journalism captures a community’s history, SECOND PLACE in both big pieces and small. This story, of a COLUMN Horizon, Lynbrook High School student saving the life of a choking man is a BEST SPORTS STORY Harrison Simon prime example of why journalism is important FIRST PLACE Nice job adding new elements to this sports FIRST PLACE to a community. Brocton Review, Brocton Central School story with videos. The Phoenix, Heather Johnston HONORABLE MENTION Kellenberg Memorial High School THIRD PLACE Heather Johnston writes clear, well-reasoned Brocton Review, Brocton Central School Angelo Tsassis The Spectator, Isaac Weaver columns in a way that easily relates to the audience. She tackled tough topics, included In a very crowded category, Angelo Tsassis’ article Fredonia Central High School This comprehensive and well-written article on 34 other voices and offered her point of view. stood out for its vibrant writing and clear grasp of Lisa Reinhardt a solar farm installation deserves recognition for his topic. The story had steam, from its enticing Kudos for pursuing a written social media lede to its concluding metaphor. strategy and tracking its success. 2019 BEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER BEST SPORTS COVERAGE FIRST PLACE The Ithacan, Ithaca College The Ithacan Jack Murray, Emily Adams and Lauren White We don’t know what to call a team that wins the same award This sport sections does it all: Feature great sports 18 times, so we’ll just call it the Best College Newspaper. The Ithacan stories and timely game coverage while giving its readers the sports information they need via great earned 165 points in the college contest, winning first place awards graphics. for General Excellence, Feature Story, Column, Editorial, Best Sports SECOND PLACE Coverage, Best Web Site and Use of Social Media. Reporter Magazine, The judges said, “Top-notch journalism, fascinating graphics, clean Rochester Institute of Technology Jesse Wolfe, Cayla Keiser style and subject diversity pushed The Ithacan to the winning spot in and Kasey Mathews this very competitive category. A thoughtful opinion page, complete Love the diversity approach with a local editorial cartoon, is just one of its assets. The paper does THIRD PLACE a stellar job of covering its community, pursuing enterprise, holding Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University power to account and serving its readers and advertisers.” Raphy Gendler Nice variety, great layout

GENERAL EXCELLENCE HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE The Impact, Mercy College The Chronicle, College of Saint Rose FIRST PLACE Aileen Burke (A3) EDITORIAL The Ithacan, Ithaca College Valerie Lopez and Jared Naut A fascinating story that showed initiative and Burke’s column succeeded because she based it IRST LACE Top-notch journalism, fascinating graphics, clean F P balance. This story did what good journalism on her personal experience but expanded it with style and subject diversity pushed The Ithacan to The Ithacan, Ithaca College is supposed to do: Reflect our world and offer facts. The result was a novel column providing the winning spot in this very competitive Hard-hitting, well-reasoned editorials that do the greater understanding. useful information. category. A thoughtful opinion page, complete crucial job of holding power to account. Nice job. with a local editorial cartoon, is just one of its HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE assets. The paper does a stellar job of covering its The Ithacan, Ithaca College The Impact, Mercy College Campus Times, University of Rochester community, pursuing enterprise, holding power Krissy Waite Francesca Simone Timely and reasoned discussion on real issues to account and serving its readers and advertisers. In a very competitive field, this story did Simone is clearly a skilled writer. This was facing the campus community. These editorials SECOND PLACE a great job of tackling a simple issue and a joy to read. did a stellar job of explaining the issue and Reporter Magazine, explaining its import. HONORABLE MENTION charting a path forward. Rochester Institute of Technology Empire State Tribune, Kings College THIRD PLACE At first glance, it’s The Reporter’s spectacular Holly Shavelle The Impact, Mercy College design that stands out. But the design does FEATURE STORY Shavelle’s column illustrates the value of making more than look pretty: It provides a beautiful Nicole Acosta your point with concrete examples and backing These editorials were welcome discussions framework for content that’s both relevant and FIRST PLACE it up with data. Nice job. timely to readers. The stories were meaty, The Ithacan, Ithaca College of hot-button issues on college campuses. well-developed and well-written. Overall, The Emily Adams HONORABLE MENTION Reporter is a fun, interesting publication stuffed This was a masterful story from concept DESIGN Reporter Magazine, with quality content. to execution. The writing was clear and Rochester Institute of Technology THIRD PLACE dynamic. Even more impressive was Adams’ FIRST PLACE Frankie Albin and Kristin Grant Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University evident interviewing skills, which yielded The Campus Magazine, Introspective. fascinating insights adding richness to the The Cornell Daily Sun displays a strong The City College of New York piece. This was an incredibly competitive commitment to journalism, from breaking news With eye-popping color and fascinating graphics, category but “Healing Body and Mind” stories to sports to features. The paper clearly The Campus is a showcase for great design. It’s easily stood out from the from the pack. BEST WEB SITE engages its readers especially with relevant fun when it needs to be and serious when the content demands it. I loved the use of white columns and editorials. Design was solid, SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE space, the display type and the adherence to style. both for editorial and advertising. The Impact, Mercy College The Ithacan, Ithaca College SECOND PLACE This is a robust website full of current content HONORABLE MENTION Valerie Lopez and reflecting a diversity of voices, topics and The Campus Magazine, Beginning with its introductory anecdote, The Ithacan, Ithaca College approaches. The Ithacan also stood out for its The City College of New York this story succeeds in conveying the love and Carly Swanson, Anna Costa vibrancy, offering content that was fresh, commitment of a young woman’s tribute to and Erika Liberati different and thought-provoking. Podcasts and her mother, who died of cancer. Lopez deftly Clean, clear design accented with some videos were well-executed and clearly produced NEWS STORY avoids sentimentality while conveying the wonderfully informative graphics. House ads on a regular basis. The simple homepage design challenges the family faced and the steps they also stood out as clear and effective. was restrained, which gave power to each piece FIRST PLACE are taking to move forward. of content showcased. THIRD PLACE Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University THIRD PLACE Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University SECOND PLACE Maryam Zafar The Ithacan, Ithaca College Sabrina Xie Cornell Daily Sun, Cornell University Very comprehensive coverage of a tragic event. Arleigh Rodgers The story including breaking news as well as Simple modular design makes good use of photos Natalie Fung A solid job of introducing readers to people a host of relevant facts for a compelling, and art. This paper’s design does what good Special kudos for the Projects section of the involved. With the adept use of details and informative read. design is supposed to do: Not get in the way website, which showcased in-depth reporting of quotes, Rodgers brought readers along with her of content. Kudos for the graphics in the significant issues including the 50th anniversary SECOND PLACE as she talked with these interesting people. commemorative edition. of an important student protest on campus. The Chronicle, College of Saint Rose HONORABLE MENTION From graphics to timelines, each of the projects Burke, Paolicelli, Clark, DeMicco, Campus Times, University of Rochester illustrated how digital tools can add to the Manning, Vissagio, Know, Lo/Go An Nguyen PHOTOGRAPHY reader’s understanding. The main website A great enterprise story that raised questions features clean design and easy navigation. This was a fun, well-written story. about the campus’ health center. The article FIRST PLACE HIRD LACE reflects initiative as well as appreciation to hold Statesman, SUNY Stony Brook T P the school administration accountable for the Emma Harris Statesman, SUNY Stony Brook This well-designed website had all the features provided services. The story humanizes the COLUMN Sometimes the best sports photos are off the field of good design - from hyperlinks to social media problem and provides important context with and Emma Harri’s heart-wrenching photo of two FIRST PLACE sharing tools to newsletter signups. comparisons to other schools. The Ithacan, Ithaca College football players hugging after a loss proves the point. This photographer was in the right place THIRD PLACE Mahad Olad and clearly has the technical skills to produce a Campus Times, University of Rochester I love a column that expands my photo that will touch your heart. BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA Efua Agyare-Kumi understanding of the world and Olad’s Thoughtful and well-written, this article columns did just that. This was a very SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE provided context to a fast-moving series competitive category this year; Olad’s writing The Ithacan, Ithaca College The Ithacan, Ithaca College of events. was clear, insightful and a joy to read. Kristen Harrison The Ithacan does a fine job of pushing its content This photo was nicely composed, full of color to all the major social media channels in a timely HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE and rich with emotion. manner. The Ithacan, Ithaca College The Impact, Mercy College Ryan Bieber Amber Perez HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE The Ithacan’s story on off-campus housing Perez deftly avoids being self-indulgent in Reporter Magazine, Reporter Magazine, succeeded by timely showcasing the complex yet this introspective column, which provides Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester Institute of Technology pressing housing problems facing by college the reader with a better understanding of the Jesse Wolfe Ali Johnston struggles faced by young people coming of age students. This was a complicated issue handled In a very competitive category, this photographer The Reporter is doing some distinctive things to in challenging times. 35 effectively by a writer with a solid grasp of his deserves recognition for capturing emotion and engage its audience with illustration and video, subject. action. Nice composition as well. primarily on Facebook and Instagram. ongrats...ongrats... CCto all of our winners! N EW Y ORK P RESS A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 9 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST