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The News-Gazette was the winner of four awards in the National Newspaper Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were presented at the NNA’s 137th annual Convention and Trade Show held Sept. 28-30 in Washington, D.C.
Hope Huger, a former reporter and staff writer for the newspaper, won a first place award for best feature series for stories she wrote about three Ukrainian families displaced by the war who found refuge last year in the homes of Rockbridge area families. Huger also received an honorable mention for best localized national story for one of these stories. “Great way to localize this international story,” wrote a judge.
Joann Ware, copy editor and staff writer, took third place for best profile feature story for “Movie Night for Montana.” This story was about a special screening at the State Theater in Lexington of a film about the life and work of local entertainer and artist Mark Cline that was a fundraiser for Montana Camden, a 5-year-old girl who has spina bifida. Montana was the star on the red carpet for the film premiere, which raised money for the purchase of a specialized wheelchair for Montana.
“Sweet,” wrote a judge of Ware’s entry. “I’m certain your readers enjoyed this heartwarming story. On top of starring in Movie Night, this little princess was no doubt equally thrilled to see herself in the newspaper. Great job!”
A third-place award went to Ed Smith, assistant editor and staff writer, for an editorial he wrote on the direct election of school board members. The editorial was written as a campaign was underway in Lexington to put a referendum question on this issue on the ballot. “The writer did a solid job of laying out the facts,” wrote a judge. “In doing so, however, the writer walks a tightrope between two factions, afraid to step too firmly in one direction or the other. A stronger editorial voice would have aided this entry.”
There were a total of 1,312 entries in the NNA contest with 602 awards presented to 92 newspapers from 33 states. The awards The News-Gazette received were for newspapers with a circulation of between 6,000 and 9,999.
