N EW Y ORK P RESS A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 8 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST

elebrating CCNewspaperelebrating Excellence N EW Y ORK P RESS A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 8 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST AAnd the Winners Are … TABLE OF CONTENTS NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR

PAGE 2...... Excellence Award Winners The Suffolk Times 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 PAGE 7...... Writer of the Year Editorial Excellence Advertising Excellence PAGE 8...... Winners Listing The Suffolk Times Dan’s Papers PAGE 9...... Sports Writer of the Year PAGE 10...... Winners Listing PAGE 11...... Photographer of the Year 2018 WRITER OF THE YEAR 2018 ROOKIE REPORTER OF THE YEAR PAGE 12...... Winners Listing PAGE 13...... Best Front Page Michelle Trauring Shira Hanau PAGE 14...... Winners Listing The Sag Harbor Express The Jewish Week PAGE 15...... Best Sports Action Photo PAGE 16...... Winners Listing PAGE 17...... In-Depth Reporting 2018 SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR 2018 PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR PAGE 18...... Winners Listing Joe Werkmeister Jim MacLean PAGE 19...... Community Leadership The Suffolk Times The Scarsdale Inquirer PAGE 20...... Winners Listing PAGE 21...... Overall Design Excellence PAGE 22...... Winners Listing PAGE 23...... Best Small Space Ad COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP PAGE 24...... Winners Listing The Valley News Sun — First Place PAGE 25...... Innovative Ad Project PAGE 26...... Winners Listing PAGE 27...... Best Art Photo HOMAS UTSON WARD FOR N EPTH EPORTING ...... Graphic Illustration T G. B A I -D R PAGE 28...... Winners Listing City & State — First Place, Division 1 PAGE 29...... Besst Spot News Photos The Daily News (Batavia) — First Place, Division 2 PAGE 30...... Winners Listing New York Law Journal — First Place, Division 3 PAGE 31...... Dorman and Evans Awards Oceanside Island Park Herald — 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 The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — First Place, Division 1 PAGE 36...... Photo Collage The East Hampton Press — First Place, Division 2 PHOTO CREDITS EST RONT AGE F RONT C OVER B F P The News-Review — First Place, Division 1 TOP - SKIER RACING Jim MacLean Albany Business Review — First Place, Division 2 The Scarsdale Inquirer Gay City News — First Place, Division 3 BOTTOM LEFT - CARNIVAL RIDE The Southampton Press - Western Edition — First Place, Division 4 Mark Gutman The Daily News (Batavia) BOTTOM RIGHT - HAIR COLOR BEST EDITORIAL PAGE Donna Abbott-Vlahos Albany Business Review The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — First Place The Southampton Press - Western Edition— Second Place B ACK C OVER The East Hampton Press — Third Place

TOP LEFT - WET BOY Jim MacLean The Scarsdale Inquirer PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE

MIDDLE LEFT - PREPPING DINNER Albany Business Review — First Place Donna Abbott-Vlahos Albany Business Review

BOTTOM LEFT - WRESTLER OVERALL DESIGN EXCELLENCE Mark Gutman The Independent — First Place, Division 1 The Daily News (Batavia) The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — First Place, Division 2 TOP RIGHT - BIRD IN FLIGHT Jim MacLean The Scarsdale Inquirer ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE MIDDLE RIGHT - COVERED NOSES Mark Gutman Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald — First Place The Daily News The Suffolk Times — Second Place BOTTOM RIGHT - ACROBATIC ARTIST The Sag Harbor Express — Third Place Tim Lamorte Ken-Ton Bee — Honorable Mention 2 The Rivertowns Enterprise AAbout the 2018 Better Newspaper Contest … 163 newspapers submitted 2,743 entries. Participating newspapers competed for awards in 65 categories, and for Newspaper of the Year, the Stuart C. Dorman Award for Editorial Excellence and the John J. Evans Award for Advertising Excellence.

546 awards were presented during NYPA’s Spring Conference April 5th and 6th, 2019. The entries were judged by members of the Wisconsin Press 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: Times/Review Newspapers — 425 POINTS The Suffolk Times, The News-Review, Shelter Island Reporter The Press Newspaper Group — 310 POINTS The Southampton Press - Eastern, The Southampton Press - Western, The East Hampton Press Schneps Community News Group — 265 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) Herald Community Newspapers — 250 POINTS Baldwin Herald, Bellmore Herald, East Meadow Herald, Franklin Square Elmont Herald, Freeport Herald Leader, Glen Cove Herald Gazette, Long Beach Herald, Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, Malverne West Hempstead Herald, Merrick Herald, 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 Johnson Newspaper Corporation — 195 POINTS Watertown Daily News, The Daily News, Livingston County News THE TOP FIVE — SINGLE FLAG NEWSPAPERS TOTAL CONTEST POINTS: The Sag Harbor Express — 220 POINTS Dan’s Papers — 190 POINTS The Independent — 160 POINTS Albany Business Review — 155 POINTS The Highlands Current — 135 POINTS

THE TOP FIVE NEWSPAPERS TOTAL EDITORIAL CONTEST POINTS: The Suffolk Times — 155 POINTS The Independent — 135 POINTS The Highlands Current — 125 POINTS The News-Review — 120 POINTS The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition — 115 POINTS The Sag Harbor Express — 105 POINTS THE TOP FIVE NEWSPAPERS TOTAL ADVERTISING CONTEST POINTS: Dan’s Papers — 100 POINTS NYNAME WINNERS The Suffolk Times — 50 POINTS The Post-Standard — 45 POINTS Albany Business Review — 50 POINTS Finger Lakes Times — 45 POINTS Saratoga Today — 50 POINTS Watertown Daily Times — 35 POINTS Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald — 45 POINTS The Daily Mail — 20 POINTS Putnam County News & Recorder — 45 POINTS The Sag Harbor Express — 40 POINTS 3 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:...... Ambrose Clancy, Shelter Island Reporter Division 2:...... Eric Gross, Putnam County Courier Division 3:...... Michael Turton, The Highlands Current Division 4:...... Katie McFadden, The Rockaway Times Division 5:...... Susan DeSantis, New York Law Journal Division 6:...... David Haas, Syracuse New Times

C ATEGORY 3 0 — N EWS S TORY The quality of the entries in this category was outstanding — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Mary-Margaret Dwyer, Putnam County Courier Division 2:...... Shelly Ferullo, East Aurora Advertiser Division 3:...... Sabina Rebis, M.D. and Joseph P. Shaw, The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition Division 4:...... Jason Grant, New York Law Journal Division 5:...... T.E. McMorrow, The Independent

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:...... Eleanor Labrozzi, Shelter Island Reporter Division 2:...... Wilson Green, The Southampton Press - Eastern Edition Division 3:...... Daytona Niles, 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:...... Andy Flynn, Lake Placid News Division 2:...... The Highlands Current Division 3:...... David Ambro, The Northport Observer Division 4:...... Julianne McShane, Bay News & Brooklyn Graphic

C ATEGORY 4 3 — S PORTS A CTION P HOTO ( S ) Catching the right image at the right time — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Chris Layton, Putnam County News & Recorder Division 2:...... J. Heck, East Meadow Herald Division 3:...... Peggy Spellman Hoey, The Independent

C ATEGORY 3 5 — B EST C OLUMN Providing perspective… making the reader think, understand and care — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Maria Piedrabuena, RiverheadLocal.com Division 2:...... Bob Dumas, Mahopac News Division 3:...... Kelly Cogswell, Gay City News

C ATEGORY 2 9 — S POT N EWS C OVERAGE Great coverage of a single news event — congratulations to: Division 1:...... Amanda Purcell, Register-Star 4 Division 2:...... Taylor K. Vecsey, The Suffolk Times Division 3:...... Staff Reporters, Queens Courier Rookie Reporter of the Year, 2018 There were 25 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : SHIRA HANAU, THE JEWISH WEEK Shira Hanau has been a staff writer at The Jewish Week since May 2018. She covers Jewish communal politics, Jewish life on college campuses, and politics surrounding Israel and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. She recently reported from Pittsburgh in the wake of the synagogue shootings in October 2018. Some of her most read stories include a feature on the growing community of young Jewish progressives, a profile of an Orthodox rabbi who became an LGBT advocate, and a feature on alternative synagogues catering to Jewish millennials. Shira has freelanced for Harvard Divinity Bulletin, Columbia Journalism Review, and Hadassah Magazine. While in college, Shira interned at The Forward and The Jewish Week and contributed to MediaFile. The judges said, “Wow. Just wow. This reporter has great writing skills, tackles tough issues, finds multiple sources and blends all that with well-placed information and quotes. The stories start with superb ledes and are strong all the way to great finishes. I thought the story about sexual conversations with young men was handled well and well-written, then I read the story about the aftermath of the shooting at the Pittsburgh temple. I can’t say enough about this young woman’s talent and ability to write powerful news stories.”

S ECOND P LACE : REBECCA C. LEWIS, CITY & STATE Rebecca C. Lewis joined City & State in December 2017 as an editorial assistant, a role in which she aggregates the publication’s news aggregation emails, assists with research, and writes a variety of stories both for print and online. A few weeks ago, she was promoted to the position of staff reporter. Rebecca C. Lewis compiles the daily First Read newsletter, writes stories for both print and web, and generally provides assistance to the editorial team. Rebecca graduated in 2017 from Fordham University, where she studied communications and psychology. She previously worked for the NPR affiliated public radio station WFUV where she won a student award from the Alliance of Women in Media and a professional award from Public Radio News Directors Inc. for the podcast she produced. Rebecca lives on Long Island, but can usually be found at a variety of movie theaters in the city. The judges said, “Well-written, informative stories that are readable and interesting. I learned something from each one. I’m glad to see this writer was promoted! Congratulations to her and her publication.”

T HIRD P LACE : REBECCA KLAR, WILLISTON TIMES Rebecca Klar covers New Hyde Park and the Willistons. She has quickly demonstrated strong capabilities in hard news, feature and enterprise stories while also donating a kidney to her father. The judges said, “Every body wants to write columns or blogs, but this young woman should. Her humor and empathy were front and center in the first-person story she wrote about donating a kidney to her father. The story itself would have been interesting even without her involvement, but her storytelling skills really shine. Her news stories were hard-hitting, showing her ability to tackle corruption, nepotism and questionable use of government funds. Congratulations on a job well done!”

H ONORABLE M ENTION : GRIFFIN KELLY, LAKE PLACID NEWS Griffin began working at the Lake Placid News on Nov. 6, 2017. He graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with bachelor’s degrees in newspaper, magazine and multimedia journalism. He grew up in Pearl River, New York. Griffin covers Lake Placid and Essex County news for the Lake Placid News and its sister newspaper, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise in Saranac Lake, and he covers arts and culture for both papers and our Weekender publication. In addition to his news beats, Griffin helps tell stories about the people who make Lake Placid one of the best places to live and visit on Earth. With a biographical style, he writes features about lifestyle, education, business, community service, sports, special events, health, the environment, etc. — always focusing on the people. He is versatile in writing a variety of news and feature stories and brings a youthful energy to the newsroom that is refreshing. The judges said, “This writer handles hard news well, but is a true story teller. I loved his lede in the story about the guitar maker and the rest of his story did not disappoint. I will remember this young man’s name.” 5 EExcellence Awards PAST PRESIDENTS’ AWARD “ROOKIE” REPORTER THIRD PLACE BEST FRONT PAGE OF THE YEAR The Jewish Week, New York DIVISION 1 Hannah Dreyfus DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE While, from a national angle, #MeToo The Jewish Week, New York FIRST PLACE The Southampton Press- content has been very available in the last Shira Hanau year, finding those stories within your own The News-Review, Riverhead Eastern Edition, Southampton Wow. Just wow. This reporter has great writing community can be challenging — and writing Lauren Sisson, Steve Wick This is the type of newspaper readers would skills, tackles tough issues, finds multiple them in a way which keeps the reader’s and Joe Werkmeister wait by the mailbox or pick up at their door as sources and blends all that with well-placed attention is extremely tricky. This writer did Beautiful! The photos, the headers, sub-headers, soon as it arrives. The judges loved the format information and quotes. The stories start with an excellent job keeping these lengthy stories stories and quotes on the front page are perfectly and the choice to stay with a large format superb ledes and are strong all the way to great engaging, balanced and clear. balanced. The use of white space is just perfect. publication. They agreed the reporting was finishes. I thought the story about sexual HONORABLE MENTION The articles were well written. You can tell that the best they had seen, the writing was tight, conversations with young men was handled the newspaper team cares about their product the photos helped tell the story and the well and well-written, then I read the story Shelter Island Reporter, and their community. newspaper was the complete package. For about the aftermath of the shooting at the Shelter Island this reason, it was judged at the top of its Pittsburgh temple. I can’t say enough about Charity Robey SECOND PLACE class and the first place finisher in a very this young woman’s talent and ability to This writer did an excellent job of taking me Shelter Island Reporter, tough category to judge. Congratulations. write powerful news stories. with her to the actual location of all of her Shelter Island stories. I felt like I was in the deer stand with SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Beautifully designed front page. Great use of Great Neck News, Great Neck her, on the shoreline, at the grill, in the Zabel’s photos, great white space. Headlines are prefect. City & State, New York living room. Her stories kept me interested, This clean crisp paper draws you in with not only This is a very good newspaper loaded with Rebecca C. Lewis were an appropriate length, showcased the stories, features and opinions people would the beautifully organized layout but the nicely Well-written, informative stories that are very topics clearly and made sure I walked away worded headlines as well. definitely want to read. All the entries in readable and interesting. I learned something with the core of what she was trying to say. this division were very good and to place, from each one but was particularly impressed THIRD PLACE a newspaper had to stand out. And, this with her coverage of the single-payer health- one did as it earns second place. Long Island Advance, Patchogue care system. She handled a complex issue and Love, love how you have one photo on the front THIRD PLACE presented information in an understandable to really draw in the viewers. The October 25 format that didn’t dumb it down but broke it SPORTS WRITER Adirondack Daily Enterprise, front page photo is perfect. Great use of the photo down for readers. I’m glad to see this writer OF THE YEAR covering up the header draws the viewers. Saranac Lake was promoted! Congratulations to her and Beautiful. Would like to see more white space FIRST PLACE In a very close vote, the Adirondack Daily her publication. around the text in the bowling story, maybe Enterprise finished third among the many The Suffolk Times, Mattituck THIRD PLACE tighten up the font a little. Add a little more entries in this division. Judges scored the Joe Werkmeister white space around the text. Headers and articles photos as good and the reporting above Williston Times, Williston Park This work stood out amidst a talented field. are great, just needs some white space. average. It takes a lot of work to put out a Rebecca Klar He is able to capture the most compelling very good newspaper and the Daily Enterprise Everybody wants to write columns or blogs, aspects of stories that likely engage all readers, HONORABLE MENTION is a very good one. Like the format and the but this young woman should. Her humor not just sports fans. The meter of his writing The Villager, New York breadth of new coverage. and empathy were front and center in the makes his work very readable. His attention to Mark Ramos and Lincoln Anderson first-person story she wrote about donating a details and ability to describe those details to Front page photos are amazing, love how the kidney to her father. The story itself would his readers keeps them engaged and always artwork pops, but maybe a bit more white space have been interesting even without her first DIVISION 2 wanting more. Fantastic work. around headers. person account, but her writing skills were FIRST PLACE impressive. Her news stories were hard-hitting, SECOND PLACE The East Hampton Press, showing her ability to tackle corruption, The Daily Gazette, Schenectady DIVISION 2 East Hampton nepotism and questionable use of government Michael Kelly funds. Congratulations on a job well done! The judges went over all the entries and chose This writer showed his ability to write about an FIRST PLACE array of topics, from college basketball to a bit the East Hampton Press the top finisher in its HONORABLE MENTION of a spontaneous powder puff Homecoming Albany Business Review, Albany division. They enjoyed the writing and the Lake Placid News, Lake Placid special section that was included (Garden football game, and he covers it all in a way Kristina Walser Section). They felt the photos were excellent Griffin Kelly that keeps readers engaged. Very nice pages! Love the big photos, nice This writer handles hard news well and is a and clean with room to breathe. and well placed. The paper was quality THIRD PLACE throughout and was a cut above the rest. true story teller. I loved his lede in the story about the guitar maker and the rest of his The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE story did not disappoint. I will remember Todd Sliss The Spotlight, Delmar The Riverdale Press, Riverdale this young man’s name. This writer had some tough stories to cover Michael Hallisey and David Abbott This was a very close class to judge. The only in 2018 and he did so very well. Such stories Amazing front pages. Love the large the difference the judges cited between the first require working with a variety of sources, and large artwork. and second entries was the photo work. While he was fair in trying to unravel the many sides. THIRD PLACE this entry had good photos, the winning entry WRITER OF THE YEAR was just a few strokes better in that area. This The Suffolk Times, Mattituck entry was judged the second place finisher. FIRST PLACE Maria Gennaro and Joe Werkmeister Comments from the judges included very The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor PHOTOGRAPHER I like the large photos, nice headlines. Maybe work good writing and subject. OF THE YEAR on the 3 inside headlines at the bottom of the Michelle Trauring page, possibly a bolder font or some way to make THIRD PLACE Selecting the best writer from such a diverse FIRST PLACE that part stand out a little more. The Suffolk Times, Mattituck field was nearly impossible, but this writing The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale Judges decided this entry was the third place stood out more than any other. “Ancient HONORABLE MENTION Hunters” brought me everything I wanted in Jim MacLean finisher in the division. While the other The consistent, quality work, along with a few The Highlands Current, Philipstown two entries were broadsheet this one had a a lede — humor, clarity and understanding. Meanwhile, in “Dancing with Goliaths,” standout images, is what helps push this above Pierce Strudler different size which the judges found the rest. I really like the use of photos. The photo captions interesting and liked how it was handled as I felt a quick emotional connection with the source, something most writers overlook in a are a bit too close to the photos. Otherwise very to lay out and display of news and pictures. SECOND PLACE nice looking pages. Reporting was good and the story selection gallery preview. The Airbnb story showed a definite skill at keeping more procedural The Daily News, Batavia was solid. A very good newspaper. news stories interesting and human as well. Mark Gutman I laughed out loud at “A Legal Immigrant The photographer caught several nice moments Strikes Back” and “Be There, Not Here” was with high action and emotion — the bull rider honest and educating, without getting hung thrown to the ground, coaching jumping to up in the weeds of Virtual Reality. Well done. celebrate a late basket, wrestler flexing after a win. If a couple weaker images were replaced SECOND PLACE this could have ranked higher. Albany Business Review, Albany Robin K. Cooper THIRD PLACE This collection of work is a testament to Albany Business Review, Albany the writer’s ability to make business writing Donna Abbott-Vlahos accessible to those who don’t choose it as their This was very close to second place, but the passion. I didn’t expect to be as interested in entry that took second depicts a bit more the trade war or the horse-buying proclivities emotion. Simple, yet solid portraits and general of the one percent, but I found this writing assignment photos. I really like the cool tones exceptionally informative, accessible and in the first two. engaging. This came in the form of lede writing, an intelligent use of quotes as flavor HONORABLE MENTION rather than substance and a good balance The Rivertowns Enterprise, between details and explanations. Hastings-on-Hudson 6 Tim Lamorte A couple of really nice images that take into account real opportunities. Writer of the Year, 2018 There were 44 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : MICHELLE TRAURING, THE SAG HARBOR EXPRESS Michelle Trauring is an arts, culture and travel writer who has chased stories in Ecuador, Denmark, Thailand, Greece, Iceland and South Africa — though her true home is on the East End of Long Island with The Sag Harbor Express. She graduated from the Stony Brook University Journalism School in 2010, and is also published in Newsday, The Southampton Press, The East Hampton Press and Homes of the Hamptons. When she isn’t writing, Michelle is probably lost in the wilderness, daydreaming about her next trip, or giving her cat a head rub. The judges said, “Selecting the best writer from such a diverse field was nearly impossible, but the writings of Michelle Trauring stood out to me better than any other. “Ancient Hunters” brought me everything I wanted in a lede — humor, clarity and understanding. Meanwhile, in “Dancing With Goliaths,” I felt a quick emotional connection with the source, something most writers overlook in a gallery preview. The Airbnb story showed a definite skill at keeping more procedural news stories interesting and human as well. I laughed out loud at “A Legal Immigrant Strikes Back” and “Be There, Not Here” was honest and educating, without getting hung up in the weeds of Virtual Reality. Well done.”

S ECOND P LACE : ROBIN K. COOPER, ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW Robin Cooper grew up in Hudson Falls and began his journalism career in Phoenix, Arizona after graduating from Buffalo State College in 1994 with a bachelor’s in English. He started his career as a reporter covering state government for the Arizona Capital Times and Arizona News Service. In 1998, Cooper moved back to New York and worked for newspapers in Buffalo and Saratoga Springs before joining The Daily Gazette in Schenectady in 2000 where he covered business and Saratoga Springs. Cooper has been with the Albany Business Review since 2007 working as a reporter and managing editor. He currently is a senior reporter, covering manufacturing, sports business, economic development and breaking news. Cooper lives in Fort Edward and spends his weekends on Lake Champlain. The judges said, “This collection of work by Robin Cooper is a testament to his ability to make business writing accessible to those who don’t choose it as their passion. I didn’t expect to be as interested in the trade war or the horse-buying proclivities of the one percent, but I found Cooper’s writing exceptionally informative, accessible and engaging. This came in the form of lede writing, an intelligent use of quotes as flavor rather than substance and a good balance between details and explanations.”

T HIRD P LACE : HANNAH DREYFUS, THE JEWISH WEEK Hannah Dreyfus is a staff writer for the New York Jewish Week newspaper, published online (350,000 unique visitors/month) and in print (circulation 60,000/week). Her work focuses on abuses of power within religious and non-profit settings, including several recent #MeToo-influenced investigations and a deepdive into child sexual abuse at youth serving organizations. Her stories have been picked up by the Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Post, New York Daily News and Baltimore Sun. She heads the Investigative Journalism Fund, a special project of the Jewish Week to fill a gap in investigative and enterprise reporting. Her diverse body of work includes investigations into means of extortion in the Kosher food industry; unregistered foreign agents operating in the oil-rich Emirate of Qatar; lack of secular education at New York ultra-Orthodox schools; birth-control access and abortion in the ultra-Orthodox community; and communal stigmas surrounding mental health, opioid addiction and suicide. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and son. The judges said, “While, from a national angle, #MeToo content has been very available in the last year, finding those stories within your own community can be challenging — and writing them in a way which keeps the reader’s attention is extremely tricky. Hannah did an excellent job keeping these lengthy stories engaging, balanced and clear. ”

H ONORABLE M ENTION : CHARITY ROBEY, SHELTER ISLAND REPORTER Charity Robey is a feature writer and columnist for the Shelter Island Reporter where she writes an op-ed column, a food column and Island profile. She was awarded a first place for columns by the New York Press Association in 2017. Her research on bay scallop flavor and history is part of a paper she gave at the 2017 Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery and it was published in 2018. Her work has appeared in the Suffolk Times, Edible East End, Newsday and the New York Times. The judges said, “Charity Robey did an excellent job of taking me with her to the actual location of all of her stories. I felt like I was in the deer stand with her, on the Shelter Island shoreline, at the grill, in the Zabel’s living room. Her stories kept me interested, were an appropriate length, showcased the topics clearly and made 7 sure I walked away with the core of what she was trying to say. ” EExcellence Awards BEST FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXCELLENCE DIVISION 2 THIRD PLACE Oceanside Island Park Herald, DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE Oceanside The Southampton Press- FIRST PLACE Albany Business Review, Albany The year-long investigation Safety and the Second Eastern Edition, Southampton Gay City News, New York Donna Abbott-Vlahos Place was started after local students spoke out The strongest aspect of the overall impression of This paper took first because of its following the Parkland, Florida school shootings. Paul Schindler, Marcos Ramos, the photos is that they tell a story and make the outstanding front pages, large, clear photos The staff spent an amazing amount of time and Donna Aceto and Bill Bytsura editorial content accompanying them that more and ad design. Its only negative came in effort into covering all angles of the questions Very enticing layouts that certainly attract the impressive. Clarity and contrast of images stood headlines and typography where it uses too surrounding what it means to be a survivor of gun eyes of readers. Visually appealing with text that out among all the entries. Each photo had a good many typefaces and styles. All three violence and its effect on communities and what fits both in terms of presentation as well as caption and the photo displays were dynamic. newspapers could use a larger typeface in gun owners believe are their rights and content. The layouts really “pop” on the page. I especially liked the January issue capturing the body copy. responsibilities. Great job. restaurant scene for layout and impact. SECOND PLACE HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE The Riverdale Press, Riverdale Ithaca Times, Ithaca Ithaca Times, Ithaca The Southampton Press- Michael Hinman and Richard Stein Marshall Hopkins Marshall Hopkins Eastern Edition, Southampton This newspaper has a clean overall design Making it simple for young people and everyone An intriguing array of layout presentations that Almost perfect in every way, photo selection but lacks strong visual features. It is strong else in the community to register to vote is shows a passion for creativity. Each page is and cropping gave this title the edge. Great local on editorial page design, headline styles and fulfilling a civic duty every newspaper should notably different than the others, yet they each interest, photo quality reproduction and the overall typography. endorse and try in their own communities. offer something dynamic in terms of grabbing reader can always know what the image is about HIRD LACE the attention of readers. When I saw the layouts, by its caption. Images in “Battling the Darkness” T P I could tell they were among the best. were well presented and the cover images for this The Sag Harbor Express, Sag story were emotive and captured the darkness of Harbor THIRD PLACE opioid abuse. Strong inside and feature page design, but the BEST NEWS WEB SITE Queens Chronicle, Queens front page screamed at me. There is way too Jan Schulman THIRD PLACE much going on in front page elements and FIRST PLACE The three covers each presented readers with a The Southampton Press- type styles. The Daily Gazette, Schenectady different way of drawing them in. The Amazon Western Edition, Westhampton Beach This website is excellent: well organized, clearly design was clever, the De Blasio item was a cool This paper can boast of great local interest, labeled premium content, and the color scheme concept and the Giovanni page was tasteful yet photo quality reproduction and the reader knows doesn’t interfere with the reading experience. The impactful. Nice job. what the image is about by its caption; however, DVERTISING XCELLENCE scroll bar is enough to keep your interest but also a very nice two-page spread on the U.S. Open A E doesn’t interfere. The “sections” hamburger menu could have benefitted more with captions. FIRST PLACE drop down is the best I have seen. The site map at DIVISION 4 All-around a very nice display of quality the bottom of the home page is also very well photography. Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, done. I particularly like the page take over close FIRST PLACE Lynbrook button versus waiting for the ad to scroll up. HONORABLE MENTION The Southampton Press- Love the Dance Workshop and Leggz Ltd Well done. Bayside Times, Queens ads! Colorful ad beautiful.Cinch ad eye- Western Edition, Westhampton Beach This tabloid gives the reader a sense of comfort catching! Super cute cover for the SECOND PLACE Well-balanced pages combined with effective in its coverage of local news. The photos are Kindergarten Kids! Great job! The Spotlight, Delmar headlines, strong story writing and solid photos clear and strong in contrast with succinct Michael Hallisey and Jim Franco to make these pages visually appealing and captions. I especially liked the photo spread on SECOND PLACE informative. Nicely organized website. To get more, the The Queens Pride Parade. The paper could The Suffolk Times, Mattituck reader has to scroll down. I bet it increases your SECOND PLACE benefit from making more images larger Plum full of ads. Good for revenue. engagement. The use of red for the masthead (especially group shots) to have more impact Nice professional looking ads! doesn’t overpower as red so frequently does, and The East Hampton Press, and make readers want to save them for their East Hampton THIRD PLACE the scrolling news at the very top isn’t in your face. scrapbooks. It’s a paper the community can I like the color coding of the sections in the top A nice array of layout techniques draws readers be proud of. The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor navigation menu, subtle and helpful. I also really in, and the photos themselves pair nicely with Love the cover of The Cruising Life piece. like the separation of the sections. Using an ad to the stories for an overall solid presentation. Great pics! Beautiful color ads also. separate makes a ton of sense. I wish I would have THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION thought of that! The “tags and keywords” heading OVERALL DESIGN The Southampton Press-Eastern Ken-Ton Bee, Kenmore is odd. Do all readers realize it is navigational? EXCELLENCE I doubt it. What about “Read More Here” or Edition, Southampton Nice orange and red color on cover. “Click to Read Stories About...”. From top to bottom on each page, I appreciated DIVISION 1 Would like to see the advertising on the the nice, clean layouts. inside of each page. Ads seem to swallow up THIRD PLACE FIRST PLACE the copy. Nice ads. This paper has character! The Suffolk Times, Mattituck The News-Review, Riverhead Like it! The home page has a ton of content available Lauren Sisson without having to scroll down and without feeling BEST EDITORIAL PAGE Bold headlines pull quotes and front pages were like 20 lbs of potatoes in a 10 lb bag. Navigation is outstanding. The classified and directory ad easy, and the color scheme is also easy on the eyes. FIRST PLACE pages were clean and appealing in black and COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP The masthead could stand out a bit more; it was The Southampton Press- overpowered by the leaderboard ad. However, it white as they didn’t present confusion from FIRST PLACE Eastern Edition, Southampton competing small ads in color. I really liked the could have been the nature of the particular ad A tremendous array and depth of content offers fading of the Oct. 11 front page picture to add The Valley News Sun, running at that time. If the intent is to ensure the plenty of material for readers. The photos add a the text. Elizabethtown reader cannot miss that ad position even if they beautiful splash to the pages as well. Kim Dedam, Jane Hooper try, you succeed and should raise the price! SECOND PLACE and Pete DeMola SECOND PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck HONORABLE MENTION The Sun tackled a very controversial school Pelham Examiner, Pelham The Southampton Press- Maria Gennaro merger question by providing forums and the Western Edition, Westhampton Beach Overall, this paper was right up there with the Wow! This is a high school newspaper website. leadership to get all the information out to I particularly like the way content boxes scroll up Clearly shows a commitment to offering a first place winner. The pull quotes would have both school districts, the pros and cons and as the reader scrolls down. Latest news offset grey variety of perspectives on pages that are been better in a bolder typeface and I failed to the fears and hopes were all presented in a coloring draws the reader in. I like “people are well balanced. see the need for a defining sentence below civil manner and resulted in an over- almost every headline. I think finding the space talking,” more to the point than the usual whelming vote to go forward with the “most popular.” THIRD PLACE for an editorial cartoon every week on the merger. Their leadership took away the The East Hampton Press, opinion pages would make the pages much more rumors and gossip that might have torn East Hampton appealing as it did in the Oct. 4 issue. the communities apart. Solid presentation and equally solid writing. THIRD PLACE Nice touch with the “person on the street” SECOND PLACE comments to add even more local flavor. Bayside Times, Queens The Sag Harbor Express, The overall design flowed through the pages The Press News Group, and made it a paper I would like to read. Times Review Newspapers HONORABLE MENTION This huge project gave the communities the The Independent, East Hampton newspapers serve a complete look at the The front page, arts and entertainment section opioid crisis and steps that have been taken and feature really popped out on this entry. in the communities to combat the addictions The extra large pull quotes looked like they were and hopefully save lives. being used to fill up space. A photo or graphic would have been better use of the space.

8 Sports Writer of the Year, 2018 There were 23 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : JOE WERKMEISTER, THE SUFFOLK TIMES Joe Werkmeister joined Times Review Media Group in 2006 after graduating from St. Bonaventure University. He started as a sports writer for the company’s North Shore Sun paper and became the sports editor in 2007. In 2012 he moved to an associate web editor position and eventually became web editor for The Riverhead News-Review and The Suffolk Times websites. He was promoted to managing editor in 2015, helping oversee both the print and online editions of the newspaper. In May 2016, he became the editor of both papers. Werkmeister is a two-time NYPA Sports Writer of the Year winner and has won numerous sports featuring writing awards. He was awarded first-place for Best Column in 2013. In 2017 he won first place for feature writing by the National Newspaper Association. The judges said, “Joe’s work stood out amidst a talented field. He is able to capture the most compelling aspects of stories that likely engage all readers, not just sports fans. The meter of his writing makes his work very readable. Joe’s attention to details and ability to describe those details to his readers keeps them engaged and always wanting more. Fantastic work.”

S ECOND P LACE : MICHAEL KELLY, THE DAILY GAZETTE Michael Kelly started working for The Daily Gazette in Schenectady in December 2014. Kelly started as the organization’s sportswriter for a pair of community weeklies, then shifted in Spring 2015 to covering the University at Albany, Siena College and high schools for the daily sports department. In August 2018, Kelly became the organization’s Sports Editor while continuing to cover UAlbany and Siena athletics. The judges said, “Michael showed his ability to write about an array of topics, from college basketball to a bit of a spontaneous powder puff Homecoming football game, and he covers it all in a way that keeps readers engaged.”

T HIRD P LACE : TODD SLISS, THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER Todd Sliss came to The Scarsdale Inquirer as the Sports Editor fresh out of the journalism program at SUNY New Paltz in the fall of 1999. Sliss has placed in the Sports Writer of the Year category five times (two straight runner-up finishes, three thirds), while winning more than 30 other awards in a variety of categories (sports coverage, sports/outdoor column, sports feature story, special sections, feature series). Sliss was also a long-time Focal Points columnist and has been the special sections editor for a decade. His latest challenge comes in the form of joining the team of core staff members in launching the paper’s online presence. The judges said, “Todd had some tough stories to cover in 2018 and he did so very well. Such stories require working with a variety of sources, and Todd was fair in trying to unravel the many sides.”

2 0 1 8 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST 9 EExcellence Awards THOMAS G. BUTSON AWARD DIVISION 4 THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE FOR INVESTIGATIVE/IN-DEPTH Queens Chronicle, Queens The Riverdale Press, Riverdale FIRST PLACE Christopher Barca, Ryan Brady, REPORTING Oceanside Island Park Herald, Simone Johnson Mike Gannon and Anthony O’Reilly The coverage was diverse and covered a wide DIVISION 1 Oceanside Nice use of multiple, key sources. Expert work variety of topics. The stories were told well Excellent work. Tackled the topic from all sides FIRST PLACE following up with your sources as well. Your and flowed with numerous quotes as well. and included strong visuals. I’m impressed by readers must be happy with your variety of The reporter also utilized an active voice. City & State, New York the enterprise of a small staff. overall government coverage. Also, I liked Frank G. Runyeon your localization of the school safety piece; HONORABLE MENTION ECOND LACE Amazing stories. The amount of research and S P it seemed unique to other such efforts I’ve seen. The Suffolk Times, Mattituck good solid reporting done came through Ithaca Times, Ithaca Nicole Smith, Taylor K. Vecsey HONORABLE MENTION highlighting this significant problem. Matt Butler and Kate Nalepinski Good reporting and strong corroboration The Northport Observer, Northport SECOND PLACE The ledes were excellent and really drew the throughout the piece. David Ambro reader in. The stories were well told and I like RiverheadLocal.com, Riverhead Thorough on both sides of each debate. THIRD PLACE the use of quotes. I didn’t feel like I was missing Denise Civiletti Good ledes, great use of numerous sources and a perspective. There were some missing words The reporter showed a great deal of tenacity Norwood News, Bronx incorporation of background. You answered here and there. following the story and not backing down along David Cruz all the questions I had. the way. This is a story that required digging Thorough reporting. and to constantly stay on top of it. HONORABLE MENTION THIRD PLACE COVERAGE OF BUSINESS, The Southampton Press- The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor COVERAGE OF EDUCATION FINANCIAL & ECONOMIC Eastern Edition, Southampton EWS Stephen J. Kotz, Kathryn G. Menu DIVISION 1 N and Christine Sampson Cailin Riley, Joe Louchheim FIRST PLACE Well written series of articles. It is a significant and Michael Pintauro FIRST PLACE issue when the median value of homes Solid work. Good graphics too. The Batavian, Batavia The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Coverage of Local Government approaches $900,000 and answers the Howard Owens Tara Smith, Grant Parpan, questions with options. Great job thoroughly covering important problems Cyndi Zaweski and Kelly Zegers I enjoyed the variety of coverage and the HONORABLE MENTION while making it easy to understand for a reader who might not be familiar with public record ability to make the story relevant to an Adirondack Daily Enterprise, COMMUNITY OF and open meeting laws. outsider. Saranac Lake LOCAL GOVERNMENT Aaron Cerbone SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Well researched. The quotes are great and the DIVISION 1 Albany Business Review, Albany The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor details make you want to know more. The stories were interesting to read and FIRST PLACE Chelsea Diana The cover story was strong. The topic is relevant concise, while also not feeling as though Manhasset Press, Manhasset and the reporter did a great job explaining why they cut out any important information. Elizabeth Johnson DIVISION 2 decreasing international enrollment mattered to THIRD PLACE Very well-done series on an unusual instance people beyond the university. It felt like a long FIRST PLACE of NIMBY. Makes me want to know what and heavy read in many parts. The Q&A was Queens Courier, Bayside The Daily News, Batavia happened next. interesting but did not showcase the reporter’s The stories each brought about a personal writing skills. thread that helped tie the story to something Matt Leader, John Anderson SECOND PLACE the readers care about. and Scott DeSmit The Villager, New York THIRD PLACE Well researched series. The writers did their HONORABLE MENTION Lincoln Anderson and Sydney Pereira Cortland Standard, Cortland homework and presented it in a way that was Catherine Wilde The News-Review, Riverhead engaging and informative without going over Extremely well done coverage of what appears Grant Parpan, Cyndi Zaweski, the top into being lurid. to be a soap opera in the local government. Great job finding a family to be the face No afraid to add length to get all the facts to of what seems to be some strong, ongoing Tara Smith and Nicole Smith SECOND PLACE the reader. coverage. These topics are clearly communicated It was interesting to take a topic like not The Highlands Current, Philipstown and not bogged down by unnecessary paying taxes and be able to turn it into an Great series and showed a wealth of excellent THIRD PLACE embellishment or information. interesting, locally connected story. That was in-depth reporting. Loved the wide range of The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor a theme I saw in all of these stories and it made HONORABLE MENTION it interesting to keep reading. source material and bringing home the impact Well done, comprehensive coverage of hot The Villager, New York of a global environmental change. button issues that affect the reader. Lincoln Anderson, Sydney Pereira, THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION Gabe Herman and Colin Mixson The East Hampton Press, Livingston County News, Geneseo Quotes should only be used as leads if the quote COVERAGE OF THE ARTS East Hampton Matt Leader and Ben Beagle is “I’m back,” said Jesus.The protesting story is Michael Wright and JD Allen Good tag team on covering local government. interesting, but the meat of the story gets buried DIVISION 1 by less important information. Other reporting Solid reporting on a controversial issue. Not afraid to wade deep into detail to get the story across to readers. is very strong, great topics chosen. FIRST PLACE HONORABLE MENTION The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Michelle Trauring, Annette Hinkle Joe Werkmeister DIVISION 2 DIVISION 2 and Kathryn G. Menu Emotional story that hits to the heart of any Dancing w/ Goliaths - exceptional writing. FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE parent. Structurally, the reporter buried some Eagle Bulletin, Fayetteville Recollecting - cool use of fonts/photo; great of their best quotes. I just about lost it with the Long Island Press, Syosset writing. Legal Immigrant - cool front page description of the father starting each day with Timothy Bolger Lauren Young layout of feature, fabulous writing. Overall- a visit to the cemetery. This was a difficult and hard topic, but it was consistent quality in design and content. Incredible investigation into what few local covered well and thoroughly. The journalist entities want reported to the public. I hope included quotes from students, alumni, parents, SECOND PLACE your readers took the time to decipher your and the school administrators. Each article was DIVISION 3 eye-opening report and your public employees The Southampton Press- well rounded and connected well with each other. Western Edition, Westhampton Beach take the time to do better. It’s the people’s right The reporter did a great job of summarizing the FIRST PLACE to know! So much more than conventional Brendan J. O’Reilly New York Law Journal, New York situation in each following article. It was fair, just government coverage. and balanced. This really is an excellent coverage Consistently great writing, photos and layout. Andrew Denney and Dan Clark of education. Very strong, thorough reporting. SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE Norwood News, Bronx SECOND PLACE Syosset-Jericho Tribune, Syosset SECOND PLACE David Cruz, Joseph Konig Oceanside Island Park Herald, Dave Gil de Rubio New York Law Journal, New York and David Greene Oceanside Excellent writing and layout. Diverse coverage, Colby Hamilton What put this entry at the top of the pack for Peter Belfiore, Matthew D’Onofrio consistent quality. Good reporting, but the writing was kind of dry me was your “Snowvember to Remember” and Nadya Nataly HONORABLE MENTION at points. And the lede was poorly worded, piece. It must have taken what seemed like a which set a bad tone for the rest of the piece. Each story was well written and had a riveting The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale lifetime to pull together. I appreciated how you and engaging lede. They flowed well and gave THIRD PLACE seemingly walked around the city to add multiple perspectives on an issue. I enjoyed the Danielle Rivera Fantastic photos and consistently well-written, The Southampton Press- detailed observations to the story and how fact that each story focused on a different aspect you interviewed all impacted parties. Your of education. One was on a prevalent drug culture wide-breath coverage of the arts. Western Edition, Westhampton Beach other articles showed real initiative in making in the schools, another on taxes and another on a Valerie Gordon difficult interviews happen. student-organized walk-out and so on and so forth. Good exploration of town code loopholes. The newspaper gave a well-rounded coverage of education. HONORABLE MENTION The Smithtown News, Smithtown David Ambro A messy and contentious issue.

10 Photographer of the Year, 2018 There were 17 entries in this category

F IRST P LACE : JIM MACLEAN, THE SCARSDALE INQUIRER Jim MacLean is the staff photographer for The Scarsdale Inquirer and its sister publication The Rivertowns Enterprise. 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 50 NYPA awards over the years, including six in the Photographer of the Year category and two in the Sports Writer of the Year category. The judges said, “The consistent, quality work, along with a few standout images, is what helps push this above the rest.”

S ECOND P LACE : MARK GUTMAN, THE DAILY NEWS Mark Gutman started at the Batavia Daily News on June 14, 1999. Each day produces something award-winning for our readers. Mark is tireless, taking on all assignments and also being first on the scene for a disaster. He has the eye for great art, he never tries to be bigger than the moment or the story, but his images most of the time draw the readers to the story. Mark also captures the best moments, from a sporting event to a graduation. Mark does all of this while balancing a family. We are proud to have Mark as a full-time photographer on staff, we are proud of his awards but our readers are the real winners. The judges said, “The photographer caught several nice moments with high action and emotion — the bull rider thrown to the ground, coaching jumping to celebrate a late basket, wrestler flexing after a win. If a couple weaker images were replaced this could have ranked higher. “

T HIRD P LACE : DONNA ABBOTT-VLAHOS, ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW Donna Abbott-Vlahos has been the staff photographer of the Albany Business Review for 30 years; first shooting black and white film before transitioning to color, then digital and now video. She is graduate of the University at Albany with a degree in Fine Arts. The judges said, “This was really close to second place, but the entry that took second depicts a bit more emotion. Simple, yet solid portraits and general assignment photos. I really like the cool tones in the first two. “

H ONORABLE M ENTION : TIM LAMORTE, THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE Tim Lamorte has been a newspaper editor for more than 20 years, including 19 years at The Rivertowns Enterprise. 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 six 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. Judges said, “A couple of really nice images that take into account real opportunities.” 11 EExcellence Awards COVERAGE OF THE ARTS COVERAGE OF HEALTH, SECOND PLACE SCHNEIDERMAN: Strong analysis a reader The Daily Mail, Catskill can understand, written with authority. HEALTH CARE & SCIENCE Timeline and Q&A provide important DIVISION 2 Amanda Purcell and Daniel Zuckerman FIRST PLACE perspective without bogging the article down. FIRST PLACE Fantastic and complete coverage of this LONG ISLAND: Another solid example of The Independent, East Hampton Watertown Daily Times, Watertown investigation from the beginning right on through with this case. From the searching for why a magazine-y approach often works better Jessica Mackin-Cipro and Bridget LeRoy Olivia Belanger I liked the layout of beginning the story with answers, the discovery and reporting of the than straight “dailies” for political stories. Superb layout, writing and photos. copy flowing across two columns; it drew my details of the murder, the uncovering of all In a piece this long, I would have liked more those involved, to the charges. Great balance “so what” for the average voter — aside from SECOND PLACE attention. The article is well written and of the deals to deliver great coverage. The affecting the balance of power in Albany, how Gay City News, New York captures the personality of the subjects of the story. Photos which accompany the story are writing style keeps the readers interested and does GOP control of the nine LI seats affect Eli Jacobson, David Kennerley, dynamic and enhance the article. Additionally, flipping to the jump a few pages deeper with me if I live on the Island? Does it influence David Noh, Kathleen Warnock I appreciated the addition of the insert, each issue. Nice work by this team. downballot races, for example? “What is a Caregiver”. and David Ehrenstein THIRD PLACE BELLIGERENT: Wow! Quality analysis, Ledes weren’t quite top caliber, but overall without being over the top, that would have SECOND PLACE writing was good. Layout was fine. Photos Shelter Island Reporter, been at home in a national publication (it even and design (especially front page) are great! The Daily News, Batavia Shelter Island accurately predicts Claudia Tenney’s demise). Mallory Diefenbach Ambrose Clancy Nitpick: It could have been a take or two THIRD PLACE Love, love, love a great historical perspective. All the pieces put together to depict the shorter and still effectively made its point. The Riverdale Press, Riverdale This writer wisely provided a local take on the history of a home invasion - the hospital- 2Second Place: Having lived in what is now epidemic, as well as giving readers the ability ization, the death, the services and the impact Tiffany Moustakas and NY’s 2Second Place district from 2000-2010 to compare the impact on local communities on the community are all strongly written. To Julius Constantine Motal (and also in the late ‘80s), I can safely say this by citing national statistics. Lots of great quotes imagine that this helpless victim had to endure Great breadth of coverage, clean layout, nails the way in which many people, especially and easy to read and understand. such violence doesn’t even allow for words. For well-written content. political leaders, now frame issues and make the fear of the locals, to know that another voting decisions: it’s not what their members THIRD PLACE home was burglarized shortly afterward HONORABLE MENTION of Congress can or can’t do for the district, it’s The Altamont Enterprise and definitely created emotions. Ithaca Times, Ithaca how they look to party leadership. Sherry Christie Citranglo, Nick Reynolds Albany County Post, Altamont Boehlert’s remaining hair must be falling out. I liked the uplifting tone of the story without Nice job! and Jane Dieckmann sacrificing the devastating facts about the DIVISION 2 Massive content, and good. syndrome. The chosen photos helped me feel SECOND PLACE Decent photographs. Interesting design. as if I was sitting across from the subjects of FIRST PLACE The Batavian, Batavia the article. I like the boxed quotes. The East Hampton Press, Howard Owens HONORABLE MENTION East Hampton MCMURRAY: Strong; there’s an art to using a The Village Times Herald, Setauket Michael Wright, Jon Winkler political event as a jumping-off point without COVERAGE OF THE losing site of the bigger picture, and you’ve Daniel Dunief and Elizabeth Vespe ENVIRONMENT Most comprehensive of all the crime coverage. done that with authority. Writing style is Well-written articles on topics I previously did sophisticated without being over the top, and not understand or even had thought about. Reports on ICE detainees, narcotics busts, FIRST PLACE cruelty to animals and an extensive police you certainly know the issues. The piece is The Highlands Current, Philipstown Writer has a talent in translating topic for the long; I hope the other candidates got a similar general public. blotter. Good use of photos, good headlines. Chip Rowe, Brian PJ Cronin Well done. treatment. and Pamela Doan SECOND PLACE PIEGZA: Solid job of jumping on breaking This entry rose to the top of a large, strong news, and kudos on linking to source material, category because it first catches the eye with Gay City News, New York and updating when more info came in. its graphics and layout and then keeps the HEADLINE WRITING Duncan Osborne and Andy Humm Organization of the story is challenging for the reader’s attention with its words. These stories This reporter gives all-new meaning to reader; the giant statement in the middle could are comprehensive, balanced and smartly FIRST PLACE “digging” and investigative reporting. have been summarized and handled with a written. I appreciate your breaking down Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, Exhaustive research, well-organized, lead to link. Worth noting that not all readers large, global issues to a local level so people Lynbrook great value for the reader. Nice work here. immediately understand what the NY-27th is, can see the effect on their lives and bringing that’s easily addressed by building a map or Mike Smollins THIRD PLACE in many voices. linking to one. I enjoy the wordplay and how well they describe Norwood News, Bronx SECOND PLACE the story. I know what I am getting into when Team effort here really pays off. Broad range COLLINS MUM: Good, solid job of calling a The Brooklyn Paper, Brooklyn I start reading. Well done. of subject matter, in-depth reporting, large spade a spade in a hard-news story. Good to see photos well-cropped and well-played. some context from a third party, albeit a little Colin Mixson SECOND PLACE Good community service reporting. low in the story. The correction should You have found truly local stories affecting Freeport Herald Leader, Freeport probably go at the top, or at least at the point people in your community that relate to the Scott Brinton, Nadya Nataly HONORABLE MENTION in the story where the error occurred. Nitpick. environment. I ranked this entry high not in and Jim Harmon New York Law Journal, New York The misspelling of a borough of 1.7 million small part because of its entertaining style and people, “Manhattan,” is distracting. community focus. Environmental issues don’t Great wordplay without being cheesy. Dan M. Clark, Andrew Denney, always have to be the big-picture topics. Headlines match stories well. Susan DeSantis, Jason Grant INNOCENT: Solid analysis, and context, that Sometimes they are a bird stuck in the ice and Colby Hamilton reads a tad long for what you’re reporting. With THIRD PLACE the fact that you’re doing ongoing coverage of or sick raccoons plaguing the community. Broad range of subject matter here - solid The Daily Star, Oneonta this important issue, you could make your life Nicely presented. reporting and good writing. Good package. Justin Vernold (and your readers’ experience) easier by THIRD PLACE Clever wordplay while sticking to the point creating a timeline of who knew what when, City & State, New York of the story. and probably capsule bios of who the key Frank G. Runyeon, Sarah Goodyear, players — Collins, the son, the girlfriend, the HONORABLE MENTION John Light, Jeff Coltin COVERAGE OF future mother-in-law, etc. Also, I’d put the The News-Review, Riverhead ELECTIONS/POLITICS refusals to be interviewed up high in every and Susan Arbetter These headlines are fun and creative. I love story I did on this subject. You have compiled very thorough, well- clever use of names (Dom). Watch out for FIRST PLACE LANGWORTHY: Solid job of reporting reported and cleanly written stories exploring wordiness which can bog down a headline. important environmental issues and going City & State, New York breaking news but would benefit from beyond the news to find the background and Jon Lentz, Rebecca Lewis, Jeff Coltin, including outside sources to help with context. impact. You’ve gone the extra mile to find Zach Williams and Ben Adler OVERALL: Each piece is written clearly and many voices coming at these issues from all OVERALL: Head-and-shoulders better than with authority. Similarity of entries — lengthy, sides. And it’s nicely packaged with graphics. COVERAGE OF almost every other entry in this category. similar styles — is about the only thing keeping CRIME/POLICE/COURTS Writers clearly know their stuff and convey it this entry from being the best in the category. HONORABLE MENTION clearly and accurately, avoiding the trap that Lake Placid News, Lake Placid DIVISION 1 affected many other entries: getting lost in Griffin Kelly, Justin Levine distracting details. Even among a great entry, and Andy Flynn FIRST PLACE BELLIGERENT stood out; I had to double- This is a strong series exploring the Livingston County News, Geneseo check to make sure you hadn’t snuck a environmental problems in the park as people Ben Beagle and Matt Leader Washington Post analysis piece into the entry. see them. Surveying people to get their This newspaper should be proud of these thoughts on the issues and ranking them is a reporters. They have managed to write stories smart way to cover what is important to your to show a variety of happenings that not only area’s residents. Each issue was then fully concern local residents and business but are fleshed out and explored. Nice job. educational to all communities. The coverage, from crimes like credit card skimming at gas pumps to political bribes — well done!

12 Best Front Page, 2018 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 LAUREN SISSON, JOE WERKMEISTER, STEVE WICK — THE NEWS-REVIEW “Beautiful! The photos, the headers, sub-headers, stories and quotes on the front page are perfectly balanced. The use of white space is just perfect. The articles were well written. You can truly tell that the newspaper team truly care about their product and their community.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 KRISTINA WALSER — ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW “Very nice pages! Love the big photos, nice and clean with room to breathe.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 PAUL SCHINDLER, MARCOS RAMOS, DONNA ACETO, BILL BYTSURA — GAY CITY NEWS “Very enticing layouts that certainly attract the eyes of readers. Visually appealing with text that fits both in terms of presentation as well as content. The layouts really “pop” on the page. Great job.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 4 THE SOUTHAMPTON PRESS - WESTERN EDITION “Well-balanced pages combined with effective headlines, strong story writing and solid photos to make these pages visually appealing and informative.”

13 EExcellence Awards COVERAGE OF THIRD PLACE — TIE HONORABLE MENTION — TIE SECOND PLACE ELECTIONS/POLITICS The Riverdale Press, Riverdale The East Hampton Press, Shelter Island Reporter, THIRD PLACE — TIE Zak Kostro and Michael Hinman East Hampton Shelter Island JUDGE’S NOTE: I’ve recommended two Michael Wright Annabelle Woodward Westmore News, Port Chester third-place awards in this category because Jananne Abel and Sarah Wolpoff OVERALL: Very nice work; there’s no weak The writer’s touch for prose and attention to two entries have similar levels of quality but story in the bunch. Reporter clearly knows his detail serves the community and its religious JUDGE’S NOTE: I’m recommending a third- are so different in nature. This is a solid group subject(s), and writes cleanly and clearly, leaders well, fearlessly touching on potentially place award for Sarah Wolpoff for taking the of stories in essential news topics; the other is though the tops of a couple stories could have divisive political issues — like Pope Francis’ most-potentially mundane of assignments, a an outstanding one-time package. been punched up a tad, especially knowing how deviation from some traditional Catholic school board election preview, and making it OVERALL: The newspaper touched the they’ll display in print. I also was impressed by tentpoles or the Episcopalian acceptance of readable, useful and best of all, insightful... major basis of election/campaign coverage the ambition; unlike other papers, you went out same-sex marriage and female leadership — readers can’t help but come away with valuable and did so in a way that was readable and and found answers (SIGNATURES) instead of in an intriguing and thoroughly non-offensive knowledge of where the candidates stand in generally easy to follow (and though it doesn’t just running “yes, you did”/”no, I didn’t” quotes. manner. The writer clearly did her due issues; the chart of yes/no questions borders affect the judging, the pages were well About the only thing keeping this from diligence in historical research and in so on the brilliant. The other entries — which designed, easy to navigate and well- finishing higher is something that affected a doing portrayed the great importance these involved local- and state-government issues — illustrated). What kept this from placing number of entries: the lack of an enterprise- congregations hold to the higher ideals of were OK (I’m still not convinced readers higher: all the stories were essentially written driven piece. humanity within their community. understand the “cumulative-voting” issue), off the news. An enterprise or watchdog piece THIRD PLACE but it felt unfair that that should deny an would have rounded off the package nicely. outstanding school piece its due. Otherwise, this is solid work. Franklin Square Elmont Herald, Elmont CUMULATIVE: This is probably an important PRIMARY: Good choice to run these side by COVERAGE OF AGRICULTURE Ronny Reyes story, but the reader kinds of gets lost in the side, and “in their own words” is a great idea, The enterprise of the writer to tackle weeds with the procedural stuff — a clearer lede both in terms of fairness and minimizing IRST LACE F P revitalization and the struggles which face would certainly help. Pulling back and clearly political rhetoric in the actual stories... The Daily News, Batavia religious institutions in the face of social and focusing on “what changes?” and “what does it candidate profiles often are deadly dull, but demographic change was an inspiring take on mean?” would have been more effective, and it these works. The Biaggi story, while full of Jessica Dillon religious coverage. By integrating an impressive would truly be helpful to have a ‘graf or two that well-turned phrases, goes a little overboard It is not very often that a story makes me say out amount of historical understanding and defines “cumulative voting” — it could run as a with the quotes. That’s probably fine if you loud, “Are you kidding?” This writer, however, research as well as the familial significance small breakout box with each story. And if hadn’t promised “in their own words” pieces has done just that. Taken from a shop-worn for Mr. Bauer and the B’Nai old-time faithful, there’s truly some doubt about whether elsewhere in the issue. I would have liked to theme, Ms. Dillon turns the narrative upside- they painted an elegant picture of the changing cumulative voting can be done in NY, then have seen more of the reporter putting things down and tells a riveting tale of the unknown times and reminded the reader of their former THAT is the story. in perspective, as was done in the piece about extents of a well-known problem. That is a gift unimpeachable importance. the incumbent. and a craft. Seriously, I don’t think I could REFERENDUM: Good job of getting a possibly be more impressed. definition in! The Q&A section is helpful; I CABRERA: Interesting story. I would have HONORABLE MENTION might have gone a step further and pulled that liked a little more information about SECOND PLACE Nassau Herald, Lawrence out of the story as a timeline (focusing on the community impact/why it matters to me as a North Country This Week, Potsdam Jeff Bessen and Tyler Marko future and ditching some of the previous stuff), resident of The Bronx — are there districts in The authors presented two brilliant stories since a number of things have to happen going Jimmy Lawton and Matt Lindsey your coverage area where the impact is This was a combination news-feature item on the effects of religious persecution on forward. The amount of information after the particularly high, for example? If, presumably, individual worshipers of Judaism and Islam jump is daunting; writing some of it as a and was presented in a compelling narrative. there was a primary between Cuomo’s signing The details and statistics were appropriate and showed admirable creativity in their breakout along the lines of “here’s what key this into law and the publication of this and complementary to the overall story and, approaches. What a gem to find Kristallnacht stakeholders think” would reduce the chance article, were there any measurable presented in the shadow-box, made the survivors in the shadow of the Tree of Life that people stop reading when they see a half consequences from that. numbers stand out but still within the context Synagogue tragedy, whose stories were dozen people quoted back to back — sometimes, honorably and respectfully told. On the other DEBATE: A pleasant, readable account of a of the story. it’s better to back out of the trees and write end, the authors showed brave solidarity with debate. Author provides some perspective, about the forest. the Muslim members of its school district rather than getting lost in the weeds of THIRD PLACE and tactfully addressed what was clearly a VOTERS: All that, and 90% of voters didn’t “he said/she said.” The Altamont Enterprise and turn out; maybe that’s a follow-up story? Also, controversial decision to include non-Christian maybe I missed it, but you seem to be saying BIAGGI: Nicely written results story that’s Albany County Post, Altamont holidays in the break calendar. Their non- that current terms are staggered, but they won’t my favorite of this entry. “Pink adidas” and “Sunset on a Dairy Farmer” was a well-told and biased compassion for the oppressed is to be be going forward. How does the village get “progressive guillotine” were nice touches, and intriguing, even a bit heart-wrenching, article applauded. everything lined up so everyone’s term is up at the author stirs in a useful dollop of of the plight of the American farmer. The the same time? I don’t feel like that’s well- perspective rather than simply relying on stuff opening paragraph was a great hook and the explained in the stories I’ve read. from inside the room. I’m glad you broke out remainder of the story did not let up. The the results of individual races -- that both statistics were equally unrelenting. The story SCHOOLBOARD: Wow! This is the rare makes them easy to find and avoids clogging was well-organized, and the photographs were SPORTS FEATURE multi-candidate election preview where people the story. For publication a day and a half after complimentary to the story. DIVISION 1 who’ve read it can come away and actually the vote, I would have liked to see at least HONORABLE MENTION know where the candidates stand on key issues. unofficial vote totals, and a figure on how The yes/no grid is a master-stroke; it keeps FIRST PLACE many absentee ballots are outstanding, even Register-Star, Hudson candidates from all saying they’re going to Adirondack Daily Enterprise, though (presumably) they wouldn’t change Richard Moody simultaneously reduce taxes and improve the the outcome. While the photo adds little to the atmosphere Saranac Lake schools. The capsule bios are useful, as well, as of the story, the writing style provides its own Peter Crowley are, more importantly, the breakouts on the HONORABLE MENTIOM — TIE imagery. This writer writes with a twinkle in The headline and subhead captured the story bond-issue and the ELC closure. When I have Williston Times, Williston Park his eye while still offering a litany of facts about the runner’s life. I loved reading the multiple candidates speaking in the same story, great quotes provided by Nick’s girlfriend, I’d write a short intro, then list the candidates Janelle Clausen, Luke Torrance, and statistics. Jed Hendrixon and Teri West Danielle, throughout the story. I especially and their quotes one by one to make it easier to loved the quote, “They were thick as thieves” OVERALL: A solid entry, front to back. digest. The only part I think doesn’t do much about how Nick and his sister Kym loved * Writing is clear throughout, and reporters for readers is the front-page piece; I would have running together. just jumped right in, but this is overall the generally avoid writing longer than need be COVERAGE OF RELIGION strongest part of your entry. Going forward, — one of my issues with election/political SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE based on the issues I see identified throughout coverage in general is that many writers seem Amherst Bee, Williamsville this package, you clearly have the fodder for to think everything has to be long.* Some The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor some takeout(s) on a struggling school district enterprise/analysis is evident in the follow-up Patrick Nagy Annette Hinkle, Kathryn G. Menu This sports writer was aggressive in discovering — the inequality issue jumps out at me... and pieces; it’s the rare group entry that had topics and Michelle Trauring $30,000/month for scaffolding?? that would generally show readers something and writing this unique sports feature. This is The depth of coverage provided for an they don’t already know.* If an element is truly a once in a lifetime story to be written. WOMEN: This is a decent election-preview impressive cross-section of different religious lacking, it’s a watchdog piece, or at least a story, with enough detail to give readers a sense THIRD PLACE visible willingness to challenge some of the practices is worthy of praise (no pun intended). of each candidate, but not so much they get claims made by candidates or in literature. Giving voice to Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and The News-Review, Riverhead bogged down in minutiae. The piece is a little Christianity and their local efforts to teach love Joe Werkmeister gray and daunting; that would have been helped * TO THE EDITORS: It’s clear that this is a and understanding in the wake of the Tree of Informative sports feature story on women’s by pulling the bio information out into a box, as well-planned and -edited publication; I never Life Synagogue shooting was outstanding, and body building. was done with school-board candidates; learning felt like you were just winging it. the commitment to this ideal was on perfect in the fifth stick of type that a candidate is a display with the paper’s special Holiday Book. HONORABLE MENTION chemical engineer can distract, or worse, derail, The writing was extensive, well-sourced, and The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor reader’s trains of thought. put forth a genuine care of all faiths without Annette Hinkle sacrificing much-needed detail on the local Well written sports feature story about women’s effects of an increasingly distressing national empowerment through boxing. I also loved the backdrop. sidebar story on how boxing helps older men and women put off the effect of Parkinson’s Disease. I also enjoyed learning about different boxing moves.

14 Best Sports Action Photo(s), 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 CHRIS LAYTON PUTNAM COUNTY NEWS & RECORDER “Clean, crisp action photo capturing a unique twist on a routine play.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 J. HECK EAST MEADOW HERALD “This photo is executed brilliantly and cropped appropriately. There isn’t much wasted space inside the frame. The photographer also did well to track the receiver and maintain sharp focus.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 PEGGY SPELLMAN HOEY THE INDEPENDENT “Readers can almost feel the aching muscles and grim determination of the lifeguard who is the focus of the first shot. But the real show-stopper is the action captured in the photo of the lifeguard who is wiping out — the brilliant colors of the water, the spray, the board and the bikini combine with her grimace as the wave launches her off the board to make this the clear winner.”

15 EExcellence Awards SPORTS FEATURE SPORTS COVERAGE DIVISION 2 DIVISION 2 DIVISION 2 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck The Suffolk Times, Mattituck East Aurora Advertiser, East Aurora FIRST PLACE — TIE Taylor K. Vecsey Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo Bob Liepa Shelly Ferullo Great reporting on what happened during Well-told analysis of a cultural/societal problem with James Fink I loved all of this writer’s stories, and the great pictures and page layouts to capture the sports the scene, how the rescue occurred and what brave and compassionate characters who are in the Good in-depth look at a team and a town on teams’ successes. I loved everything about this happened after it. midst of what could be described as a national youth the brink. Good use of sources, from a guy newspaper’s sports sections, including the crisis. The article was accurate but poignant and told working in the concession stand to league SECOND PLACE coverage on the lacrosse team’s first state in a well-organized and emphatic narrative. officers, and many in between. The story was championship. The pictures did a great job of Times Newsweekly, Queens backed up with statistics well distributed SECOND PLACE capturing the girls’ emotion of winning the Excellent reporting on separate unfortunate throughout the story. A good blend of business happenings. Helped answer questions the The Villager, New York and sports reporting. state title, and the photographer also captured players dumping the ice water jug on their reader could have and used details and quotes Mary Reinholz to show the emotion that the community felt. FIRST PLACE — TIE coach. I also loved the sports story headlines, The first-person account was told almost The Highlands Current, Philipstown especially the one titled, “Put a Smiley face on THIRD PLACE dispassionately, in fine journalistic style, but still this” which referenced football player Tyrus created the proper disgust at the subject matter. Brian PJ Cronin Smiley’s great performance in the game. Great Neck News, Great Neck The story came in support of those who needed The best writing in the category, by far. The There’s just a lot to love about this Janelle Claussen it and contributed to a national narrative. piece was entertaining, informative, colorful newspaper’s sports section overall. Good job telling the firefighter’s life story and concise. Each paragraph made me want to in a classy and tactful way. THIRD PLACE read the next one. Descriptive without abusing SECOND PLACE Franklin Square Elmont Herald, Elmont adjectives. Deft use of humor. The News-Review, Riverhead HONORABLE MENTION Ronny Reyes SECOND PLACE Bob Liepa The Examiner, Mount Kisco The article takes a microcosmic case to add depth Albany Business Review, Albany I love the creative headlines and subheads in Anna Young and color to a larger national debate. The story was Robin K. Cooper the sports section, the sports page layout, Good spot news reporting. narrated well and cast a light where there have only including the pull quotes within the story text. been shadows. Sometimes a national epic must focus Many people have heard of Lake Placid and on the story of a single character to give the epic its because it is a celebrity location, think of it as I love the sports teasers at the bottom of the front sports page, to let readers know there DIVISION 3 life. Writer painted the fine detail of a mural that, a great success story. The reporting does a good for some, is too large to grasp. job of explaining that success doesn’t just are more interesting stories to read inside the sports section. FIRST PLACE happen. A wide range of diverse sources HONORABLE MENTION Queens Courier, Bayside backed by, but not burdened by, relevant THIRD PLACE The News-Review, Riverhead statistics. Outstanding reporting of unfortunate events. The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale Plenty of details answering reader questions. Tim Gannon THIRD PLACE — TIE Todd Sliss and Jim MacLean Each story had a strong lede that immediately The story is fascinating and infuriating — The Highlands Current, Philipstown Wide variety of sports coverage, including told the reader the general happenings before fascinating in the telling and infuriating in the content. There were no photos but photos were Story captures the romance the seventh grader participating in the state diving into specifics. The pictures were a Michael Turton not necessary to tell the tale. It was arranged well. of pond hockey. Nice inclusion of skaters with swimming championships. Most newspaper perfect companion. a wide range of ages. sports sections either don’t have enough room or simply won’t print stories on middle school SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE — TIE sports, so this was a refreshing change. I loved The Red Hook Star-Revue, Brooklyn DIVISION 3 The Suffolk Times, Mattituck the scorecards within the sports stories, which Brett Yates FIRST PLACE are nice for the reader even though they are Thoughtful coverage of a traveling memorial Joe Werkmeister The Southampton Press- A well done look at a fascinating sport that time consuming for the writer to type. The service for a beloved local character. Nice likely few people know about. Good detail on only aspect about the sports section I didn’t treatment of this very local story. Eastern Edition, Southampton what it takes to excel (and not die) at this like was the yellow shading around the main Sabina Rebis, M.D., HIRD LACE kind of diving. story headlines and on the story jump header. T P I believe you could just make the main and Joseph P. Shaw The Independent, East Hampton An admirable example of the press and higher HONORABLE MENTION headlines larger to alert readers this is the Peggy Spellman Hoey biggest story in your newspaper. education coming together for the benefit of their The Highlands Current, Philipstown Good job of providing the true definition of communities. Expertly laced with medical Michael Turton HONORABLE MENTION spot coverage. It helped illustrate the scene explanations of the physical and neurological factors A nice look at the other sport of kings, using Amherst Bee, Williamsville for the reader in a neutral way detailing the driving the opioid crisis and well-sourced quotes an unusual personal incident to lead into a supporters and critics. It also helped show from healthcare professionals, this extensive dive wider explanation of a sport few people likely Patrick Nagy how it impacted people’s emotions in multiple into the causes of one of the darkest stories of our realize still exists. I learned a great deal about Variety of sports stories in each of the three different ways and provided quotes to go times serves as a monument for 21st Century racing-pigeons in a relatively short story. newspapers submitted to the contest. Local with that. reporting. Close contest between this and the two sports fans in your area must love to read your third-place finishers. sports section every week because there’s a lot HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE of content. Norwood News, Bronx Star Review, Liverpool David Cruz and David Greene Ashley M. Casey DIVISION 3 A good job of detailing the different tragedies Brilliantly composed. Every opinion was given and using quotes to help illustrate the point. a meaningful platform and minor backing statistics FIRST PLACE SPOT NEWS COVERAGE provided legitimacy for each. The tone was Watertown Daily Times, Watertown considerate, engaging, and original writing Brian Kelly DIVISION 1 supported rather than defined well-chosen quotes. And incredibly deep dive into the accident The reader is informed and given plenty to chew surrounding Kevin Ward’s death, and how FIRST PLACE NEWS STORY on while the school board deliberates the decision. An important asset to the district community. family and friends have attempted to move on Register-Star, Hudson DIVISION 1 or cope with the loss. Not exactly sure of the Amanda Purcell THIRD PLACE word count, but this is the type of story where A great lede compelled me to read more. FIRST PLACE The East Hampton Press, too much is never enough. Great job. The reporter exhibited good sense to develop Putnam County Courier, Carmel this story from the photographer’s photos. East Hampton SECOND PLACE Mary-Margaret Dwyer Michael Wright Photo of the farmer at the top of story captures No one should be denied clean, safe water to The Daily Gazette, Schenectady the farmer’s emotions regarding his loss. A well-documented story of investigative Jim Schiltz drink, to cook, to bathe. The behavior of town efforts to hold both incumbent and prospective The story is loaded with information officials in unfathomable to say the least. A very good look into the lessons a longtime which answered this reader’s questions. public officials accountable. The dedication of former coach has imparted upon his now-older Amazing story. reaching more than a dozen homes to fact-check former players, and his legacy as a coach and SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE nomination petition signatures was laudable. The teacher/leader of young men. Putnam County Courier, Carmel Shelter Island Reporter, composition choice to have the candidates’ response Eric Gross to questions, which contradicted on-the-ground THIRD PLACE Shelter Island evidence, helped show the process of finding the Great spot reporting. I felt like I was viewing The Daily Gazette, Schenectady truth rather than any adherence to political the incident as it unfolded. Annabelle Woodward Michael Macadam Fake IDs and underage drinking piece... motivations. A work done in defense of the Death is always a hard subject to tackle, but THIRD PLACE WOW... I had no idea of what these young public trust which is worthy of recognition. this piece is able to pull emotion out and lay people deal with to obtain such identity. The News-Review, Riverhead HONORABLE MENTION it on the line. Joe Werkmeister The process of ordering; the confiscation; the amount of teens that feel the necessity — The Times of Smithtown Township, HONORABLE MENTION A wonderful memorium dedicated to a canine amazing story! Smithtown who gave his life in service of humans. I liked Syracuse New Times, Syracuse Sara-Megan Walsh and Alex Petroski the lede, which made me want to read more. THIRD PLACE Matt Michael Extensive reporting on priest sexual abuse A very interesting look at a minor league HONORABLE MENTION Westbury Times, Westbury with rare first-hand account, giving voice to baseball team which split itself between two Alden Advertiser, Alden Betsy Abraham the voiceless in yet another troubled chapter. National League East rivals this season, and Lee Weisbeck “Pets4Luv” story is very well written and The reporter’s research into what happened what to expect as the transition between the certainly makes us feel the pressures that the and attempts to receive comments from those clubs is made. Amazing photos of blaze. Cutline was succinct shelter, volunteers and critters, had to go involved is reflective of a professional and and informative. through. genuine desire to show readers the truth. 16 Thomas G. Butson Award for Investigative/In-Depth Reporting, 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 CITY & STATE “Amazing stories. The amount of research and good solid reporting done came through highlighting this significant problem.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 THE DAILY NEWS “Well researched series. The writers did their homework and presented it in a way that was engaging and informative without going over the top into being lurid..”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 NEW YORK LAW JOURNAL “Very strong, thorough reporting.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 4 OCEANSIDE ISLAND PARK HERALD “Excellent work. Tackled the topic from all sides and included strong visuals. I’m impressed by the endeavor of a small staff.”

T HOMAS G . B UTSON This is the second 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 NEWS STORY SECOND PLACE DIVISION 4 THIRD PLACE Shelter Island Reporter, DIVISION 4 FIRST PLACE Ithaca Times, Ithaca Shelter Island Nick Reynolds Charity Robey The Rockaway Times, Rockaway FIRST PLACE Katie McFadden The story is well-written, dives into the nuance Profile of a young man with Asperger’s syndrome as he of the situation and includes a range of voices. New York Law Journal, New York This story is written in such a way that it feels Jason Grant copes with the world around him and finds his Using lines from the musical instead of subheads independence. Writer does a good job telling like you, the reader, were actually there at the was clever, and each fit its spot well. Great work. In-depth look at the struggles faced by the some of the obstacles that autism has presented time the Chinese immigrants were smuggled disabled in using the courthouse was well to the subject and how he overcame them. aboard the Gold Venture. The way the written and riveting. The article easily incident seemed one way at first encounter took first place in this division for its THIRD PLACE turned out to be something so much more DIVISION 6 thoroughness and heart-felt prose. Mineola American, Mineola intense. What an incredible situation. It could HONORABLE MENTION Well done. Anthony Murray and Kimberly Donahue be a movie. Three-part series on homelessness, including Ithaca Times, Ithaca SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Austin Lamb Port Times-Record, Port Jefferson panhandling at train station, the village board’s proposal to curb the problem; and options in The Times of Middle Country, This is a great story. The reporter did an excellent Alex Petroski the community to help the homeless. The Centereach job of showing the reader how Oxford’s life has While there were numerous stories such as writers present the problem well and get voices Kevin Redding changed, and how it’s not all roses. Oxford gets this in this year’s contest, this one stood out of government and social service networks into the In this touching piece, the combination of the frustrated with his situation and his abilities. because of the emotion. The quotes from conversation, but would have been a stronger entry by author’s quality writing, quote selection, and That he acknowledges those struggles makes the students showed their passion and including the voice of a homeless person. sampling of experiences of the people whose him human, and that really shines through in anger at what’s happening in society, lives Vinny Altebrando touched really capture this piece. moving this article out HONORABLE MENTION his personality, humanity, and impact. of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Lake Placid News, Lake Placid Andy Flynn THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck The Riverdale Press, Riverdale Kudos for the effort in researching this story BEST NEWS OR and keeping alive the memory of Paul Girard, believed Bob Liepa Michael Hinman, Zak Kostro, to be the community’s ninth – but forgotten – This lively narrative is packed with interesting FEATURE SERIES Tiffany Moustakas and World War I casualty. details and facts pulled from a variety of DIVISION 1 Aaron Mayorga sources. It is skillfully written, especially the A well-written examination of the human powerful ledes and ending paragraphs. FIRST PLACE — TIE cost of urban development and the DIVISION 2 Lake Placid News, Lake Placid sometimes impossible fight against it. Andy Flynn Nicely done. FIRST PLACE DIVISION 5 The topic of the story was unique. I don’t think Putnam County Courier, Carmel eSight is something that gets much recognition HONORABLE MENTION Eric Gross FIRST PLACE The Riverdale Press, Riverdale whether it’s locally or nationally. The stories Nice feature on father and son volunteer firefighters. New York Law Journal, New York flowed very well and it gave the history of Tina Zak Kostro Susan DeSantis without spending too much time on the past. SECOND PLACE Nothing better than an nice juicy scandal Very cool story! Captivating figure. The choice of quotes in the stories, especially to liven up the page. Well done but not North Salem News, North Salem from Tina, were great and meaningful. The dry. Got down to the marrow on this one. Jodi Weinberger SECOND PLACE explanation of eSight was easy to understand A Starbucks barista takes a break to try her hand The Red Hook Star-Revue, Brooklyn and not overwhelming. at organic farming - great story accompanied by Noah Phillips IVISION D 5 great photo. Good story thoughtfully told. FIRST PLACE — TIE The Villager, New York FIRST PLACE THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE The Independent, East Hampton Tequila Minsky North Salem News, North Salem Watertown Daily Times, Watertown The topic is pertinent to what is happing in our T.E. McMorrow Jodi Weinberger Marcus Wolf country. It was a good way of taking a national Very extensive reporting. Lengthy, but held Terrific page layout with great photos and Disappointingly weak ending but still strong topic and making it local, even though it was my interest and gave insight throughout. well-written story about a family wedding for work by this reporter. clearly a big story for the local community and rescue dogs. Well done! SECOND PLACE beyond. The photos add a lot of emotion to the HONORABLE MENTION story and they’re fantastic. Ithaca Times, Ithaca HONORABLE MENTION — TIE The Riverdale Press, Riverdale SECOND PLACE Matt Butler The Sun & Record, Somers Simone Johnson Complete reporting using multiple sources. John Addyman Nice profile of a good teacher dedicated The Record-Review, Bedford Topic challenging but efforts paid off. to his students. Gia Miller HONORABLE MENTION — TIE THIRD PLACE Opening paragraph of the first story was very The Sun & Record, Sodus powerful and immediately drew me in. The Queens Courier, Bayside John Addyman DIVISION 6 graphics in each story were a nice design touch. Compelling lede. Solid reporting with Overall a great series. multiple sources. FIRST PLACE DIVISION 3 THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION — TIE Syracuse New Times, Syracuse Colonie-Loudonville Spotlight, Norwood News, Bronx FIRST PLACE David Haas Colonie I loved the angle this story took - to bring David Cruz, Angel Mindanao, The Highlands Current, Philipstown Michael Hallisey, Jim Franco, Christy Rae Ammons, attention to the future of I-81 in the city Michael Turton through the debate that happened 50 years Kaitlin Lembo and Diego Cagara Sophia Ebanks Quite coincidentally, this judge loves stories about ago when it was being planned. The piece is A mix of stories focusing on the past and present. and José A. Giralt coincidences. This is a very interesting article that creative. It’s insightful. It doesn’t shy away The section flowed well. Liked the design of While the lede is an attention-grabber, documents some fascinating stories. What makes it from where the media lacked in reporting back the section. the entire story maintains intensity. even better is how statistics and theories are woven then (which hopefully won’t happen this time Nice reporting throughout. into the article, showing how experts have tried to around). Well done. HONORABLE MENTION — TIE explain the phenomenon of coincidence... or is it fate? Long Island Advance, Patchogue HONORABLE MENTION — TIE This intriguing article keeps you wondering. SECOND PLACE Glenn Rohrbacker Ithaca Times, Ithaca SECOND PLACE Norwood News, Bronx This was a good way to take something that Nick Reynolds The Highlands Current, Philipstown David Cruz is clearly affecting the community and turning it Great reporting about the mental health issues into a bigger project. I would liked to have heard Brian PJ Cronin facing an under-served community and how more from parents who were affected, especially Maybe losing is winning! This is a great article- their housing impacts their mental well-being. in the second article that talks about eight interesting, informative and humorous! I love your I appreciated the reporter’s attention to thousand students being affected on the first day writing style and I admire your uncanny endurance. FEATURE STORY details, such as the contrast between the of school. I would like to know if the teachers This was a fun article to read- Thanks for sharing chalky patch of drywall and the rest of the had to help with before and after school care. DIVISION 1 your experience! navy blue wall. Details like that bring the The second article could’ve been expanded. reader right into the apartment and make the FIRST PLACE THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION — TIE Albany Business Review, Albany story more powerful. He wove research into Shelter Island Reporter, the piece well. The subhead on social workers, Mendon-Honeoye Falls-Lima Sentinel, Shelter Island Michael DeMasi which there are clearly not enough of, left me Medford The quality of writing in this article is superb. Ambrose Clancy wondering why there are so few in the first Christopher Carosa Words are put together in such a nice way to create place. Hopefully that’s another facet of the Slavery at Sylvester Manor. The descriptive The topic was entertaining - I’ve never read vivid images. The article is very informative, story the reporter tackled during his lede of this story drew me in, telling of a a story about the history of the hamburger. The with thorough statistics and quotes. Kudos for fellowship. night spent in slaves’ living quarters in this a job well done! structure of the initial story could’ve been a little old mansion. The writer crafted a strong different. The long, multi-paragraph, history of story that tells of the dubious past of HONORABLE MENTION different fast food restaurants could have gone in Shelter Island in the 17th century and The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale the middle of the story rather than the beginning. beyond that grew to be the largest Catherine Ferris By the time we got to where it questioned who concentration of slaves in New England. made the first hamburger, it felt like we were This is a touching story about love. The author’s reading for a while. 18 writing style is easy to read and holds the reader’s attention. This is all-around a nice story. I really enjoyed reading it. Sharon R. Fulmer Award for Community Leadership, 2018 FIRST PLACE — THE VALLEY NEWS SUN KIM DEDAM - Article, JANE HOOPER - PR, PETE DEMOLA - Editorial Editorial on school merger, press releases on public forum organized by The Sun, and articles about forum. “The Sun tackled a very controversial school merger question by providing forums and the leadership to get all the information out to both school districts, the pros and cons and the fears and hopes were all presented in a civil manner and resulted in an overwhelming vote to go forward with the merger. Their leadership took away the rumors and gossip that might have torn the communities apart.”

Sun Community News is a community-based weekly newspaper that After many years of theoretical discussion, a feasibility study and focuses its work on providing a number of communities with access to news and year-long meetings with an advisory committee, board members and information from throughout the region. The paper takes its role as information community, the potential was formally raised with the community at large. source very seriously and the publisher is keenly aware of its ability to help create This led to a great deal of fact-finding by some, emotional arguments by dialogue, correct misinformation and share balanced information, taking into others and a number of people grappling with their thoughts. account both facts and emotion from events, community government, local Small town identity is often centered around schools and high school residents, breaking news events, sports and more. sports teams, so the conversations among community members and the Education is a topic fraught with emotion. Children’s young lives and their “rival” districts are often emotionally-driven. While the merger study and lifelong success is dependent on it. Taxpayers’ bank accounts are affected by it. many community members work to focus on the data-driven aspects of Sports teams and community rivalries are charged by it. Local lore and family the potential merger, winning hearts and minds was the greater challenge. history is often determined by it. Community is often defined by the local school, Sun Community News & Printing seized an opportunity. as it is often the center of the town or village, especially in rural America. Community forums presented an opportunity to allow many people The mere thought of two small towns merging their schools into one is to receive information simultaneously, with the opportunity to ask enough to make childhood worries, community emotions, long-held rivalries, clarifying questions when needed, quelling rumors and alleviating folklore and taxpayer angst rise to the surface. And that is exactly the situation speculation. Ultimately, Sun Community News & Printing involvement that two school districts faced in 2018. in sharing news first-hand, as well as through its papers resulted in significant information-sharing and perceived transparency of both the process and the officials involved.

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 BEST NEWS OR THIRD PLACE EDITORIALS BEST COLUMN EATURE ERIES Gay City News, New York F S DIVISION 1 Duncan Osborne DIVISION 1 IVISION D 2 FIRST PLACE Everything about this series was well done — FIRST PLACE the writing is effective and powerful; the FIRST PLACE Oyster Bay Enterprise Pilot, RiverheadLocal.com, Riverhead The Highlands Current, coverage is wide and in-depth, and the art aids Maria Piedrabuena readers in putting together a visual and better Oyster Bay Philipstown Fabulous writer, persuader, and narrator. Writes understanding of the stories being told. The Kimberly Dijkstra of personal issues that are, in effect, issues that Nice use of graphics and photos. topic is important and would be interesting Incredibly strong starts that kept me going we all face in our nation. From parenting in the Very informative, great page designs. outside of the publication’s coverage area, too. throughout. Hit me in the face with the strong age of school shootings to hate speech to an I loved every-thing about this project. SECOND PLACE argument right away. encounter with Justice Sotomayor, she can place the reader in her shoes and see with her eyes. Sullivan County Democrat, HONORABLE MENTION — TIE SECOND PLACE This is the very essence of writing a column. This Callicoon The Burgh-North Countryman Sun, East Aurora Advertiser, East Aurora is also the remedy for the divisions that face us — Patricio Robayo Plattsburgh Shelly Ferullo and Grant Hamilton to see another’s perspective in a passionate and A sad and heartwarming topic Pete DeMola Sucked me in right away. Great length, compassionate telling, without rancor. done tastefully. An impressive job covering such a large issue. easy to read. SECOND PLACE I appreciate the variety of the stories, and even THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE Shelter Island Reporter, within stories, throughout the package. The Shelter Island The Chronicle, Goshen writing is compelling and made me want to The Villager, New York Erika Norton read more. Lincoln Anderson Ambrose Clancy A serious topic that still seemed to have Strong writer and stronger arguments. Vivid and charming columnist who writes about a bit of humor with it being a “pothole HONORABLE MENTION — TIE a myriad of topics and manages to draw the reader into his world and see through his eyes. watch” in general. The Jewish Week, New York HONORABLE MENTION His style is interesting and his subject matter is Hannah Dreyfus The Daily Mail, Catskill HONORABLE MENTION the stuff of life and imagination. He makes me Well-done, compelling and in-depth reporting. Raymond Pignone want to subscribe to his newspaper. The Spotlight, Delmar Great job covering a sensitive and extremely Good work on important issues. Michael Hallisey, Jim Franco, Kaitlin important topic. Everything about this package Had a little trouble getting sucked in. THIRD PLACE Lembo and Diego Cagara stands out. Westmore News, Port Chester Really nice section. Design element was Caroline Levine great and the photos added a lot. DIVISION 2 A passionate and brilliantly-written column that made me wish that the writer worked for my FIRST PLACE newspaper. The fine structure and compelling BEST OBITUARIES DIVISION 3 The Examiner, Mount Kisco argument were worthy of a writer much older than she. She placed her quotes well and FIRST PLACE Martin Wilbur FIRST PLACE combined journalism and opinion into a Gay City News, New York Three really strong pieces on important topics. The Northport Observer, Northport Really did a nice job informing the public, phenomenal column. Court Stroud and Andy Humm but also kept the pieces easy to read. HONORABLE MENTION — TIE David Ambro These stories of two lives well lived make the This series does an impressive job covering reader feel like a friend. The personal touch in SECOND PLACE Putnam County News & Recorder, various points of the issue--whether it be the obituary for Bob Smith catapults this entry The Riverdale Press, Riverdale Cold Spring, Putnam Valley from officials or taxpayers on different sides. into first. The lead is bold and gutsy, yet gentle Michael Hinman Douglas Cunningham I appreciate that editorials and comments at the same time. The story reads beautifully An engaging and compelling style. An almost- from candidates were both included in this Strong topics explained very well. and blends melancholy with the joy of The editorials were fun to read and athletic agility in his approach to varied subject package. The writing is clear and makes a matter. There is dry humor and more than a little knowing this man. The story of Dick Leisch made me think. somewhat complex topic easy to understand. gives the sometimes painful history of a urgency. He refrains from preachiness but sets community through the story of his life. THIRD PLACE before his readers definite logical-ethical SECOND PLACE proposals of consequence. New York Law Journal, New York SECOND PLACE Cortland Standard, Cortland Andrew Denney The Independent, East Hampton Todd R. McAdam HONORABLE MENTION — TIE Well written arguments about a surely controversial City & State, New York Clear and concise writing that provides Bridget LeRoy important context. I appreciate his use of topic. I would like to have read at least one about Ben Adler personal stories to convey the implications and Jessica Mackin-Cipro something else. Great analysis and opinions on New York A pair of touchingly written tributes to some state politics. Writing style is persuasive and of this issue. HONORABLE MENTION pretty big personalities make this a strong evocative. Opinions are supported with political THIRD PLACE entry. The photo at the top of the Leiber story The Wave, Queens savvy and an apparent root in the subject matter. The Daily Star, Oneonta draws the reader’s eye and story keeps it there. Mark C. Healey Op-Eds backed by facts and fashioned by passion Joe Mahoney and Erin Jerome Having their own words from a previous Three really strong pieces and the author did a nice are the gold standard. interview lends an element to the story that job of making me care what he was writing about. Obviously surrounding an important issue, most obituaries cannot produce. The story of Important information for residents of his area. this series does an impressive job covering a the playwright benefits, similarly, from his own DIVISION 2 sensitive topic that has very real effects on words. You come away feeling you have met many people. I appreciate how the reporters these people. FIRST PLACE spoke to students and got various viewpoints. DIVISION 3 HIRD LACE T P FIRST PLACE Mahopac News, Mahopac Sea Cliff Glen Head Herald Gazette, Queens Chronicle, Queens Bob Dumas DIVISION 4 Glen Cove Very easy to read - enjoyed the insight Peter C. Mastrosimone into neighboring areas and communities. FIRST PLACE Laura Lane and Alyssa Seidman The bereavement piece was one of the best I’ve Bay News & Brooklyn Graphic, The story of the former teacher was a close read judging this competition. The other two SECOND PLACE contender in a very strong category. The Brooklyn were both strong. The Daily News, Batavia obituary is made into a top-notch feature John Anderson Julianne McShane primarily through the reporter’s work to talk SECOND PLACE Great at drawing in the reader and This series did a great job taking a national to former students and those who knew him, Queens Courier, Bayside continuing to lead throughout. Nice writing. issue and localizing it. It was well-written even going to the funeral home. A nice story Robert Pozarycki and laid out the struggles of refugees, who all that makes everyone remember a favorite Nice diversity on the topics, all of which were THIRD PLACE came from different backgrounds. The way teacher in their own past. The story of the covered well. The Suffolk Times, Mattituck the families are presented in the photos, writer brings the reader into her life and Joe Werkmeister along with the sections at the end of a few allows those who loved her to tell her story. HIRD LACE T P Strong ability to help the reader get to of the pieces on how to donate and help Norwood News, Bronx HONORABLE MENTION know the subject. people in need, emphasizes the humanity Wow. Really hard-hitting topics covered very well. of those seeking asylum, which is obviously The Suffolk Times, Mattituck HONORABLE MENTION an important part of telling these stories. Joe Werkmeister HONORABLE MENTION The Riverdale Press, Riverdale Two nice tributes to people whose lives left Queens Ledger, Queens SECOND PLACE Michael Hinman an impact. The artist story, in particular, Our Town, New York Benjamin Fang Talented in variety of topics but also is beautifully written. Three important topics to local residents. writing styles – from easy reading to more Michael Garofalo Well well-written and a great length. informative. This series does an impressive job covering a national issue locally. I appreciate the different types of pieces included in this package. The addition of the graphics and the design help to make it engaging.

20 Richard L. Stein Award for Overall Design Excellence, 2018 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 THE INDEPENDENT “The front page, arts and entertainment section and features really popped out on this entry. The extra large pull quotes bring the reader into the story, while also providing a graphic feature to the pages. The front page photos were outstanding.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 THE SOUTHAMPTON PRESS - EASTERN EDITION “The Southhampton Press took first because of its outstanding front pages, large, clear photos and ad design. Its only negative came in headlines and typography where it uses too many typefaces and styles. All three newspapers could use a larger typeface in body copy.”

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 COLUMN DIVISION 2 DIVISION 2 BEST CONQUESTED TARGET E-MAIL DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE The Independent, East Hampton The Post-Standard, Syracuse DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE Karen Fredericks Kayleigh Tarbet Gay City News, New York Great editorial cartoon...it made me laugh! The It is not the flashiest or “sexiest” ad in the FIRST PLACE Kelly Cogswell unique drawing style really match the comments category but I could picture myself in the chair Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Brings important information forward and that the characters say in the cartoon. Nice job! on the lake and I felt a longing to be there. Very creative. Great use of humor. You tell it like does so in well-written and compelling I then read Kayleigh Tarbet’s entry note that it is without making the audience feel guilty. It columns. Speaks of issues that are important SECOND PLACE the image and headline were chosen to spark an compelled me to think about attending the event. today and nicely blends the personal and the Ithaca Times, Ithaca emotional reaction and to encourage viewers to political. Marshall Hopkins picture themselves living at Whiteface Club SECOND PLACE The Bingo game board is a fun way to comment and Resort in Lake Placid. The ad accomplished The News-Review, Riverhead SECOND PLACE on national bike sharing company LimeBike that. Good job. Michelina DaFonte Syracuse New Times, Syracuse dropping 200 brand new yellow and green bikes Very appealing and compelling. Interesting that SECOND PLACE Luke Parsnow all over Ithaca. If everyone in town wasn’t you state there is a link to a sponsored video, Taking a side and making strong points for already buzzing about the event, this editorial The Post-Standard, Syracuse but the button says “Read More.” Nonetheless, why he believes he’s right. Offering solutions, cartoon surely got them talking. Great Lea Gonyea I wanted more. which is critical and something I’d like to see originality! The unique “flower” element draws your eye more of in columns and editorials. to the ad. THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton THIRD PLACE Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton THIRD PLACE Creative and catchy, which helped keep my Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Michael Paraskevas Watertown Daily Times, Watertown attention. Good visual with the corn and the Oliver Peterson This editorial cartoon is a great commentary! It Stacey Frysinger steak. The slant on the middle text was unusual, The art and layout of these pieces are is very creative. I love how you came up with You know at a quick glance what the ad is not sure I liked it, but I read it! beautiful and eye-catching. The writing is these ideas of alternative forms of power to go trying to tell you. The bold blue color catches HONORABLE MENTION compelling and perfectly tells local stories. with an editorial about wind farms. It is an your attention. excellent editorial cartoon. Queens Courier, Bayside HONORABLE MENTION Emily Davenport Merrick Herald Life, Merrick HONORABLE MENTION This is an incredible reader service. It is excellent Scott Brinton The Wave, Queens BEST ONLINE DYNAMIC AD targeted content. I hope you entered this in Work is moving, compelling and just what Mark C. Healey category 41 because this didn’t look like an email I want to read in a column. Informative This editorial cartoon effectively conveys the DIVISION 1 created for an advertiser. and offers solutions and inspires emotion. message that the assistant editor is leaving The Wave in order to embark on a new adventure. It FIRST PLACE is truly a nice farewell. Thanks for sharing it. Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton DIVISION 2 Clean design. Images strong and support theme of each service. FIRST PLACE EDITORIAL CARTOON The Post-Standard, Syracuse SECOND PLACE DIVISION 1 BEST USE OF VIDEO Kayleigh Tarbet The Independent, East Hampton Great use of video. Great idea for non-traditional FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE Ty Wensel revenue generation. Other than the typo, this Williston Times, Williston Park Eye catching visual. Like the movement. was excellent. The Daily News, Batavia Gives you time to read the ad. Matt Bodkin John Anderson and Zach Lyman SECOND PLACE This is a clever editorial cartoon about former A fascinating story combined with stunning THIRD PLACE The Post-Standard, Syracuse Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. visuals, compelling interviews, and strong The Southampton Press- Matt Sourwine The artist used great techniques to sum up the use of submitted police footage, audio and Eastern Edition, Southampton Good use of photography. The pictures made me political corruption charges that Mangano photos made this piece the clear winner Simple and clean. scroll through. was facing. A unique way of telling the story in this category. in a way that is easy to understand. Great job! SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE GreaterLongIsland.com, Patchogue DIVISION 2 East Aurora Advertiser, East Aurora Benny Migliorino and Michael White FIRST PLACE BEST ONLINE NEWS PROJECT Jon Penfold Solid promotional video that successfully OR RESENTATION Great drawing- It makes me laugh every time Finger Lakes Times, Geneva P highlights the features of the business. Anne Allis I look at it! The dollar signs around Stormy FIRST PLACE THIRD PLACE Effectively communicates the message that are a nice touch. This cartoon is a clever idea The Suffolk Times, Mattituck that is easy to understand. Excellent job! The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Combat Cleaning Services is veteran owned and operated. American pride. Grant Parpan THIRD PLACE Krysten Massa, Kaylyn Ahrenstein, This is so interesting! What a wonderful way to The Altamont Enterprise and Tara Smith and Grant Parpan SECOND PLACE document local history. I could see this expanding Albany County Post, Altamont Good storytelling and visuals. Watertown Daily Times, Watertown to so many fascinating people. Well done. Stacey Frysinger Carol Coogan SECOND PLACE Excellent editorial cartoon that really grabs A good digital ad is like a billboard. You only have a moment to capture a person’s attention. Albany Business Review, Albany the reader’s attention. I was blown away by Michael DeSocio the artistic talent and all the fine details in BEST ONLINE STATIC AD From the strong images I know that Stiles is a the drawing. The drawing is the first thing furniture store that has a low price guarantee Very well done! I appreciate the length, quick I saw when I looked at the page, and it is so DIVISION 1 and that I can/should click on the ad to go to and interesting. I suspect the community enjoys captivating that it led me to read the entire their website to shop. It’s simple but effective. these immensely. FIRST PLACE editorial. Great job! Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION There is a strong focal point - it caught my Adirondack Daily Enterprise, The News-Review, Riverhead The Altamont Enterprise and attention and drew me into the ad. I love the Saranac Lake Grant Parpan, Tara Smith Albany County Post, Altamont wine glasses, stars and colors. It feels festive and Steve Bradley and Cyndi Murray holiday but not too Christmaseee. I like the “Point of View” open house ad draws your This was well done. I liked the quick interviews Carol Coogan strong call to action to Buy Tickets now. The ad Outstanding drawing that sends a clear, interest and makes you want to investigate interspersed with the main story narration. creates a sense of urgency by saying Seating is it more. strong message. Drawing really expresses Limited. Lots of good stuff happening in this ad. HONORABLE MENTION how important journalism is in our society. Well done. El Mensajero Catolico, Rochester Excellent job! SECOND PLACE Annette Jiménez, Jeff Witherow, Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Gina Capellazzi and John Haeger That steak artwork really sizzles - my eyes were This is an excellent example of breaking up a lot drawn to it. “Tomorrow Night” in the strong of content into digestible parts. The mix of video font with the red background made me wonder interviews, text and photos kept pulling me what is going on tomorrow night and then I am through the content, but the clear breaks were invited to buy tickets. The ad creates enough helpful. I would guess the advertising department interest that I could click to find out what the would like to extend this to local businesses. event is and what I would be eating, drinking and voting on. THIRD PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Steven Dorney The subtle orange background and creative 22 visual makes this ad stand out on any web page. Best Small Space Ad, 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 YVONNE FARLEY KRISTINA WALSER MANHASSET TIMES ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW “Nice way to incorporate the brands. “Nice use of angles and color!” Clean layout, nice use of white space..”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 4 BRENDA DENK ANNE ALLIS WEST SENECA BEE FINGER LAKES TIMES “Nice placement of images. “This ad is well organized and very colorful. Good color and organization.” I imagine it stood out on newsprint.” 23

2 0 1 2 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST EExcellence Awards FEATURE PHOTO(S) SPORTS ACTION PHOTO(S) SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO(S) DIVISION 2 DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE The Village Times Herald, Setauket Shelter Island Reporter, Putnam County News & Recorder, The Rivertowns Enterprise, Jay Gao Shelter Island Cold Spring Hastings-on-Hudson Nice job capturing the horse mid-jump. Eleanor Labrozzi Chris Layton Jim MacLean SECOND PLACE This photo evokes a wonderful mood of a Clean, crisp action photo capturing a unique Incredible composition and envelopment of The Suffolk Times, Mattituck “dark and stormy night”. twist on a routine play. the entire scene surrounding the made basket. Jeremy Garretson SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Capturing the lightening - nice job!! Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Westmore News, Port Chester The Village Beacon-Record, THIRD PLACE Saranac Lake Paige Tankel Miller Place The Independent, East Hampton Aaron Cerbone Sharp photo with an interesting angle of Desirée Keegan a key play in the game. Ed Gifford This stunning photo tells a lot about the Great focus on the middle action, while Love the mirror image of the tree in the water. candidate and draws people into reading THIRD PLACE capturing the team as a whole. Like the about the skier. HONORABLE MENTION Elma Review, Elma contrast of presumed opposing fans leaving the stands. The Daily News, Batavia THIRD PLACE Mark Jagord Colonie-Loudonville Spotlight, Good job of capturing an unusual moment. THIRD PLACE Mark Gutman Colonie The News-Review, Riverhead Nice focus on the eye that is so intent. Jim Franco Daniel De Mato Great human interest photo! DIVISION 2 Great composition capturing the entire team’s reaction. HONORABLE MENTION FIRST PLACE PICTURE STORY Shelter Island Reporter, East Meadow Herald, East Meadow DIVISION 1 Shelter Island J. Heck DIVISION 2 Beverlea Walz This photo is executed brilliantly and FIRST PLACE Pure joy! cropped appropriately. There isn’t much wasted FIRST PLACE The Villager, New York space inside the frame. The photographer also Watertown Daily Times, Watertown Bob Krasner did well to track the receiver and maintain Christopher Lenney The photographer captures the energy of the sharp focus. DIVISION 2 Wonderful photo. Composition is excellent. event and doesn’t shy away from controversial SECOND PLACE The look on the frog’s face is as entertaining as subject matter. The viewer feels that they are FIRST PLACE The Examiner, Mount Kisco that of the young lady, whose arms, the left one getting a front row experience to the event. The Southampton Press- in particular, are positioned the same as the The photographer had 3 submissions in this Andy Jacobs frog’s. The photographer made the right choice category, he has a distinctive aesthetic style that Eastern Edition, Southampton The photographer captured a great moment of by getting as low as possible to make the shot. is recognizable in each. This one was my Wilson Green action featuring three players. I would’ve liked This photograph gives an excellent sense of the favorite of his submissions. Very powerful photo. Love the angle and the tighter cropping, but this is still a strong photo. contest as well as capturing a single moment. expression on her face. SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor SECOND PLACE The Altamont Enterprise and The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Lori Hawkins The Southampton Press- Albany County Post, Altamont Rich Barnes The photographer benefits from a generous 6- Western Edition, Westhampton Beach Michael Koff This is the best of a number of celebration page photo spread where she was able to take a Valerie Gordon This photo is a staple of track and field shooting. photos in this category. Composition is full page for a photo to show fine detail and Very well done. Nice depth of field. Well-executed. excellent, with most of the players facing never having to put more than 3 photos to a Photo says it all. the viewer, allowing a true appreciation of page. A nice variety of subjects capturing HONORABLE MENTION their happiness. different aspects of the event. The photographer THIRD PLACE The Rivertowns Enterprise, appears to have given a lot of thought to each The East Hampton Press, Hastings-on-Hudson THIRD PLACE photo and we are rewarded with a visually East Hampton Jim MacLean The Daily News, Batavia stimulating shared experience. Mark Gutman Kyril Bromley Interesting moment, though I would like THIRD PLACE Good capture of the moment of triumph I like the composition, the movement. to have seen the photo cropped tighter to Baldwin Herald, Baldwin eliminate distracting elements in the background. and defeat. Eye catching subject matter. Christina Daly HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION Nice mix of shots. The photographer does a The Independent, East Hampton nice job getting decent exposures considering The Rivertowns Enterprise, DIVISION 3 Hastings-on-Hudson Gordon M. Grant the dynamic range of the subject matter. Tim Lamorte FIRST PLACE This is a good photo. Captures a moment and is well-composed. Unfortunately, it does Great expressions and great timing! The Independent, East Hampton not capture the moment that is implied in DIVISION 2 Peggy Spellman Hoey the cutline. But for that, this would have Readers can almost feel the aching muscles ranked higher. FIRST PLACE DIVISION 3 and grim determination of the lifeguard who The Rivertowns Enterprise, is the focus of the first shot. But the real show- FIRST PLACE stopper is the action captured in the photo of the Hastings-on-Hudson Watertown Daily Times, Watertown lifeguard who is wiping out — the brilliant colors Tim Lamorte Daytona Niles of the water, the spray, the board and the bikini ART PHOTO A good mix of photos, both showing the staged combine with her grimace as the wave launches drama and the less formal sometimes intimate Wow is all I can say. This photographer took her off the board to make this the clear winner. DIVISION 1 behind the scenes of the production. I don’t a great picture and had great timing. know if it was the photographer’s choice but SECOND PLACE IRST LACE SECOND PLACE F P printing these in black and white suits these Queens Ledger, Queens The Rivertowns Enterprise, shots and may be superior to their color Norwood News, Bronx versions. Adi Talwar Jeffrey Armstrong Hastings-on-Hudson Playing this photo large was the key — Beautifully taken photo. The photographer Tim Lamorte SECOND PLACE it allowed the player’s intense concentration and knew what they were doing picking the right Love the lighting and focus on this piece. focus on the ball, captured in this split second, to angle and having great timing. Very nice. The Highlands Current, Philipstown be experienced by readers. It was a technically Ross Corsair difficult shot, done with a long lens but still SECOND PLACE THIRD PLACE A good mix of photos, technically well exposed. sharply focused. Very nicely executed. Bayside Times, Queens The Highlands Current, Philipstown Nice introduction but I believe the picture story Michael Shain THIRD PLACE Michael Turton would be enhanced if the photos had captions. This picture is worth 1,000 words and You can almost feel the fog as you look The Independent, East Hampton THIRD PLACE very unusual. A very well taken photo. at this picture. Gordon M. Grant The Rockaway Times, Rockaway HONORABLE MENTION This is a very nice selection of photos that are THIRD PLACE Kevin Boyle generally well-cropped and composed. All three The Independent, East Hampton The East Hampton Press, These individual photos are nothing capture moments of intense action, so crisply that East Hampton spectacular, but the use of before and after Gordon M. Grant even the laces on the baseball are clear as the photos tell the story. I would have like to have Beautiful photos - worth 1,000 words. batter tries to square up a pitch, and individual Dana Shaw seen the photographer given credit on the page. chunks of the infield are sharp as the runner slides Love how the cardinal pops off the page. into home. Nicely done. HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION Putnam County News & Recorder, Queens Ledger, Queens Cold Spring Jeffrey Armstrong Chris Layton 24 A great photo, played in appropriate size — Nice angle. though it could have been cropped tighter. Innovative Ad Project, 2018

FIRST PLACE — DAN’S PAPERS “I absolutely loved this booklet! I would have loved to receive Dan’s Papers each time wondering what beautiful artwork would SECOND PLACE — DAN’S PAPERS have been on the next issue. I loved the old photos and description in the beginning of the book describing “Nice advertising with bright colorful photos! how Dan’s Papers got it’s start. Great piece!” I like the font used for the stories-has a retro look. I also like the illustrations for the stories. In some areas of the booklet, there’s a more modern look. I like the variation. Nice job!”

HONORABLE MENTION — THE RED HOOK STAR-REVUE “Love the video on the home page. Layout is very nice and informative. Good videos and information.” THIRD PLACE — THE POST-STANDARD “Nice modern layout! Great ads. Excellent piece!” 25 EExcellence Awards PICTURE STORY THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE DIVISION 3 The Rockaway Times, Rockaway Our Town, New York PUBLICATIONS-NEWSPRINT Andrew Nellen Christina Scotti FIRST PLACE As it should, the photo tells it all. Nice job. The infographic presentation is not only DIVISION 1 Queens Chronicle, Queens beautiful, but informative. Clean and bold HONORABLE MENTION FIRST PLACE Rick Maiman design combined with bright colors and The Rockaway Times, Rockaway interesting graphics make it a show stopper. The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor A good mix of photos from different Very impressed by this special section. Good perspectives that captured the race and Doug MacLeod Wow. Gripping photo. HONORABLE MENTION writing by the staff, and photographs are well- the rest of the event festivities. The Daily Gazette, Schenectady done and intriguing. Layout is fantastic, as is use SECOND PLACE Kathryn Hume of illustrations. The Independent, East Hampton DIVISION 3 I like the way the graphic elements SECOND PLACE Ed Gifford are combined to tell the story. Long Island Advance, Patchogue FIRST PLACE A good mix of photos that captured HONORABLE MENTION I really appreciate the hard work and dedication the event. The Independent, East Hampton Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs the staff put into this issue regarding the collecting of history and searching for HIRD LACE Michael Heller Marisa Scirocco and Susan Blackburn T P photographs. IThe content of the special section Powerful photographs capture the emotion I love this photo. I didn’t recognize the snow The Village Times Herald, Setauket is relevant to readers and personalized to the and the exhaustion. until I was told. Beautiful image. Heidi Sutton community. A nice diversity of shots, technically well SECOND PLACE done. It’s obvious the photographer has Queens Chronicle, Queens THIRD PLACE a passion for the sea. Nice job. Christopher Barca The River Reporter, Narrowsburg BEST SPECIAL SECTION Nice mix of content, with outdoor activities and HONORABLE MENTION Great work! Stunning treatment of a powerful photo. Hats Off! COVER recipes, as well as community events. The Independent, East Hampton Justin Meinken THIRD PLACE DIVISION 1 HONORABLE MENTION Amherst Bee, Williamsville The page had a nice introduction but The Daily Gazette, Schenectady FIRST PLACE I believe would have benefitted with Peter Barber Good entry. Localized to the community and captions for the photos. May have made Baldwin Herald, Baldwin featured reporting and writing done by the staff This photographer knew what he was after and and the community. Good use of photos. the difference between an honorable he got it - the whole story told in photos. Jeff Negrin mention and a top 3 pick. Horrific grief, the arrest of the owner... the Awesome color throughout. Makes me photos a powerful and a critical component feel warm (judging this after 20 inches of snow of this coverage. have fallen in the last three days). DIVISION 2 SPOT NEWS PHOTOS HONORABLE MENTION SECOND PLACE FIRST PLACE The Independent, East Hampton The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor The Wave, Queens DIVISION 1 Ed Gifford Michael Heller Mark C. Healey Impressive compilation of history and the paper’s FIRST PLACE I really like the design and photo in the background. Perhaps a different font on the significance to the community, and the ads show The Batavian, Batavia bottom? The white blends in with the cookie the newspaper’s strong support for the Howard Owens frosting too much. community, and vice versa. The photo reveals tragedy on several levels GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION and manages to portray all of said tragedy. THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE The disheveled cap, the bare feet, and the DIVISION 1 Albany Business Review, Albany The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale billows of smoke is not just photo-journalism FIRST PLACE Kristina Walser Todd Sliss and Ann Marie Rezen but the stuff of art. and Donna Abbott-Vlahos A lot of diversity in the articles within a very Port Washington News, localized subject. Content was written by the ECOND LACE Really great photo of people interacting with S P Port Washington staff, or by relevant community members. students. Tells the story of what I’m looking The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor Alex Nuñez Good balance of copy and advertisements. for with the special section. Michael Heller I like the original art rendering of the venue THIRD PLACE There is something compelling about this used in this capacity because it gives a real life HONORABLE MENTION young woman standing in solidarity but still representation of the location, so you get an Baldwin Herald, Baldwin The Somers Record, Somers apart from the other students. The look is overview of where you are and what the area Jodi Weinberger and Tabitha Pearson Marshall something personal, while the other has to offer. Plus it’s great art work. Jeff Negrin Good community engagement, especially with students are clustered together. A well- I really liked the use of artwork for “My Town, business leaders contributing to the edition. composed photo. SECOND PLACE My Vote” and the listingof a sample ballot Good use of file art to give the reader a sense Albany Business Review, Albany inside. A minor detail, but enough to make of what occurs with Celebrate Somers. THIRD PLACE Kristina Walser it interesting. HONORABLE MENTION The Daily Mail, Catskill Great use of trending pop culture to Jada Kitson illustrate the article. Great job! Sullivan County Democrat, Callicoon The photo is almost too much to bear. DIVISION 2 Nice community coverage. Collaboration to It tells a story that is heart-breaking. THIRD PLACE sell ads reflected pride in the professionals who FIRST PLACE The color is framed so well within the The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor were featured. blackness of the charred ruins. It is an Ted Littleford Ithaca Times, Ithaca allegory of life and tragedy. These watercolor images evoke high end Marshall Hopkins art for me. “I” am drawn into the story. Great shot for the Apple Harvest Festival. DIVISION 3 HONORABLE MENTION There was no question about what it was for. Manhasset Times, Manhasset HONORABLE MENTION FIRST PLACE Amelia Camurati Westmore News, Port Chester SECOND PLACE The Southampton Press- Capturing the smile, the excitement, makes Richard Abel Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs Eastern Edition, Southampton for a worthwhile photo. If being in the right Sometimes not a lot is needed to tell Tracey Buyce and Marisa Scirocco The layout is phenomenal, and I enjoy the place at the right time is half the battle, the story. A really interesting photo of a modern bride community engagement through wedding capturing the moment is the next half. and designs. “Real brides, real stories” is a submissions. Photos chosen for the section huge seller for me on this one. look great and really complete the section. DIVISION 2 THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE DIVISION 2 FIRST PLACE Queens Chronicle, Queens Our Town, New York FIRST PLACE Syracuse New Times, Syracuse Jan Schulman Michael Garofalo The Rivertowns Enterprise, Rachel Barry This is a fun idea and a really good Incredibly relevant to the public, and good presentation of it. sourcing of community leaders and politicians. Hastings-on-Hudson This illustration for the cover of the Arts The use of graphics to show statistics is great. Tim Lamorte Issue is outstanding for me. I like the way HONORABLE MENTION We’ve seen too many vigil photos but the it interweaves the graphic elements, Syracuse New Times, Syracuse THIRD PLACE photographer caught the emotion - lighting, the use of colors, the technique. Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs angle and cropping all good. Greg Minix SECOND PLACE This was a really fun cover. Good use of Encouraging people to shop locally. Many great SECOND PLACE Long Island Weekly, Mineola artwork and telling me what I was looking at. features about the business owners in the area and good art. The Village Beacon-Record, Barbara Barnett Miller Place I love the clean and colorful magazine style use HONORABLE MENTION Kyle Barr of the art in this section. Combined with the Gay City News, New York Who wouldn’t be touched by this photo? content it creates an easy to read article. Paul Schindler Photographer caught the lighting and Strong features on local people making a seized the moment. Perfect. difference in your community. Layout was concise and easy to read. 26 Best Art Photo, 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 TIM LAMORTE THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 JAY GAO “Just love the lighting and focus on this piece. Very nice.” THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD “Nice job capturing the horse mid-jump.” Best Graphic Illustration, 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 ALEX NUÑEZ RACHEL BARRY PORT WASHINGTON NEWS SYRACUSE NEW TIMES “I like the original art rendering of the venue used in this “This illustration for the cover of the Arts Issue is outstanding. capacity because it gives a real life representation of the location, The way it divides the graphic, the use of colors, so you get an overview of where you are and what the the delicate technique… all paired together makes area has to offer. Plus it’s great art work.” for a bold and sophisticated design.” 27 EExcellence Awards SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE BEST PUBLIC SERVICE SECOND PLACE PUBLICATIONS-NEWSPRINT PUBLICATIONS-GLOSSY OR NON-PROFIT Westchester County Business SPECIAL SECTION Journal, White Plains DIVISION 4 IVISION D 3 Second only by a narrow margin. Great FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE work and beautiful pieces. The cross-culture Sea Cliff Glen Head Herald Gazette, The Daily Gazette, Schenectady content, variety of topics, inviting and The Southampton Press- engaging photos throughout made these fun Well put-together, lots of great features on Glen Cove Eastern Edition, Southampton to read. Handsome design between layout and leaders in the business community, concise Scott Brinton, Zach Gottehrer-Cohen, Outstanding on every page, this is the ultimate advertising really set you apart from the pack! and consistent layout, relevant to readers. local guide to a national event. The centerpiece Alyssa Seidman and Zoe Malin Good job! Fantastic job all-around. was the hole-by-hole breakdown of the course, A lovely tribute to the local firefighters. The histories of the department were well written THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE which was a well-composed combination of photography, graphics, analysis and information. and the historical photos added to the stories. Watertown Daily Times, Watertown Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs But the stories about the local connections and The photos of the current firefighters and full Chris Vallone Bushee Large amount of community coverage of history of the course were just as strong, with list of names was a nice, personal touch for the different local football teams written by the staff. terrific use of historic photos. Tying everything firefighters. Well done. and Marisa Scirocco Photos are great and used well. together was a cohesive design, by far the This product can and does serve a very SECOND PLACE wide audience for its content. It is a guide, THIRD PLACE strongest design in the category. Everything fit together visually, the design flowed from page to Finger Lakes Times, Geneva a resource and a magazine all rolled into one Adirondack Daily Enterprise, page, with each element clear and strong. Even Mary E. Thorpe, Anne Allis, very well done seasonal magazine. Great job Saranac Lake the index is a standout. Anyone who designs on a piece I am certain gets a lot of use and Roxanne Ferris between issues. Fun. Susan Moore special sections can use this section as an example With the decline of volunteerism as a whole, Coverage in this special section was well-put of how to do it right. honoring local individuals who give of together, and the community calendar is a great themselves is a great way to encourage others to SECOND PLACE addition. Use of high quality photos is good. step up along with recognizing those who serve DIVISION 3 Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs selflessly. Nice job. HONORABLE MENTION Chris Vallone Bushee and Marisa Scirocco FIRST PLACE Finger Lakes Times, Geneva Visually stunning, the cover of this section holds THIRD PLACE Watertown Daily Times, Watertown Mary E. Thorpe and Anne Allis up against any bridal magazine, matched by the The River Reporter, Narrowsburg Holly Boname Localized and valuable content. It’s great to 19-page Adelphi Hotel photo package inside. The A well-done promotion of the Boys and Girls The large selection of photos throughout the see it written by community college staff. personal stories in both the Destination section in Clubs in the area. The colorful layout and easy magazine do a great job of grabbing the the front of the magazine and the Real Brides to read format makes the section ideal for reader’s attention and making them curious section in the back of the magazine were inviting. getting the word out about what the clubs offer of what the story itself is on. There is also a Much of the photography in those sections was and how people can be a part of organization. wide variety of stories that are written impressive, as well, and the wedding details lists concisely, but detailed enough that the reader SPECIAL SECTIONS/NICHE were an important element to include. HONORABLE MENTION is well-informed on the subject and leaves PUBLICATIONS-GLOSSY The Independent, East Hampton feeling THIRD PLACE The photos and artwork help make this a like they didn’t just read articles, look at DIVISION 2 Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton stunning section. Stories were well written advertisements, or find new recipes, but had Design and photography set this apart. The design and informative. a well-rounded experience with all three. FIRST PLACE was cohesive throughout the section and the Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo photos drew readers’ attention. The SECOND PLACE G. Scott Thomas and Nancy Knight conversational writing of the capsules makes them The Post-Standard, Syracuse Wow! What an impressive project! The more than just informational. The packages of MAGAZINE MJ Kravec and Amy Bleier Long encyclopedic collection of information, both quotes about specific questions were a nice touch The design of this magazine is crisp and clear, broad and deep, about school districts is a gold editorially and graphically. DIVISION 1 with a variety of content to engage readers of mine for parents. The research that went into all backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the the project and the formulas used to create the FIRST PLACE candy striper story, but also found interesting rankings shows a tremendous effort. I especially DIVISION 4 The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor tidbits throughout the magazine that left me appreciate the FAQ that explains the formulas Keep up the great work. Your magazines and curious to do additional digging into some of and the rankings. Just as impressive as the FIRST PLACE sections should be an inspiration for all looking the products and events. information and analysis is the way they were Watertown Daily Times, Watertown to produce a top-shelf product with obvious THIRD PLACE presented. Whether a graph, chart or map, the Holly Boname alternative and creative approaches to doing so. design was essential in providing the data in the An interesting collection of well-written stories. Hats off to your staff. Finger Lakes Times, Geneva most readable format. Mary E. Thorpe, Anne Allis Restoring the Past was a highlight among the SECOND PLACE stories and the photography on several stories and Roxanne Ferris SECOND PLACE Port Washington News, elevated them to something special. This magazine is well organized for the local The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor Port Washington person or a visitor to the area to find new and Much more than a guide to summer activities, SECOND PLACE You never get a second chance to make a first old favorites to check out. It has a balanced this is chock-full of interesting stories about the Watertown Daily Times, Watertown impression. You impressed with your gate fold content of events, local features, and business people and places that make the area special. Holly Boname cover and consistency throughout your entry. advertisements to help get a snapshot of The highlight is the Destination: Montauk The homestead wedding story, with the cover A lot of attention to detail and effort. things to do on a visit to the location. section with the whimsical map illustration photo, is a standout in this section. The package Congratulations. I thought the story about where you can as a centerpiece. bring your dogs on vacation was particularly of featured wedding photography was a nice THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE element, as was the visual display of bridesmaids interesting and a good idea as more and and groomsmen gifts. The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale more people consider their pets members Business First of Buffalo, Buffalo Lisa Bradlow and Eileen Farrell of the family. James Fink and Donna Collins THIRD PLACE Advertisers AND readers are always looking for The keys to this comprehensive look at Western Finger Lakes Times, Geneva something “different” from us. Unique and HONORABLE MENTION Edition New York business development are the Mary E. Thorpe, Anne Allis outstanding executions within this entry. Register-Star, Hudson maps and lists of the major developments in each Thanks for the great work. Jackie Reese area. The design is clean and inviting, giving and Alan Brignall A solid preview section packed with information. This magazine had a good combination of readers a clear look at an important part of their local accomplishments, things to do, and communities. The Q&A format for the interviews with coaches was a good idea, with some out-of-the-ordinary DIVISION 2 business advertisements. The content was questions. well-written and the pictures were attention FIRST PLACE grabbing. The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Grant Parpan, Eric Hod, Cyndi Murray, Michelina DaFonte and David Benthal Wow! This category division has so many very nice publications. It literally took me three days of hemming and hawing to narrow the field to half a dozen contenders. Three days later I was able to narrow the field to three as, again, I struggled differentiating among them. Congratulations for a piece worthy of First Place. The cast of “characters” spotlighted within held my attention throughout the magazine. The photography and design were very carefully executed. Advertising represented world-class designs and fully complemented the beautiful magazine. Readers should be proud to be associated with such a beautiful product. 28 Best Spot News Photo(s), 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 HOWARD OWENS TIM LAMORTE THE BATAVIAN THE RIVERTOWNS ENTERPRISE “The photo reveals tragedy on several levels and “We’ve seen too many vigil photos but the manages to portray all of said tragedy. The disheveled photographer caught the emotion - lighting, cap, the bare feet, and the billows of smoke is not just angle and cropping all good.” photojournalism but the stuff of art.”

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 3 MICHAEL HELLER THE INDEPENDENT “Powerful photographs capture the emotion and the exhaustion.”

29 EExcellence Awards

BEST REAL ESTATE/HOME BEST SPECIAL SECTION - BEST ADVERTISING DIVISION 3 SECTION ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE DIVISION 2 Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor The simple background color on this ad allows Chris Vallone Bushee, Marisa Scirocco This section stood out among all other entries, FIRST PLACE the red cars to “pop”. The consistency in the and Barry Potoker period! From handsome packaging, interesting Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton cars size and color draws accentuates the Wow 188 pages - beautiful photos galore! content, and most of all a very solid advertising Gary Vacca different vehicle body styles. The red is also Mixture of basic ad design and then more effort! The final decision between #1 and #2 Such justice was done to the beautiful complemented nicely by the color choices contemporary ad design. I liked the design of was difficult but it came down to “shelf-life “ photographs with the simple, clean and below. the content page. Loved the consistency of the for me and this section edged out the others. concise ad design. Striking. SECOND PLACE Showcase of Homes builders/contractors. I SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE The Independent, East Hampton would love to eat at the Blue Hen. Enjoyed Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs reading the day of the life of interior designer - The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Ty Wenzel but typo on hangar I cringed at. Great variety Chris Vallone Bushee Steven Dorney and Sonja Reinholt Derr This ad has great flow with its photo choice of articles. A publication to be proud of!! and Samantha Nock What fun and playful content! There are really and text alignment. Great emphasis on the Incredible one-stop shop for residents and great moments in these ads, the way the text/ logo at the top, then the angle of the road in SECOND PLACE visitors alike. A-Z content selection and ad info plays with the imagery, pleasing color the photo drives your eye right to the list of Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton effort made this section stand out among all schemes and an overall crisp clean design. services. Love, love the name “Behind the Hedges. other entries. Unique approaches to design Great job! Liked the title placement with fireplace photo and content I will borrow for my own use. THIRD PLACE on the cover. Beautiful photos throughout. Congratulations on a very well done section. THIRD PLACE Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Local content/writing. Contemporary ad Handsome section. The Village Times Herald, Setauket This a well laid out, modern looking ad. design and editorial page layout – great job! Nice reoccurring imagery and color, creating a The precise alignment of photos and text, THIRD PLACE cohesive ad campaign. Great job fitting in so with sufficient white space, is well executed. THIRD PLACE The Scarsdale Inquirer, Scarsdale much information and making it attractive. The whimsical script font is a nice contrast to Sullivan County Democrat, Kathy Potter the other ad elements, and ties in with the Callicoon Great native content piece. One of the best HONORABLE MENTION charming nature of the property. PRICELESS - clever! Cover artwork sold, written and packaged I’ve ever seen. The Village Times Herald, Setauket HONORABLE MENTION appropriate. Use of the arrow on pg5 was eye Great work on an important trend in our The black, yellow and gray ad is eye catching catching, would like to have seen carried business. for not having any graphics on it. Nice use of The Village Times Herald, Setauket through on other articles. Great job on local layout and color. The ads are playful, easy to David Ackerman content/writing. Clean page layout. Above read and have an overall nice color scheme This is a well-organized ad using color, lines average ad design. about them. and frames to give noticeable separation BEST ADVERTISING between different blocks of information. CAMPAIGN The photos provide additional visual impact. SPECIAL HOLIDAY EDITION DIVISION 1 BEST LARGE SPACE AD DIVISION 4 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE Saratoga Today, Saratoga Springs Putnam County News & Recorder, FIRST PLACE The Post-Standard, Syracuse Chris Vallone Bushee Cold Spring Port Washington News, Port Matt Sourwine and Steve Hodgens and Marisa Scirocco Virginia Califano Washington Wow 148 pgs - glossy throughout. Mostly Elegant! Nice color scheme that goes with the This ad is definitely an attention-grabber. local content/writing including their intern, content. Nice eye-catching layout, very clear Caren Donatelli The diagonal edges on the large photos make also gift guide by intern. Liked the page design and concise. Nice layout and use of space. the layout very dynamic. In addition, the large layout/grouping for Colleens Picks pages. Cleaver use of imagery. amount of white space below draws the eye SECOND PLACE down to focus on the typed message. Wide variety of content - from pets to SECOND PLACE fashion. Beautiful photos! Nice ad design. Williston Times, Williston Park SECOND PLACE A contemporary piece you should be proud of. West Seneca Bee, West Seneca Yvonne Farley The Daily Mail, Catskill The campaign is bright and playful. Your eye Brenda Denk SECOND PLACE moves throughout the ads keeping you Vibrant and easy to read. The use of graphics Steve LaRowe The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor interested in the content. I would suggest is very successful. This ad does a great job presenting a lot of Nice upscale looking product - nice paper information in a clear, consistent and easy to refining your ‘cutout’ skills as the edges of the THIRD PLACE stock. Great job on local content/writing. people are very harsh. In the instance of the read format. The vehicle cutouts at the top Clean looking page layout design - woman sitting, I would suggest doing a very The Sag Harbor Express, Sag Harbor give a clear focal point. In addition, the photo my favorites were shellfish and sweets light fade of the background so it doesn’t Gavin Menu and Chris Lester of Mt. Rushmore and color scheme tie in for seasons lead pages. Nice ad design - look as though she is floating in mid-air. Clever, clean layout and impactful. perfectly with the President’s Day theme. my favorite Raphael. I wish there was an apostrophe in Don’t. THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE Port Washington News, HONORABLE MENTION Watertown Daily Times, Watertown Gay City News, New York Port Washington Port Washington News, Port Brian Mitchell Paul Schindler, Marcos Ramos Caren Donatelli Washington This ad contained such a large number of photo and line listings that it was crucial the and Donna Aceto The text is positioned well within the images Caren Donatelli layout be very consistent and organized – and Fantastic job on local content/writing - and the overall ad campaign is clean, clear Adorable! Attractive, easy to read and the designer did a great job with this with keep up the good work. Consistent look and cohesive. attention grabbing! Great use of the for page layout. Nice looking ads. entire space. fonts, colors, sizing and spacing. The reader is HONORABLE MENTION able to easily locate grocery items by section The Spotlight, Delmar to find the information they need. David Abbott and Martha Eriksen DIVISION 2 HONORABLE MENTION The ads are fun and vibrant. I really enjoy the FIRST PLACE Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Mardi Gras ad. The color scheme is successful Saranac Lake throughout the ad and the graphics are placed Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, in an attractive manner, playing with the edges Lynbrook Lindsay Munn of the ad. The information is easiest to read on Mona Waitzman this one, not as easy on the New Year’s Eve ad. Great ad, very simple. The pink font It’s gets lost with the image a bit. really stands out. SECOND PLACE Glen Cove Herald Gazette, Glen Cove Gabriella Sobell Catches the viewers eye. THIRD PLACE Sullivan County Democrat, Callicoon Great use of pictures grabs the readers eye. HONORABLE MENTION Albany Business Review, Albany Kristina Walser 30 Clean layout grabs the reader’s attention. 2018 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR The Suffolk Times

Accumulating 250 contest points, the staff of The Suffolk Times, led by publisher Andrew Olsen, takes home 2018 Newspaper of the Year honors. The newspaper earned seven first place awards including the Sports Writer or the Year, Coverage of Business, Financial & Economic News, Sports Coverage, Spot News Coverage, Best Online News Project or Presentation, Magazine and Best House Ad/Ad Campaign.

The judges said, “This work stood out amidst a talented field. Joe is able to capture the most compelling aspects of stories that likely engage all readers, not just sports fans. His attention to details and ability to describe those details to his readers keeps them engaged and always wanting more.” “Wow, this category division has so many very nice publications. It literally took me three days of hemming and hawing to narrow the field to three. Congratulations for a piece worthy of First Place. The photography and design were very carefully executed. Advertising represented world-class designs and fully complemented the beautiful magazine. Readers should be proud to be associated with such a beautiful product.”

2018 STUART C. DORMAN AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE The Suffolk Times The staff at The Suffolk Times earned 155 points in the editorial contest, taking them to the top. The Suffolk Times won first place for Sports Writer of the Year, Coverage of Business, Financial & Economic News, Spot News Coverage, Sports Coverage and Best Online News Project or Presentation.

The judges said, “Great reporting on what happened during the scene, how the rescue occured and what happened after it.” “I loved everything about this newspaper’s sports coverage on the lacrosse team’s first championship. The pictures did a great job of capturing the girls’ emotion of winning the state title… there’s just a lot to love about this newspaper’s sports section overall.”

2018 JOHN J. EVANS AWARD FOR ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE Dan’s Papers Dan’s Papers earned 100 points in the advertising contest, including first place and second for Innovative Ad Project, first and third place awards for Best Large Space Ad, and first place for Best Advertising Campaign.

The judges said, “I loved this booklet! I loved the old photos and description in the beginning of the book describing how the paper got its start. Great piece!” “Nice advertising with bright colorful photos! Fonts used for the stories has a retro look. Great illustrations for the stories. In some areas of the booklet, there’s a more modern look. I like the variation. Nice job!”

STUART C. DORMAN JOHN J. EVANS Stuart Callender Dorman established a precedent for excellence in John J. Evans is the former executive vice president publishing when he owned the Suffolk Times (1969 - 1978) and the of Bee Publications, Inc., Buffalo. News-Review (1976 - 1978). Dorman died in 1978, during the year Evans is a past president of the New York he was to have served as president of the New York Press Association. Press Association and the New York Press Service. Dorman was also president and founder of Graphics of Peconic. Acknowledging the countless hours Evans has He was educated at Andover Academy and Harvard University. devoted to assisting NYPA members with their Prior to purchasing the Suffolk Times, Dorman held a number of advertising programs, the NYPA Board of important positions in the book publishing industry, including a Directors established the John J. Evans Award ten-year stint as vice-president of McGraw-Hill Book Co. for Advertising Excellence in 1990. STUART C. DORMAN AWARD JOHN J. EVANS AWARD 1990 - The Riverdale Press 2005 - The Villager (NYC) 1991 - East Hampton Star 2006 - The Southampton Press- 1991 - The Riverdale Press 2006 - The North Shore Sun 1992 - The Riverdale Press Eastern Edition 1992 - The Riverdale Press 2007 - The Riverdale Press 1993 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2007 - The River Reporter 1993 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2008 - The North Shore Sun 1994 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2008 - The East Hampton Press 1994 - The Riverdale Press 2009 - The Suffolk Times 1995 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2009 - The Suffolk Times 1995 - The Cuba Patriot 2010 - Long Island Press 1996 - The Record-Review 2010 - Nassau Herald 1996 - The Record-Review 2011 - The Sag Harbor Express 1997 - The Record-Review 2011 - The Village Times Herald 1997 - The Record-Review 2012 - Long Island Press 1998 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2012 - The Record-Review 2013 - TIE — The Record-Review 1998 - The Record-Review 2013 - The News-Review 1999 - The Record-Review and The Epoch Times 1999 - The Record-Review 2014 - The Suffolk Times 2000 - The Village Times 2014 - The Epoch Times 2000 - The Sag Harbor Express 2015 - The Sag Harbor Express 2001 - The Record-Review 2015 - Dan’s Papers 2001 - The Villager (NYC) 2016 - The Sag Harbor Express 2002 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2016 - The Sag Harbor Express 2002 - The Record-Review 2017 - The Sag Harbor Express 2003 - The Record-Review 2017 - Dan’s Papers 2003 - The Sag Harbor Express 2018 - The Suffolk Times 2004 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 2018 - Dan’s Papers 2004 - The Villager (NYC) 2005 - The Scarsdale Inquirer 31 EExcellence Awards BEST SMALL SPACE AD DIVISION 4 BEST HOUSE AD/AD INNOVATIVE AD PROJECT CAMPAIGN DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE Finger Lakes Times, Geneva DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Anne Allis I absolutely loved this booklet! I loved the old Manhasset Times, Manhasset FIRST PLACE Ad is well organized and very colorful. photos and description in the beginning of the Yvonne Farley I imagine it stood out on newsprint. Albany Business Review, Albany book describing how the paper got its start. Nice way to incorporate the brands. Kristina Walser Great piece! Clean layout, nice use of white space. SECOND PLACE Great concept. Good use of photos, info graphs Watertown Daily Times, Watertown and color. Versatile design could be used for SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Stacey Frysinger additional house ads. Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Putnam County News & Recorder, Nice use of color blocks. Information is well Nice advertising with bright colorful photos! SECOND PLACE Cold Spring organized, easy to follow. Untraditional Font used for the stories-has a retro look. Great Virginia Califano placement The Highlands Current, Philipstown illustrations for the stories. In some areas of the Nice way to highlight several items. of contact information is nice. Pierce Strudler booklet, there’s a more modern look. I like the Great ad, explains what is in it for reader to variation. Nice job! THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE donate. Great concept. Putnam County News & Recorder, Watertown Daily Times, Watertown THIRD PLACE Cold Spring Stacey Frysinger THIRD PLACE The Post-Standard, Syracuse Virginia Califano Busy but information is placed accordingly. Massapequa Observer, Massapequa Michele Sardinia Nice modern layout! Great ads. Excellent piece! Very clean with color in the right spots. Alex Nuñez HONORABLE MENTION Fun photo and bright, inviting colors. HONORABLE MENTION HONORABLE MENTION The Daily Mail, Catskill Good promotion. Sea Cliff Glen Head Herald Gazette, Steve LaRowe The Red Hook Star-Revue, Brooklyn HONORABLE MENTION Glen Cove Nicely executed layout. Information Noah Phillips is easy to follow. The Spotlight, Delmar Love the video on the home page. Layout is Mona Waitzman David Abbott very nice and informative. Good videos and Nice photo. Copy is easy to read. Great looking ad - colors, layout and artwork information. all work together nicely. DIVISION 2 BEST MULTI-ADVERTISER CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FIRST PLACE PAGES DIVISION 2 Albany Business Review, Albany DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE Kristina Walser Amherst Bee, Williamsville FIRST PLACE The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Nice use of angles and color! Steven Dorney Nice design layout and easy for the reader North Country This Week, Potsdam to follow for reading. SECOND PLACE Cathy Whalen, Debbie Morgan, Great concept. Eye-catching and very original idea. Very well done. The Suffolk Times, Mattituck Miki Crary and Georgia Schiavone SECOND PLACE Michael Versandi Love this. This page creates holiday cheer while SECOND PLACE Albany Business Review, Albany Strong graphics and great use of space keep avoiding discordant clutter. Not too much of Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Kristina Walser this clean. Love the skull icons. anything, Take me home for the holidays! Great use of photo image! A huge challenge Design is really nice and makes the real estate for the designer to get in all the info in an ads stand out. THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE organized layout and they nailed it. Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald, Putnam County News & Recorder, Lynbrook Cold Spring THIRD PLACE Gabriella Sobell Virginia Califano The Independent, East Hampton BLOOPER OF THE YEAR Love the way all of the elements work together. Making sure all the ads stayed as minimal as Ty Wenzel IRST LACE possible is great. The editorial copy nicely fills Clever ad. Great photos and layout. F P HONORABLE MENTION the page. It’s a wonderful page. The Post-Standard, Syracuse The Spotlight, Delmar HONORABLE MENTION Lea Gonyea Martha Eriksen THIRD PLACE Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton This video outtake is hysterical. Everyone has Beautifully executed. Nice. The East Hampton Press, Great idea and execution. Fun looking at the fear of looking foolish on camera. This East Hampton all the covers. certainly shares the “human” side. Great theme work! Even better with the shop SECOND PLACE DIVISION 3 local focus. The ads work together also. East Aurora Advertiser, East Aurora Very nice. DIVISION 3 FIRST PLACE How funny is this? How “inappropriately” West Seneca Bee, West Seneca HONORABLE MENTION FIRST PLACE appropriate to place Rev. Robert’s photo of the Brenda Denk The Southampton Press- The Post-Standard, Syracuse “Thinning Hair” article. The first line stating Eastern Edition, Southampton that the problem is not only for men... certainly Nice placement of images. Good color and Matt Sourwine and Annette Peters made me chuckle. organization. I really like the Festival info layout. It is Great concept. The idea of “asking questions’ attractive, informative and easy to read. throughout the campaign is very informative to THIRD PLACE SECOND PLACE The ads are nicely done too. the readers and community. Graphically The Post-Standard, Syracuse Amherst Bee, Williamsville consistent in design and styling. Well done. Lea Gonyea Holly Schiferle This is just silly fun, and creatively too. Love execution of layout and use of imagery. DIVISION 2 SECOND PLACE Watertown Daily Times, Watertown THIRD PLACE FIRST PLACE Holly Boname Dan’s Papers, Bridgehampton Finger Lakes Times, Geneva “More to the Story” promotion is impressively This is a great ad. Great photo, well written Mary E. Thorpe and Anne Allis designed. The creative is executed with copy - well place. Ad has all the right elements Beautifully constructed with an overall style sophistication and evokes the message. in a classy, eye-catching layout. that highlights each advertiser while still complimenting the page. THIRD PLACE HONORABLE MENTION — TIE Watertown Daily Times, Watertown The Garden City News, Garden City SECOND PLACE Scott Smith Great image and type layout. The Daily Mail, Catskill This promotional ad definitely intrigues you. HONORABLE MENTION — TIE Steve LaRowe The photo is eye-catching. Nice job. This page is nice because combines both useful The Village Times Herald, Setauket seasonal information for the reader as well as David Ackerman providing valuable sponsor advertising. It’s a Clear message, easy to read. great annual service for the industry. Nicely executed layout and images. THIRD PLACE Finger Lakes Times, Geneva Mary E. Thorpe and Anne Allis Wow. Ads are great. Whole section stays tonally similar. What a great, big, job”.

32 Best Special Section Cover, 2018

FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 1 FIRST PLACE — DIVISION 2 JEFF NEGRIN MARSHALL HOPKINS BALDWIN HERALD ITHACA TIMES “Awesome color throughout. Makes me feel warm (judging this after 20 inches of snow “Great shot for the Apple Harvest Festival. have fallen in the last three days).” There was no question about what it was for. “

P RINTING OF THIS AWARDS NEWSPAPER COURTESY OF

EEditor’s Note Members of the Wisconsin Press Association judged the contest entries in January — no small task — there were 2,743 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 2018 BEST HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPER Spectator Spectator, from Fredonia Central High School, is as Best High School Newspaper in New York State. The newspaper staff earned 75 contest points, including the first place award for Best Sports Story, as well as eight other awards. The judges said, “Great writing, strong bold graphics with nice mix of articles, stories, art, photos, illustrations, clean fonts, all create a great feel. Decent amount of local business advertisements. Wonderful sports coverage too.”

GENERAL EXCELLENCE FEATURE STORY DESIGN BEST SPORTS STORY FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE Brocton Review, Brocton Central School Tarmac, Chaminade High School Brocton Review, Brocton Central School Spectator, Fredonia Central High School Brocton High School’s students’ lives are Nicholas Plante and Aidan Fitzgerald This was a very tough category, as most of the entries Melinda Waag certainly depicted well in this fine publication. Collage of testimonials expressing the life and were very well done. A very well-put-together Attention to details throughout. Pull quotes newspaper, where each page had a focal point, Clearest narrative out of all the entries I passing of Mr. Porter is extremely well done. The reviewed. Quotes from a number of relevant within the articles and stories, strong use of incorporation of dates, times, personal emotions, dominant story and/or photo, a clear rule for photography, left-justified column text, all columns, and nice, big, short headlines that got to sources and laid out, in a straightforward way, real stories, photographs all help make us feel as if the injury and struggle Dalton Gardner is paired with quality writing skills make this we knew Philip too. Moving to say the least! the point. Also, does not try to get too creative just take first place. creative sake, just gets down to business. working to overcome. SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE Hewlett Spectrum, The Phoenix, Kellenberg Memorial High School Tarmac, Chaminade High School Maya Tadross The Phoenix, Kellenberg Memorial High School GW Hewlett High School Maya Tadross and Sean Ronan Jack Viscuso Important information about mental health Admirably chronicles the state-championship Strong school newspaper. Clean, uniform look issues surrounding our youth. Oh my, did I say this was a tough category to judge? keeps it organized. Articles are well- written This was a very close second place, as this paper winning season for the varsity soccer team. with a great amount of student participation. utilizes some of the best photography in the group, Includes anecdotes from the season’s key THIRD PLACE moments and talked with a variety of coaches Center spread is eye-catching. Use of Spectator, Fredonia Central High School and builds very nice pages around them, to bring the occasional graphics and photos is a nice touch. readers’ eyes to the places they want them to. Only and players on the team. The story is a bit hard Alexis Schroeder and Nathan Stuart modest issues - headlines get sometimes wordy, and to follow at times, though. Moving the most THIRD PLACE The “he said/she said” debate on homework become sentences, and separating smaller stories on important information or events (an inverted- Spectator, Fredonia Central High School amounts and its practicality and necessity is both the pages may have been done by bulky lines. One of pyramid story format) to the front would alleviate Great writing, strong bold graphics with nice argumentative and yet, slightly humorous at the the rules of the category is use of color, and a shaded this issue. mix of articles, stories, art, photos, illustrations, same time. It does prove that there are two sides or color box may bring better separation. But this was to the coin. THIRD PLACE clean fonts, all create a great feel. Decent one great paper to view. Spectator, Fredonia Central High School amount of local business advertisements. ONORABLE ENTION Wonderful sports coverage too. H M THIRD PLACE Gracie Morrison Brocton Review, Brocton Central School Spectator, Fredonia Central High School The framework of a good story is here, especially HONORABLE MENTION Jen Potter Great cover on each entry; uses color to separate in the first few paragraphs. Try to dig deeper, Tarmac, Chaminade High School This certainly helps make readers have a better elements of a page, and an easy read. A little too- especially during interviews. Ask “Why” and Talented staff of students teaming together understanding of the flu and the necessity of much switching on column sizes, and going with “How” questions, which might yield more vivid to produce a wonderful paper. Good writing, vaccinations. more pictures instead of focusing on making the best or interesting responses. Including a variety of topics, columns, stories, original illustrations. picture bigger and more prominent, and this would voices is good, but a more focused approach Students should be proud. be on top. might produce a better hook for readers — giving COLUMN them a better understanding of the behind-the- HONORABLE MENTION scenes work athletes put in to make state. FIRST PLACE NEWS STORY Tarmac, Chaminade High School HONORABLE MENTION The Courant, Commack High School William Birkdale Spectator, Fredonia Central High School FIRST PLACE Danielle Ranucci A fitting tribute a lost student who meant much Hewlett Spectrum, I applaud your decision to write about things that to his classmates. Jamison Horch concern you and the people around you. Your A good job of recapping a successful football GW Hewlett High School season, but there isn’t a clear narrative to Rachel Miller writing is clear and easy to understand. You do a good job of keeping to your message and not PHOTOGRAPHY follow—it’s mostly a string of facts presented School shootings — brings attention to an straying off topic. What sets these apart is your one after another. Work on establishing a story important issue. It is a real shame that young call to action in the columns. Opinion writing FIRST PLACE hierarchy and emphasizing the “Why.” Tell people (all people really) should even have to does little good if it does not spark discussion readers why they should care about your story. think or deal with such chaos. Side note: Brocton Review, Brocton Central School and offer readers opportunities to do something Ashley Zambotti Andrea’s original illustration paired perfectly. or make change. Good job. This one checks all the boxes - Clear, clean, sharp, BEST WEB SITE SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE cropped perfectly, gets everyone that could possibly Brocton Review, Brocton Central School have their faces in it pointed towards camera, FIRST PLACE Spectator, Fredonia Central High School captures moment at right time. Tim Odell Dominic Gullo Tarmac, Chaminade High School A beautiful and touching piece recognizing You took some big risks here with some opinions SECOND PLACE The website is very easy to navigate, pages are a generous community effort. Anderson & that I am sure many of your peers disagree with. arranged at the top of the screen neatly and Marmaduke will keep creating many smiles. Spectator, Fredonia Central High School Your choice in defending actions of some Victoria Hennessey article links flow nicely. I wasn’t able to find controversial characters is bold, but you do a a link or info about a print version. Many THIRD PLACE Captures moment of play. Needs better processing newspaper companies are moving to web or good job in crafting a devil’s advocate argument of dark to keep contrast but not lose detail. Tarmac, Chaminade High School and relating your opinion to broader ideas that publishing stories in print and electronically but Owen Barthel relate to humanity. Well done. THIRD PLACE should still give direction where to find both. Skilled writing technique keeps this impressive obituary both factual and THIRD PLACE Spectator, Fredonia Central High School SECOND PLACE interesting. Well done! Tarmac, Chaminade High School Victoria Hennessey Spectator, Fredonia Central High School A couple of items kept this from being top. Some The page was very appealing, but based on the HONORABLE MENTION Owen Barthel blur in the central player. If camera would have been Your column about Dr. Kumar was excellent. template used by the district. All the past issues The Courant, Commack High School raised to get more view of players. Captures emotion, available to open, but not much else for content. His story is very interesting and I appreciate how is processed well. Sarah Elliot you tied it in to your own broader experience. Yellow Ribbon Project for fallen heroes Shorter, tighter writing, less pretentious HONORABLE MENTION is a very respectable story. Nice. vocabulary, and empathy for your readers will keep them reading longer. Brocton Review, Brocton Central School Madeline Brogan HONORABLE MENTION Clear, clean, sharp photo that is cropped perfectly. Tarmac, Chaminade High School Colin Capece Your column on local youth sports was well- written and a great topic for your audience. I am sure many of your peers read the column and connected to the content. Your vocabulary is strong. Consider sticking to content that isn’t available anywhere else (NFL sports content is 34 ubiquitous). 2018 BEST COLLEGE NEWSPAPER The Ithacan We don’t know what to call a team that wins the same award 17 times, so we’ll just call it the Best College Newspaper. The Ithacan earned 175 points in the college contest, winning first place awards for General Excellence, News Story, Feature Story, Column, Best Sports Coverage and Best Web Site. The judges said, “This newspaper is a great read. Everything you would want in a newspaper; features, great photos, investigative reporting, and public safety logs. Clean design and easy to read fonts. Great editorial pages with good editorials, letters to the editor, editorial cartoons, and editorial policy. Classified pages are well designed. Ads stand out. Love the whole package. There should be something in the paper for everyone to enjoy.”

GENERAL EXCELLENCE FEATURE STORY THIRD PLACE EDITORIAL The Ithacan, Ithaca College FIRST PLACE FIRST PLACE There were a handful or times that word spacing could FIRST PLACE The Ithacan, Ithaca College The Ithacan, Ithaca College have been tightened up to not make the sentence seem The Impact, Mercy College This newspaper is a great read. Everything Dani Pluchinsky so broken up. Some of the pages seem a little bland, but Nicole Acosta, Steven Keehner you would want in a newspaper; features, As I read this I could not help but feel there are some that really stand out (Food Insecurity and Michael Dunnings great photos, investigative reporting, and the swimmer’s battle the entire way to the and Culture page, October 18). public safety logs. Clean design and easy to These were topics that really hit home with me. finish. It was one of the most complete, HONORABLE MENTION I could feel everyone’s passion on the topics in read fonts. Great editorial pages with good well written features I read in this contest. editorials, letters to the editor, editorial The Hill News, question. That’s what I feel is sometimes lacking in I am glad I was able to read and enjoy this other papers, when reading editorials. Well done! cartoons, and editorial policy. Classified pages writer’s work and I encourage the writer to St. Lawrence University are well designed. Ads stand out. Love the keep sharing the work. This was great. Lots of the stories seem very spacey where an image SECOND PLACE whole package. There should be something or quote could have tightened it up. Story headers Statesman, SUNY Stony Brook in the paper for everyone to enjoy. SECOND PLACE are good as far as staying consistent, but some are The Ithacan, Ithaca College crammed into the space provided. Tess Stepakoff SECOND PLACE I am very sorry that this situation occurred. Fordham Observer, Fordham University Kate Nalepinski No one should ever feel minimized, especially I laughed all the way through as I enjoyed when it’s coming from someone who has had Colin Sheeley and Izzi Duprey this feature. It had just the right amount of PHOTOGRAPHY This is a good college paper. Lots of extensive experience in the competition world. humor and told a very good story. Writer They should be bringing positivity in your life, interesting articles, reviews, and features. took the message completely through the FIRST PLACE Good opinion pages with letter policy. This instead of negativity. Keep believing in yourself, feature. Keep up the good work. Cardinal Points, SUNY Plattsburgh I truly felt that in your piece. paper does a good job covering campus issues Ben Watson and state and national issues. THIRD PLACE THIRD PLACE Ithaca College Sharp clear photo that draws you into the emotion THIRD PLACE The Ithacan, of the crowd. The banner is part of the photo but the The Impact, Mercy College The Hill News, Maggie McAden eye is drawn to the faces of the protesters. Great spot Liv Meier, Nora Grace-Orosz Two alumni farmers living their dream and news photo. Very well thought out topics. They are very St. Lawrence University helping others at the same time. A timely Nice paper. Opinion pages include policy concerning and you laid out ways to come up with piece with the way agriculture is being SECOND PLACE solutions-very important when writing an editorial. and letter submission. Security blotter is kicked around right now in our country. The Ithacan, Ithaca College important to have in the paper. Good If I could change one thing on it, I would find a way Well written feature full of information Jordyn Congelli to localize it more. Keep it up, you are headed in the coverage of campus and national issues. and inspiration. Well done. Nice feature of athlete of the week.I would Great action shot catching the two players laser focus right direction. on the ball. Of all the sports shots this one stood out. tighten up the font. Lots of newsprint lost in HONORABLE MENTION — TIE the double spacing. Work on overall lay out. COLUMN THIRD PLACE Reporter Magazine, The Ithacan, Ithaca College Rochester Institute of Technology FIRST PLACE Caitie Ihrig Frankie Albin and Bryanne McDonough NEWS STORY The Ithacan, Ithaca College The only thing missing in this shot is the ball. Mahad Olad Great shot. HONORABLE MENTION — TIE FIRST PLACE A true story of courage and survival told by The Ithacan, Ithaca College The Ithacan, Ithaca College the writer. The column flows excellently. A Aidan Quigley very good job. BEST SPORTS COVERAGE Amazing story. Writer did their research and SECOND PLACE BEST WEB SITE got the interviews that matter. It presents a FIRST PLACE fair account and the courage of pursuing the The Impact, Mercy College The Ithacan, Ithaca College FIRST PLACE story is commendable. Valerie Lopez This was easily the best of the entries in terms of The Ithacan, Ithaca College Hard story to tell but this columnist did it thoroughness of reporting and in enterprise work. User friendly website. Easy to navigate and quickly SECOND PLACE very well. Writes with feeling and emotion The writers not only covered events but also trends find what you are looking for. Great pictures. The Impact, Mercy College and a good deal of courage thrown in. and angles that included members of the student body The staff can connect to readers via the website, Nicole Acosta and Matt Reich Well written piece about a story that who weren’t necessarily “student-athletes” who have social media, pod casts and more. This site provides Well done piece. It highlights a problem. needs to be told. achieved athletic feats. The design showed a easy access for the students to get their news digitally willingness to take some chances, which is not a or an e-edition of the print product. Great coverage The quote at the beginning draws the reader THIRD PLACE in and the numbers show the scope of the bad thing. Some ideas, of course, worked better of campus issues. Clean design makes this an easy problem in the community. The parent The Impact, Mercy College than others. Very nicely done, all around. choice for a first. mourning the death of her son puts a Nicole Acosta human face on the tragedy. Fine job of telling a story and revealing SECOND PLACE SECOND PLACE the transgender aspect as it developed. Statesman, SUNY Stony Brook Reporter Magazine, THIRD PLACE Written with understanding and Chris Parkinson Rochester Institute of Technology Statesman, SUNY Stony Brook compassion. A very good job and Nice action photo with good caption. Efe Ozturkoglu and Adam Brodack Mike Adams a very good read. Story comprehensive and well-written. This site has a ton of great information and a wide Well written piece with good storytelling selection of topics of interest. Lots of opportunity elements about the professor’s experience THIRD PLACE for social interaction with readers. My concern is being incarcerated in Cameroon. DESIGN Reporter Magazine, that the cartoon graphic element is overplayed. Sheds important light on the issues Rochester Institute of Technology Don’t lose it just use it more sparingly and find facing that country. FIRST PLACE Anika Talia Griffiths, Cayla Keiser pictures of real people. Reporter Magazine, HONORABLE MENTION and Frankie Albin Rochester Institute of Technology Nice writing here - personal, great narrative. The Pioneer, Long Island University The color and images used in each story Good photo accompaniment. BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA Angelique D’Alessandro gave each one its own identity.Some of the Takes on an important topic about spending subheads could be more standardized but FIRST PLACE priorities and the impact on budget decisions they all felt close enough to get away with. The Ithacan, Ithaca College in the classroom. SECOND PLACE I really liked the fact that there were five different social media platforms for me to view their usage. Compass News, There are lots of gallery style photos, and many Suffolk County Community College different subjects are covered. Good use of images, nothing feels out of place/unrelated. A change from the norm SECOND PLACE can reaffirm to readers that this is a special Reporter Magazine, edition and make them appreciate it more. Rochester Institute of Technology Miguel Moran 35 I like the use of a social media trend. It’s something recognizable to most people in their target audience. ongrats...ongrats... CCto all of our winners! N EW Y ORK P RESS A SSOCIATION 2 0 1 8 B ETTER N EWSPAPER C ONTEST