2015 S.C. Press Association News Contest Winners

WEEKLY DIVISION WINNERS

Reid Montgomery

CHRISTOPHER SARDELLI, THE LANCASTER NEWS

Chris Sardelli, 35, is a senior staff writer at The Lancaster News and Carolina Gateway. Chris grew up in Virginia and received his BA from the College of William and Mary and a master’s in journalism from Emerson College. He reported for two Boston newspapers, The Beacon Hill Times and The Back Bay Sun, before moving to South Carolina. He freelanced at The Herald, Fort Mill Times, The Gaston Gazette and the Enquirer-Herald before joining The Lancaster News and Carolina Gateway in 2008. He covers county government, education and whatever else he finds interesting. He and his wife, Katie, a Winthrop University administrator, live in Fort Mill.

Judges’ Comments: Sardelli demonstrated impressive energy in producing a varied scope of work. His reporting is remarkable. He digs deep into issues, using open records laws effectively.

FIRST PLACE – TRAVIS JENKINS THE NEWS & REPORTER

TANYA ACKERMAN, COASTAL OBSERVER

Tanya Ackerman earned a degree in photojournalism from Kent State University. She was a photographer for The Greenville News for six years and joined the Coastal Observer in 2006. She has received numerous awards for her work. She approaches her job with the same exuberance she approaches life and that is reflected in her work. She goes beyond the surface to get to the heart of a subject and is always looking for opportunities to tell stories in a new way. She was named SCPA Photojournalist of the Year for weekly papers in 2011 and 2013. Judges’ Comments: A very consistent portfolio. Good job of capturing emotion and expression. Great variety of work.

Photojournalist of the Year Jay

FIRST PLACE –JONATHAN VICKERY, THE PEOPLE-SENTINEL

Travis Jenkins is general manager and editor of The News & Reporter in Chester. He began his newspaper career in 2003 as sports editor and staff writer. In 2010, he was promoted to editor of the paper and later given the responsibilities of general manager in 2012. During his tenure at the paper, Jenkins has won more than 75 journalism awards with The News & Reporter winning General Excellence under his leadership. Judges’ Comments: Loved the breadth of coverage from fighting to open meetings from the S.C. High School League to obtaining police dashcam videos, Jenkins fought hard on the public’s behalf for openness. His reporting led to change and shed light on issues that the public needed to know. Well done.

SECOND PLACE –MICHAEL SMITH, STEVE ROBERTSON AND AUGUST DITTBENNER, CAROLINA FOREST CHRONICLE

Judges’ Comments: Michael Smith and team crusade for the public’s right to know. In their community, they use the FOIA effectively, challenging secretive record keeping practices by the police department and filing suit in criminal court to gain access to important information. Their aggressive journalism demonstrated tenacity.

Jonathan Vickery is the managing editor of The People-Sentinel in Barnwell. He worked for the newspaper while in high school and returned in 2010 after graduating from Anderson University. He is an Eagle Scout and loves giving back to the community. He is involved in leadership organizations including the formation of a new young professionals group in Barnwell, is on the board of The Circle Theatre, and is deeply involved with First Baptist Church. He has won SCPA, as well as Morris Journalism Excellence, awards for his reporting. Jonathan is a bulldog when it comes to the FOIA, going above and beyond to make sure the public is able to access meetings and information. He regularly covers three school districts and local government bodies, always making sure the politicians and administrators keep the public informed and included making him the public’s best friend. Judges’ Comments: Vickery was impressively aggressive in pursuing open meetings – individually emailing school board members and the chairwoman to educate them on the FOIA. His efforts were joined with news coverage, and he succeeded in getting the board to reverse its decision to close the meeting. Commendable diligence and follow-through.

SECOND PLACE – TRAVIS JENKINS, THE NEWS & REPORTER

Judges’ Comments: Jenkins’ energetic pursuit to open the High School League’s meetings to the public won an acknowledgement from the league’s lawyer that the meetings should be open. An impressive confrontation of secrecy on behalf of the public.

DAILY DIVISION WINNERS

Journalist of the Year

JENNIFER BERRY HAWES

THE POST AND COURIER

Jennifer Berry Hawes is a projects writer for The Post and Courier who worked on the Pulitzer Prize-winning team that produced “Till Death Do Us Part.” During her stints focusing on healthcare, religion, courts, features and education reporting, she has won numerous national awards. They include a George Polk Award, National Headliner Award and an ASNE Award for Local Accountability Reporting. She also is a past South Carolina Journalist of the Year and the Religion Newswriters Association’s Cornell Reporter of the Year. Today, she works on the newspaper’s Watchdog & Public Service Team. Judges’ Comments: Hawes writes with passion and a steely resolve over a wide array of issues. She writes about some of the most emotional and sensationalized events without sensationalizing the story. A profile package of work by an outstanding reporter and journalist. She represents the very best qualities of journalism.

Jay Bender Award for Assertive Journalism

FIRST PLACE – REBECCA LURYE THE ISLAND PACKET

Rebecca Lurye has been with The Island Packet since Sept. 2013. She is currently the education and quality of life reporter. In 2014, her work was recognized by the SCPA in three categories: public service, in-depth journalism and beat reporting. Rebecca is a graduate of the University of Maryland and, before joining The Packet, had internships with USA Today and the Washington D.C. bureau of the McClatchy company.

Judges’ Comments: Relentless, dogged work. Rebecca held officials accountable and offered solid reporting with great follow-through. After the superintendent’s resignation, she kept reporting the story to give the public even more information about the superintendent’s background and nepotism claims. Very clearly and aggressively done.

SECOND PLACE – STAFF, INDEPENDENT MAIL

Judges’ Comments: A strong, sustained effort by staffers to unearth facts in the Zachary Hammond shooting coverage. Coalition going to court over tape was impressive.

HONORABLE MENTION – ANNA DOUGLAS, THE HERALD

Judges’ Comments: Don’t stonewall Anna Douglas. Though covering Chester’s schools was virgin territory, she developed sources, utilized the FOIA and was tenacious in her reporting. Her stories brought about change in a troubled school system.

Photojournalist of the Year

GERRY MELENDEZ, THE STATE

Gerry Melendez sets the standard for photojournalism in South Carolina. As the state’s most honored news photographer, Gerry has been recognized for his work in news, sports, features, enterprise, human interest and video storytelling.

A visual artist with more than 20 years experience, Melendez has won top awards from the Inland Press Association, the National Press Photographers Association, the S.C. News Photographers Association, the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association, Southern Short Court Photojournalism and the S.C. Press Association. He received The State Media Co. “Hampton Award” in 2014 as the most outstanding non-reporter at The State newspaper.

A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, Melendez worked at the Santa Barbara Independent, the Santa Barbara News-Press and The Idaho Statesman before joining The State in 2004.

Judges’ Comments: Lots of variety in this portfolio; a little different from the rest of the field. Great use of light. Good eye for composition displayed on every shot. Great work!

Reid Montgomery FOI AWARD

FIRST PLACE – THE POST AND COURIER

Judges’ Comments: Clear winner! Relentless, vast, deep coverage. The Post and Courier uses the FOIA as a tool to tell stories, and then the newspaper’s journalists tell compelling stories of great public interest in every section of the newspaper. The Post and Courier has an almost daily commitment to identifying societal problems and exposing them. Its stories lead to real change. Kudos for several projects built entirely using information found through the FOIA. The standout example was examining 30,000 pages of SLED reports to produce the “Shots Fired” series.

HONORABLE MENTION – THE GREENVILLE NEWS

Judges’ Comments: The Greenville News aggressively reported on the discrepancies in the official description of events leading up to the fatal shooting of Zachary Hammond by a Seneca police officer, and was instrumental in forcing release of the dashcam video after the newspaper sued. The Greenville News clearly demonstrated aggressive journalism and use of the FOIA in this entry. It is certainly noteworthy that the newspaper filed suit and got a coalition of Upstate newspapers together to force the video’s release.

OPEN division

JUDSON CHAPMAN

AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

THE POST AND COURIER

Tony Bartelme and Andrew Knapp “2.7 Seconds: How 8 bullets pierced the nation”

Judges’ Comments: Writing style keeps the reader engaged and paints a vivid picture of what happens, providing the reader with a “you are there” perspective.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Capitol Gains”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Doug Pardue and Lauren Sausser, “Cradle of Shame”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme and Glenn Smith, “Pull Over”

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Capitol Gains”

Judges’ Comments: Not only are South Carolina politicians ignoring child mortality and group homes, they’re also enriching themselves from campaign cash. Politicos in S.C. must pick up each morning’s Post and Courier with severe anxiety. It’s really hard to pick one Post and Courier story over another. I’m going with this one because of the massive effort involved and because it lays bare the self-serving nature of the politicians who steadfastly turn their backs on infant mortality, the warehousing of children and other state problems.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Lauren Sausser, “Warehousing our children”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Doug Pardue and Lauren Sausser, “Cradle of Shame”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Sun News, Issac J. Bailey, “Beyond a reasonable doubt?”

SERIES OF SPORTS ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Kendall Salter and Gina Smith, “LOST TO TIME: Beaufort County’s forgotten black athletes”

Judges’ Comments: Kendall Salter and Gina Smith worked to give great unsung African-American athletes of the past a chance to tell their story. The series makes us realize that some of the best athletic performances may have been lost to history forever. This series helped bring some of those back to life for a new generation.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, Bret McCormick, “Winthrop coach hopes operation stills Parkinson’s symptoms”

THIRD PLACE: The State, David Cloninger, “10 years ago: Week that changed USC football”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Island Packet, Stephen Fastenau, David Lauderdale and Gina Smith, “RBC Heritage memories: Tales told in plaid”

TABLOID PAGE ONE DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Kristy Adair, “Greenville Journal, June 26; Upstate Business Journal, Oct. 9; Greenville Journal, Oct. 16

Judges’ Comments: Clean, well-designed covers are good use of small space. Solid headlines and photography. Good choices on fonts and colors

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Whitney Fincannon, “Greenville Journal, Jan. 23; Upstate Business Journal, Dec 19; Upstate Business Journal, Jan. 30”

THIRD PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Aug. 6; May 14; May 7”

CARTOON

FIRST PLACE: The State, Robert Ariail, “Cross to Bear; Heartbreak; Charleston Flooding”

Judges’ Comments: Ariail understands how the visual has to tell a story without explanation. His illustrations fit the message and each has news currency.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Roger Harvell, “Church shooting; Lindsey puzzled; Despicable US”

THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Mike Beckom, “Lucyball; Duck Drones; Gamey”

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner, “College Football Preview”

Judges’ Comments: This illustration’s composition of kinetic figures playing against the torn paper, a visual metaphor, perhaps, for a breakaway banner, cleverly balances powerful gestures and colors. The exaggerated proportions of the players in relation to each other also conveys a sense of being larger than life. The overall effect is dramatic, exciting, and perfectly suited to the subject matter of the publication.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett, “Dangermuffin”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “Fall arts preview”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “Book tree”

ILLUSTRATION

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett, “James Beard food”

Judges’ Comments: Fun and creative way to present a lot of numbers.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Justin Johnson, “Medical marijuana in South Carolina”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Drew Martin, “Who’s making our roads dangerous?”

HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Justin Johnson, “Concealed Carry in SC”

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHICS PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett, “Deadly Force; Infant death rate; School racial segregation”

Judges’ Comments: There’s no visual tool left unused in condensing the statistics discussed in the accompanying article into an easily read, visually interesting representation of the content. Color, type, shapes, and even line thickness work seamlessly and consistently together to guide the reader through a logical progression of information that gives the data a sense of weightiness and significance without confounding the reader or exaggerating the story. The design ultimately succeeds because it’s nearly invisible —making the numbers and scale of the information the first thing you read rather than concealing or obscuring it with decoration.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “Who’s the best Pharaoh?; How South Carolina stacks up; Cover 2”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Jeff Ruble, “Road tax found backers in city; Online, real worlds collide; Lights mostly dark at arena”

HONORABLE MENTION: The State, Elissa Macarin, “Rains could soon soak S.C.; 2016 is already here for early primary states; Gills Creek Watershed”

INNOVATIVE CONCEPT

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, J. Emory Parker, “Walter Scott Data Visualizations”

Judges’ Comments: Clear, smart and empathetic in all the ways that mark the best journalism. The use of sound analysis to show rather than tell is brilliant. This is reporting at its best.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, J. Emory Parker, “Live election results”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Staff, “News Hound foster dog program”

AFFILIATED OR NICHE WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Kurt Knapek, Laura James and Caroline Fossi, lowcountryparent.com

Judges’ Comments: This website was my top pick because it communicated to me a passion for the subject matter. It also was the easiest to navigate and featured a simple and elegant design. In several of the other niche websites I too easily found myself landing on another partner website that wasn’t even in the contest.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Jose Franco, 85-26.com

THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Staff, orangeandwhite.com

HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard/Spurs & Feathers, Brian Hand, Kyle Heck and Tim O’Briant, spursandfeathers.com

SPORTS MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Mundy Price, “Lakelands Outdoors”

Judges’ Comments: This magazine looks great, reads well and it is evident lots of thought and planning was put into this. The focus on women who enjoy outdoor sports was unique and a good strategy to broaden the typical outdoor magazine audience.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Staff, “GoGamecocks Magazine, Winter 2014”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Staff, “Chasing scholarships”

DIGITAL NEWS PROJECT

FIRST PLACE: The State, Sammy Fretwell, Matt Walsh, Gerry Melendez, Chris Hessert, “Graniteville derailment, 10 years later”

Judges’ Comments: Truly a multimedia gem using great writing, photography, audio and video. Wow.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Staff, “Parris Island: Making Marines for 100 years”

ALL DAILY division

FLOOD COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff Judges’ Comments: There were several good submissions for this category, but this is the only one that really enveloped me and put me so in the moment that I felt like it was raining in my office. The coverage is exhaustive and hits every conceivable angle, and hits every angle well. The maps, by themselves, would be award-worthy. From the photography to the writing to the design, this is the best flood coverage from 2015.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Staff

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Staff

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN

IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

FIRST PLACE: The Greenville News, Beth Padgett, “Release video of police shooting” Judges’ Comments: Best written of the slew of editorials about the lawsuit against SLED over video of the police shooting of Zach Hammond. Clear, concise and reasoned rather than impassioned.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Elsa McDowell, “No secrets in fighting crime”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting, “McCormick County board act as masters of people”

HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Tim O’Briant, “School board must work to get it right”

E.A. RAMSAUR AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The State, Cindi Ross Scoppe, “On education ethics, roads: Start with the fundamentals; Trust isn’t enough to justify selfpolicing; Retire Confederate flag to a museum” Judges’ Comments: The editorials are written with passion and authority and each point made is backed up by data or other evidence. Scoppe pulls no punches as she advocates on the retirement of the Confederate flag, takes issue with a popular sheriff who won’t let the state investigate shootings by his officers and scolds the state legislature for dragging its feet on dealing with education, ethics and transportation issues. The editorials take on important issues in the state and presents those issues forcefully.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, James Werrell, “Friendship Nine honored once again; Politicians must be held accountable; Shooting in car was child endangerment”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Elsa McDowell, “1.4 million reasons not to drill; End abuse in group homes; No excuses: Fix rural schools”

FOOD WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Erin Heffernan, “Vanishing nets: Area shrimpers sail on despite rising costs, threats from imported seafood” Judges’ Comments: Lots of in-depth reporting in this story answers important questions about the issue. The reporter obviously understood the issue. An important story for those who want to eat local and the people who harvest it.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, David Lauderdale, “Jody, once the sassy face of Hilton Head Island, takes her order to go”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Hanna Raskin, “Southern discomfort: Hospitals grapple with fried chicken”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff, “Interactive map: Suspicious fires in Spartanburg”

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Abigail Darlington, “Top music industry engineer ends up in Charleston”

Judges’ Comments: Risk and reward, suspense and surprise: It’s all here, in a story that unfolds, rather than reads as a chronicle of facts. The writer allows the story to tell itself, in the words and memories of the subject, in the emotion and character of the tale, and in the descriptions of subject, place and reason for interest. Good topic and relevant community connections, both well reported and well told.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Donna Isbell Walker, “Upstate filmmakers are creating a scene”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Erin Shaw, “The Whig: Ten years of making Columbia ‘more interesting’”

REVIEW PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Greenville News, Paul Hyde, “The 39 Steps’ a giddy romp at Little Theatre; Vick conducts thrilling ‘Carmina Burana;’ Highstepping ‘Kinky Boots’ dazzles Greenville” Judges’ Comments: Snappy, informed writing with just enough wit.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Bo Petersen, “Ron Rash Succeeds with who-done-it novel; Narrow Road powerful raw story; Soon explores flawed family relations in Southeast”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Hanna Raskin, “Magnolias: Service staff shines; Short Grain Food Truck: Diners take on a beautiful delicious journey; Stereo 8: Rhythm is missing”

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: The State, Staff Judges’ Comments: It can be argued that everything in South Carolina touches politics and The State’s broad coverage of political races and issues gives readers a context for electoral and policy choices facing the state.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Staff

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The State, Cassie Cope Judges’ Comments: Great story on politics and road building/the infrastructure bank. And a great story on maintenance backlog. And the best story I’ve seen on Haley’s (imbecilic) proposal to cut income tax and raise the gas tax.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Tim Smith

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Zach Murdock

HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Gavin Jackson

FIRST PLACE FEATURE PHOTO, WEEKLY UNDER 4,500: Tanya Ackerman, Coastal Observer

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Greenville News, Liv Osby Judges’ Comments: These thorough, gripping stories informed readers on a wide range of medical conditions and recovery. Good work.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, Don Worthington

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Jim Hilley

HONORABLE MENTION: The State, Joey Holleman

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes

Judges’ Comments: While Hawes’ research in each piece was impeccable and left me feeling fully informed, it was the personal stories in “Kids with toughest hurdles” that made the piece so compulsively readable. Following the students’ personal struggles made them more than statistics. That story, in particular, was also effective because of its use of graphics and the pulled quotes. The follow up to this story shows a devotion to the issue. And the lede into “Meeting Street School” kept me reading. Great job on each part of the entry.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Andrew Shain

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Nathaniel Cary

HONORABLE MENTION: The Island Packet, Rebecca Lurye

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, David Lauderdale Judges’ Comments: Powerful and poignant story about slain pastor Clementa Pickney in Charleston shooting. Just overall a very strong package of compelling, well-written pieces.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Charmaine Smith-Miles

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Don Worthington

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Caraviello

Judges’ Comments: His mixture of feature and game stories are what they should be, and his game stories don’t necessarily read like game stories. He does a very good job of writing secondday ledes that add substance.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Josh Kendall

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Ryan Young

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Beth Harrison, “Future of recycling or bunch of garbage?; Street panhandlers may have to hit road; Dying for a fix” Judges’ Comments: These headlines grab readers with a playful use of words while clearly and concisely conveying the meaning of the articles. Bravo!

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Lindsay Trapp, “Red, white and beach; Wet and chili; A banana split”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Fiscal finale yields quick-fix funds; Thinking outside the MOX: A closer look at disposal alternatives; In the presence of the King: Local reverend remembers Martin Luther King Jr.” HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Tony Brown, “Comfort in the valley of the shadow of death; Local turtle patrollers meet few bad eggs; Islanders’ golf carts reflect love of life in the slow lane”

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Beth Harrison, “Are there too many cooks in Charleston’s kitchen?; Chicago will make a killing off the Dead; My what big teeth we have” Judges’ Comments: Good word choices, the headlines play off the art well.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Teresa Taylor, “Southern Discomfort; The Daily Grind; Class by the glass”

THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Don Kausler Jr., “Exhibit ‘Ah’; Lost & found; Pipe dreams” HONORABLE MENTION: The Island Packet, Todd Money, “Sweet charity; Blooming laughter; Reptile reflex”

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner, “Allen wrenches Rays; The Golf Coast; O what a night” Judges’ Comments: The perfect balance of cleverness, but not to punny. Headlines really pulled the reader in. A standout submission in a very competitive category.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Hale, “Stingrays look to close the book on Reading; The Man of Steal; Veni Vidi Vinci: Serena stunningly conquered”

THIRD PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Jennifer Spears, “Back in the sting of things; Blistering Dixie; Tigers blow through Canes”

NEWS SECTION OR

SPECIAL EDITION

FIRST PLACE: The State, Staff, “The Confederate flag is removed from S.C. State House grounds” Judges’ Comments: Multiple angles on a complex story told with care. Strong visuals.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “In remembrance of Emanuel AME shooting victims”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge 10-Year Anniversary”

SPORTS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

FIRST PLACE: The State, Staff, “End of an Era: HBC Keepsake Edition”

Judges’ Comments: For a sudden and unexpected retirement like Spurrier, the turnaround and depth of coverage here was fantastic. A remarkable achievement.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff, “2015 Prep Football Preview”

THIRD PLACE: The Times and Democrat, “50 Years Of The Grand American”

LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Food, Feb. 11”

Judges’ Comments: Inviting design. The standing features like Liquid Assets pulled me in with both topic and visuals. The plate breakdown graphic was nicely done and made me hungry. The cover story, of course, was the draw. Intriguing concept, well done. It did make me sad that all the men said they’d go for another date, but the women were, like, pass...

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Food, August 19”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Staff, “In Step”

ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Jake Grove, “Your Hometown Fun, ‘Rolling Out Goodness,’ Feb. 5-11” Judges’ Comments: Well-designed, well written, organized, strong use of photos and outstanding composition highlight this special section. The graphic index is exceptional; using artwork and writing, it goes beyond a standard list of what’s inside to become a relevant “story” of its own with teases and photos that give readers not only a sense of the contents, but of the community depicted –and further offerings online. Conversations, an easily accessible calendar, reviews and more all say, go, do, have fun right here at home. Excellent work.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Jake Grove, “Your Hometown Fun, ‘Smoky Trend,’ June 18-24”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Staff, “Go Columbia, ‘Here’s to Oktoberfest,’ Sept. 17”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Charleston Scene, ‘In Harmony,’ August 13”

FEATURE MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Caroline Fossi, Rachel Cook and Laurie Hellmann, “Lowcountry Parent”

Judges’ Comments: Content is king in Lowcountry Parent – relevant, useful and compelling. Despite newsprint pages, the design is clean and photography excellent. Great use of typography, too!

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Staff, “Spartanburg Magazine, Summer 2015”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “My Charleston”

INDIVIDUAL USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike Ellis Judges’ Comments: Unrivaled entry in highly competitive class. Mike was the only journalist to submit an entry showcasing multiple social platforms, and he uses all of them well to share news, engage, develop sources and build a personal brand. His on-the-scene tweets and live video are what we should strive for in breaking news real time. The bonus of high-quality photos plays wells on multiple platforms. Good mix of hard news and lighthearted, humorous content. He’s clearly dedicated to finding new ways to share stories and information with his audience. Well done!

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Andrew Knapp

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Melissa Boughton

ALL WEEKLY division

FLOOD COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Free Times, Staff Judges’ Comments: This package is the perfect example of how weekly newspapers should operate. In times of disaster, most coverage is on the immediate danger. This gives your readers a great service in informing them of the impact.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Staff

THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Staff

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI/OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

FIRST PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Staff, “Doing wrong by doing nothing” Judges’ Comments: The Advertiser shows no fear in taking on the government when it feels public records are being wrongfully withheld. It even scolded a judge when it felt the jurist had failed to take any action on the newspaper attempts to have documents properly released. “Shame on you, sir,” the editorial said about the inaction of the judge.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Andrews council must do public’s work in plain sight”

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Police report redaction a black mark to openness in Horry County”

EDITORIAL WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Staff, “Doing wrong by doing nothing; Sensible appropriate and essential bills; Of molehills and locked doors”

Judges’ Comments: The editorial staff doggedly pursued justice for all parties, and they won by seeing a bill that would address potential future injustices. Great job using the power of the pen to make a difference in your state.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “A road plan with traction; Lesson learned at lemonade stand; Restore confidence in evacuations”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Town needs Haley’s attention; Let’s be defined by the future not the past; Town council’s action doesn’t inspire trust”

FOOD WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore, “Mayo’s Moment” Judges’ Comments: A humorous, in-depth look at the classic condiment, with useful insights on mayo controversies, a surprising taste test, and instructions to make your own.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Stephanie Burt, “Making Cents: A by-the-numbers look at the price of dining in Charleston”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, April Morris, “Greenville feeds itself: Growing the local food movement”

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Free Times, Dan Cook, “Arts in Black and White” Judges’ Comments: Great issue - bold and unapologetic. Great enterprise journalism.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Jordan Lawrence, “Nostalgia Industry”

THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Jordan Lawrence, “Never Too Late: At 82, Midlands Blues Legend Drink Small Is Ready for Redemption”

REVIEW PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Vincent Harris, “Repurcussions; The king is gone – long live the king; The road most traveled” Judges’ Comments: Well written. The author draws the reader in through the use of descriptive language, especially in the Repurcussions piece, allowing them to almost hear the music being described. Also enjoy the presentation of unusual facts, especially in the B.B. King piece.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Tom Mack, “Exhibition Explores Emancipated Slave Town; Columbia Museum Mounts Major Curran Retrospective; Four Photographers Survey Columbia”

THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Jordan Lawrence, “Live Review: tUnE-yArDs; Live Review: Dawes, John Moreland; Live Review: Paul McCartney”

HONORABLE MENTION: The News-Era, Joseph Garris, Jr., “Director injects much-needed originality to genre; Kingsman pays homage to classic spy films; Finally a worthy sequel to classic original”

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Staff Judges’ Comments: This is deep, thoughtful, wideranging entry covering everything from the installation of state House Speaker to endless visits by presidential primary candidates to the decision and actions to remove the Confederate flag at the capitol. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street

THIRD PLACE: Daniel Island News, Elizabeth Bush HONORABLE MENTION: The Moultrie News, Sully Witte

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Benjamin Jeffers Judges’ Comments: Strong coverage of important state house issues.

SECOND PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Monica Kreber

THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch News, Hal Millard

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens Judges’ Comments: I really enjoyed each article in this entry. Very strong writing and nice flow. Excellent!

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons

THIRD PLACE: The People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery

HONORABLE MENTION: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson Judges’ Comments: This is really good education reporting – it is relentlessly focused on children and their experience in school. From a high-tech Montessori charter school (hold the bell), to an apprenticeship program at the water treatment plant to using quilting to teach math and computer skills, consistently deep reporting and bright writing make this entry a winner.

SECOND PLACE: Bluffton Today, Scott Thompson

THIRD PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Scott Powell

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley Judges’ Comments: Writer has a feel for the subject and presents the topic in a way that draws the reader in, regardless of personal beliefs.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffith THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Gregory A. Summers

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore Judges’ Comments: Wide variety of subjects in the pieces chosen which offers a unique look at local sports.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins

THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Joe Wedra HONORABLE MENTION: The Star, T.J. Lundeen

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Jerry Salley, “Appetite for construction: 2014 saw $100 million in new building permits in Greenville – how will downtown change in 2015?; Crate expectations: After two years has Greer’s Inland Port lived up to its initial projections? ; Poultry in motion: More chickens are crossing the road into local backyards” Judges’ Comments: These heds are excellent –clever and engaging. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “A Hot Mess; Chester Likes Ike; Pick-up Lines”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Monica Kreber, “Low Country Singing Tree takes its last bough; DD2 might steer away from drivers education; ‘‘Money couldn’t touch it,’ Come April 30 a local hairdresser will lather, rinse, retire after 45 years”

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “For human cannonball, work is a blast; Coming out flat; Church recycling glass in biblical proportions” Judges’ Comments: Clever wordplay on “blast” and “biblical” heds. Nicely done.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Figuring out life’s equation; You Say You Want a Food Revolution; The Colbert Support”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffith, “Getting their act together: Actors live learn locally while finding success on bigger ‘stage’; Happy feet: Women’s trek sure to make you smile; In his shoes: Cobbler carries on age-old trade in Pawleys shop”

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Conway fumbles A.D. job search; Aynor’s Elms digs Dolphin volleyball; Kids offered chance to gobble up turkey hunting tidbits” Judges’ Comments: Witty headlines tied in well with the overall article. Superb!

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “USC Union Bantams sent to roost; Will write for food; Whitmire girl helps birth Lady Gamecocks”

THIRD PLACE: The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County, James Denton, “Lightning and a Battle; Eagles Blankety-Blank Newberry; Werts and All, F.C. Downs Dogs”

NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Staff, “World War II, Those who served remember” Judges’ Comments: An incredible amount of effort went into this special section. The many, many well written stories of veterans were spectacular. Hats off to you for doing such a splendid job with this special section!

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Staff, “Mother Emanuel”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Staff, “Upstate Business Journal, Dec. 19”

SPORTS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

FIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Staff, “Game of Inches”

Judges’ Comments: Lots of meat on these bones. Good use of photos. Nice cover.

SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, staff, “Family Circle Cup brings international flair to Daniel Island”

THIRD PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Staff, “Kickoff 2015”

LIFESTYLE/FEATURE SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Staff, “Beaches” Judges’ Comments: Great concept. Speaks to both locals and vacationers, plus it has a nice shelf life in that it’s good for the entire vacation season. Also allows for lots of ad flow.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Staff, “Indian Land Fall Festival”

THIRD PLACE: The Moultrie News, Staff, “People to Watch”

HONORABLE MENTION: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffith, Clayton Stairs, Mark A. Stevens and Zena Altman, “Lifestyles, Oct. 9”

FEATURE MAGAZINE

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Staff, “TOWN Magazine, September 2015” Judges’ Comments: Nice quick hits. Lots of local faces, especially in the “On The Town” section. Variety of subjects covered. Major-league presentation. Excellent magazine.

SECOND PLACE: The Press & Standard, Ashley Rohde, “Collette, Fall 2015”

THIRD PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Kinsey Gidick, “Dish: The Gullah Geechee Issue”

PUBLIC SERVICE

FIRST PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Staff, “Community Matters”

Judges’ Comments: Nice job tackling topics that are relevant to most communities.

SECOND PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, John Marks, “Lake Wylie Children’s Charity”

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, Brian Garner, Nancy Parsons, “Scam alerts”

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Jan. 15; Dec. 11; Oct. 15” Judges’ Comments: Excellent use of dominant art and a variety of designs. Good mix of college and prep, and even a pro. Nice pages.

SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jan Marvin, “Where in the world is Shelby Rogers?, Jan. 15-21; A powerful ending, April 16-22; Family Circle Cup, April 2-8”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Sandy Schopfer, “April 29; June 26; Nov. 21

FEATURE VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jan Marvin, “Live a better life health and fitness expo 2015” Judges’ Comments: The music and sound effects during transitions match the feel of the event.

SECOND PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison, “Carowinds unleashes the Fury 325”

THIRD PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, Catherine Muccigrosso, “Stinky Corpse Flower blooms in Belmont, NC”

NEWSPAPER’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

FIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Michael Harrison Judges’ Comments: Standout entry. Entrant said “Readers are responding” and it sure looks like they are! Terrific engagement, in the form of likes, shares and comments. Also, it looks like followers are increasing at fast rates. Great job live tweeting news, events and sports. Good mix of content. Something of interest for everyone in your town! Keep up the good work!

SECOND PLACE: The Moultrie News, Staff

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Staff

INDIVIDUAL USE OF

SOCIAL MEDIA

FIRST PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore Judges’ Comments: Good mix of news and culture/ food/arts tweets, with lots of community engagement. Highlight is coverage of presidential election and local city beat. Quirky, informative and fun to read.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Chris Trainor

THIRD PLACE: The Moultrie News, Frankie Mansfield

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL division

NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION

FIRST PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie and Allison Trussell Judges’ Comments: Excellent writing and diverse content elevated The Advocate to first place in a very competitive category.

SECOND PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, Chuck Crumbo, Chris Cox and Emily Matesi

THIRD PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Staff

MAGAZINE OR SPECIALTY

PUBLICATION

FIRST PLACE: The Baptist Courier, Staff, “August 2015” Judges’ Comments: Strong coverage of church massacre both in words and in photographs pushed this magazine to the front in a very competitive competition.

SECOND PLACE: Lake Wylie Today, Jenny Peterson and Andrew Sprague, “Fall 2015”

THIRD PLACE: SCBIZ, Staff, “Summer 2015”

HONORABLE MENTION: Municipal Association of South Carolina, Staff, “Shared Voices, Shared Knowledge, Shared Solutions: A History of the Municipal Association of SC”

NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, Phillip Bantz, “Playing favorites” Judges’ Comments: Well-written article that is succinct yet includes plenty of relevant data on an incredibly important issue.

SECOND PLACE: S.C. Lawyers Weekly, Phillip Bantz, “A law school on the brink”

THIRD PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Liz Segrist and Ashley Heffernan, “Redefining Moment”

HONORABLE MENTION: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Liz Segrist, “Investors plan to jump-start Magnolia project”

FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Municipal Association of South Carolina, Reba Campbell, “Life’s a Bike”

Judges’ Comments: I went along for the rides from the first sentence to the last. Writing that made me want not only to ride my bike a lot more, but to actually sense, feel what it was like to do what she did.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Liz Segrist, “A mayor’s perspective: 40 years of changing Charleston”

THIRD PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Ashley Heffernan, “They Come in Peace”

SPORTS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, Chris Cox, “Hitting Paydirt” Judges’ Comments: Well-written and a strong summary of the impact of a coach and college program on a community

SECOND PLACE: Ron Aiken, “No More B-Teams?

SCHSL Decision Changes High School Football”

THIRD PLACE: Ron Aiken, “USC: Gamecocks, Wildcats Prepare to Battle”

EDITORIAL/OP-ED COLUMN

FIRST PLACE: The Catholic Miscellany, Alison Blanchet, “The grass is always greener at the Joneses” Judges’ Comments: An engaging story makes a point and the reader doesn’t see it coming. All the better to make the point mean something.

SECOND PLACE: The Baptist Courier, Rudy Gray, “Domestic Abuse Is Sin”

THIRD PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, James T. Hammond, “Haley, most lawmakers rose above partisanship”

BUSINESS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Ashley Heffernan, “Everyone Eats”

Judges’ Comments: Soul food for business news readers! Engaging storytelling around a unique business proposition–feeding customers because it’s the right thing to do, and letting them decide what to pay. The story delivers important and generous insight into the cultural ties between a business and its community.

SECOND PLACE: GSA Business, Bill Poovey, “No noise about tax increase”

THIRD PLACE: GSA Business, Matthew Clark, “Flag vote: Lawmakers express dissent”

HONORABLE MENTION: Columbia Regional Business Report, Chris Cox, “Midlands on Tap”

FAITH REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Catholic Miscellany, Amy Wise Taylor, “Faith & fungi”

Judges’ Comments: This story easily stood out from the rest. It’s what faith writing should be about: telling the story of a group of faithful people serving man and God with brevity and humanity, and even humor.

SECOND PLACE: The Baptist Courier, Butch Blume, “From childhood to retirement, Connie Maxwell has always been home”

THIRD PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie, “Jesus Christ 101”

PHOTOGRAPH

FIRST PLACE: SCBIZ, Kim McManus, “Rodney Scott of Scott’s BBQ”

Judges’ Comments: The composition is great here and I love that it’s shot straight on. I do wish his hand were more in focus, but overall great capture of a simple subject in an unusual and interesting way.

SECOND PLACE: Columbia Regional Business Report, Chuck Crumbo, “A student at Midlands Technical College practices welding in preparation for a career in a field where there’s a shortage of workers.”

THIRD PLACE: The Catholic Miscellany, Deirdre C. Mays, “Faith & Fungi”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Catholic Miscellany, Mic Smith, “Church shooting”

GRAPHIC DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: SCBIZ, Emily Matesi, “S.C. Road Problems in Numbers”

Judges’ Comments: Standout in competitive category. Edgy, clean design. Good use of colors, fonts and background art. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: The Baptist Courier, Butch Blume, “By the Numbers: The Graying of America”

THIRD PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Andrew Sprague, “The Road to Ridgeville”

HONORABLE MENTION: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Ryan Wilcox, “Vaping Regulation Unclear”

WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE: Municipal Association of South Carolina, Meredith Houck, Mary Brantner, Reba Campbell, masc.sc

Judges’ Comments: Attractive, organized site containing a bevy of information and resources for members and the public. The association’s site has much relevant information displayed in a approachable format. Widgets feature latest news and events with social media. Search functions are well-incorporated and contest is easy to find. Site looks great on desktop and mobile. Well done!

SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie and Allison Trussell, AdvocateSC.org

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER/ PUBLICATION

FIRST PLACE: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Staff

Judges’ Comments: Informative daily email digest with news briefs and features. Compelling content encourages click-throughs, which likely grows your print and digital audience. Mobile optimized template allows readers to stay in the know regardless of device used. Great product. Only suggestion would be to add higher priority to visuals.

SECOND PLACE: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, Jessica Brodie and Matt Brodie

EVENT MARKETING

FIRST PLACE ONLY: Charleston Regional Business Journal, Jane Mattingly, “Health Care Heroes” Judges’ Comments: Staff worked hard to create a cohesive experience for our readers and event guests... and it paid off ! Every detail was well-designed, well-written and thoroughly incorporated into the theme. Great job!

PUBLIC RELATIONS PROGRAM

FIRST PLACE ONLY: S.C. Farm Bureau Federation, Bill Johns, “Member Benefits Campaign” Judges’ Comments: Good use of limited resources to create a successful campaign. Marketing materials – especially copy and design – were well done.

UNDER 16,000 daily division

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Arborist on Aiken oak: ‘A hazard and a liability’” Judges’ Comments: Clean writing, appropriately dealt with the subject matter, well-sourced stories.

SECOND PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Martha Rose Brown, Gene Zaleski, Dionne Gleaton, Princess Williams, “Man, woman, two children slain in Holly Hill”

THIRD PLACE: The Times and Democrat, The Times and Democrat Staff, “S.C. State University: Crisis comes to a head”

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Sumter Item, Rick Carpenter, “Patience required” Judges’ Comments: Thinking outside the box. Reporter talked to transportation officials in other states to find out how they dealt with flooded roadways. Valuable information and good enterprising.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Thinking Outside the MOX: A closer look at disposal alternatives”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Are malls dying? Outdoor retail centers now favored”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Aiken, Edgefield hit by three tornadoes” Judges’ Comments: Strong coverage of severe weather and its aftermath, including opening a window into the work of law enforcement and EMS to prepare and respond to citizens’ needs. Strong writing. On the ground reporting. The storytelling is engaging and informative, showing readers–even those caught in the severe weather–something about their community they would not have otherwise seen. It’s what community papers should be doing, done well.

SECOND PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Carlos Galarza-Veve, “Zachary Hammond”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Tim O’Briant, “Former Gov. Hodges closed S.C. to nation’s waste, hopes it stays that way”

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Staff, “Vietnam: They Served With Honor” Judges’ Comments: Good to get these memories, no matter how foggy, on the record while they can still be collected. Not pure-play history, but a microphone turned over to the person who lived the Vietnam War. Overwhelming in this format, but probably held readers interests when spread out over three or so months.

SECOND PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Greg Oliver and Steven Bradley, “Growth in Clemson: boom or bust?”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Savannah River Site celebrates 65th anniversary”

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Savannah River Site” Judges’ Comments: Good clear writing on difficult subject.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Konstantin Vengerowsky, “Chicken murders”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Derrek Asberry, “Body cams, domestic violence”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Sumter Item, Matt Bruce, “Family feud”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Sumter Item, Rick Carpenter Judges’ Comments: Carpenter does local news reporting a service with his intense look into everyday life. Whether its employees banding together or how to paint a water tower, his stories are entertaining and informative.

SECOND PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Gene Zaleski

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Colin Riddle

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Gene Crider, “The tragic death of ‘Eddie Moe’” Judges’ Comments: Well told story about the loss of a local icon in a seemingly random traffic accident.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Maayan Schechter, “A village for Skylar: Local man who went through trials to adopt his daughter tells his story”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Woman seeks her missing dog”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Dionne Gleaton, “No limit” Judges’ Comments: A well-written article that genuinely makes a reader feel good. A subject who displays toughness and a writer who handled things deftly. This barely beat out the second-place article, written by the same talented writer.

SECOND PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Dionne Gleaton, “Beary big heart”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Maayan Schechter, “Gloves up, guns down: Local couple helping youth through boxing”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING

OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Beaufort Gazette, Stephen Fastenau, “Historic Pruitt’s Grocery in Beaufort to close” Judges’ Comments: Really nice storytelling. Loved the little details and the characters. Hits just the right note.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Ariel Gilreath, “Anderson nurtures flowers, children”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Mary Kate McGowan, “From the heart”

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Sumter Item, Jim Hilley, “Mayesville store heist foiled by poor planning” Judges’ Comments: I couldn’t stop laughing as I read this. You turned what could have been an average cop story into something that readers probably rushed to share on Facebook.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Ariel Gilreath, “Circle of life”

THIRD PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Gene Zaleski, “Mechanics didn’t know birds, but knew to help”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Times and Democrat, Gene Crider, “Saving people from collapsing bridge, firefighter plunges into water”

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Tim O’Briant, “S.C.’s Confederate Flag flies high, keeps us low; Brian Williams may have crashed and burned after all; A small step for Hotel Aiken, a leap for John Klimm” Judges’ Comments: Three well-written columns, some local, some national, but all relevant to news at the moment. Column on Confederate flag made reasoned arguments without being overly passionate, while still capturing the emotions of the moment.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Graham Osteen, “Time to end Confederate flag discussion; Friday was a monumental day in America; Stop offshore drilling in the Atlantic”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “Pendulum can swing for Calhoun Falls; While I Breathe, I Hope; The Quiet Drive into God’s Country”

HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting, “He is one of many, but a special one; Why you shouldn’t turn away from images of Roanoke killings; Huckabee applies beliefs with broad brush”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Richard Whiting, “Seriously? Are you nuts?; As Van Halen said, go ahead and jump; I know it’s Sunday, but give me a drink ‘cause there’s a horse in my bathtub”

Judges’ Comments: Like Goldilocks’ perfect bed, these columns are ‘just right’ – Just the right amount of selfdeprecation to make me smile. Easy to read and relate to. I look forward to the next column.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Chris Trainor, “Woodstock at the cellphone store; I’ve Fallen (and fallen), but I keep getting up; Weapon of choice: A Pottery Barn catalog”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dan Brown, “Just like Willie Nelson’s laptop; A monster haircut; A big man drives a little car”

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Andrew Macke, “The Comeback”

Judges’ Comments: The writer had a great story and knew it ... and gave it the great treatment it deserved. Wonderful use of drama and tension to turn a game story into a human drama.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Andrew Macke, “Johnson, Dixie hold off McCormick

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Kyle Dawson, “Sweet Sauce: Mustangs capture state crown”

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Eric Sprott, “Day by day: Tigers’ Schmidt continues cancer battle” Judges’ Comments: A well-written, excellent read. Full of details.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Andrew Macke, “All Lakelands: Swearinger thrives despite her obstacles”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Ethan Joyce, “Helping hands”

HONORABLE MENTION: Index-Journal, Ethan Joyce, “In honor”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Robbie Tinsley, “And now we come to the airing of grievances...; When is it OK to fire a Hall of Fame coach?; Bobcats have yet another win to build upon” Judges’ Comments: Excellent storytelling, draws the reader in.

SECOND PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Eric Sprott, “Not goodbye, see you over in the News pages; Saying goodbye far too soon; Tigers’ Stoudt enjoys perfect closing note”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Andrew Macke, “Deciphering the Region 2-AA playoff picture,

Joyce style; Hopefully football brings back some normalcy; It’s all in a name, or a nickname”

HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard/Spurs & Feathers, Brian Hand, “Spurs & Feathers in Connecticut: An adventure we’ll never forget; South Carolina showing how special it is in face of devastation, tragedy; As a lifelong Gamecock I will forever be thankful to Steve Spurrier”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Aron Agerton, “June 23; July 11; Aug. 12”

Judges’ Comments: The kick out of the frame is a great combination of image and type, as is the story package over the flag image. Very impressive skill shown.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Amy Hunter, “June 7; June 23; June 27”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Tim O’Briant, “April 28; April 29; July 10”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Amy Hunter, “June 1” Judges’ Comments: Using supporting photos to frame the lady and her crop is great, as is using the “dead space” in the main photo to place the Headline. This page is very well done. The main story is not the only one that has good design, the treatment of the header as well as the bottom story are well thought out as well.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Aron Agerton, “June 23”

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Melanie Smith, “June 23”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Zack Mauldin, “April 28, May 26, Aug. 1”

Judges’ Comments: The effect created by using only colors found in the images draws the whole page together very nicely. Also the use of white space and contrast to move the eye around the page is splendid well done.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Kyle Semones, “April 9; May 7; May 14

THIRD PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker, “March 22: Birders’ Paradise; Aug. 9: Back to Basics; Nov. 15: Beary Big Heart”

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker, “July 5, Catch the Vision” Judges’ Comments: The combination of the faint rugged back ground and the photo treatment pulled the page together in such a way that there was no doubt the story would be interesting.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Aron Agerton, “Stitch by Stitch: Aug. 9”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Amy Hunter, “Chiropractic care for children”

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Aron Agerton, “March 5; Sept. 2; Oct. 14” Judges’ Comments: The use of the photos to emphasize but not overtake the story is great. The ability to make all the stories on the page look good not just the main story is well done.

SECOND PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Robbie Tinsley, “Feb. 17; March 7; Oct. 24”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Eric Russell, “March 29; April 10; June 28”

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds, “Sept. 26” Judges’ Comments: Oversized cutout jumps off the page and hammer headline grabs your attention. Design makes you want to read the page.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds, “Sept. 25”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Aron Agerton, “Oct. 10” HONORABLE MENTION: Aiken Standard, Eric Russell, “March 29”

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Sumter Item, Jade Reynolds, “Witness wildlife migration events, Aug. 27” Judges’ Comments: Great use of dominant and supportive photos adds energy and harmony to the page. Elements are clearly defined but work together. Well done!

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Bob Simmonds, “Aug. 21”

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Melanie Smith, “Tuning his racing skills to the MAX, Aug. 8”

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Kristin Coker, “June 28, Emanuel Nine” Judges’ Comments: Sometimes, less is more, and that’s the case in this photo page. A strong dominant photo with nine smaller portraits is all that is needed to evoke a response from the reader. Text on the page complements the photography and does not distract. Also, good use of white space.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Melanie Smith, “Home on the range”

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Jessica Stephens, “This weekend, it’s all about the Iris Festival”

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Larry Hardy, “Flea Market Fire”

Judges’ Comments: The very definition of a “fully involved” structure fire. Good framing.

SECOND PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Jessica Nelms, “Becky Burrell is embraced by her husband Russell after arriving at the scene and discovering her father, Franklin Hester was killed after being struck by a box truck.”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Teddy Kulmala, “Jaime Rabon and Louis Taylor who are neighbors in a Eutaw Street apartment that caught fire Wednesday Place: embrace as crews worked to finish extinguishing the blaze.”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Sumter Item, Rick Carpenter, “Ten-year-old Trace Adams asks President Obama how old he was when he decided he wanted to be president.”

Judges’ Comments: Great moment as the youngster questions the President. You focused on the child, which makes the picture.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Keith Gedamke, “Pastor Betty Deas Clark, Mount Pisgah AME Church, wipes a tear away as Reverend Marion Newton holds his head during the community prayer service at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday.”

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Rick Carpenter, “Jennifer Clark wipes a tear as she explains to Gov. Nikki Haley how she and husband Curtis Clark lost everything at their residence on Browning Ridge Road in Sumter.

FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Homecoming surprise”

Judges’ Comments: Now that’s a priceless moment. Her reaction is great, and is the “I’m not sure what I should do” look on the face of her escort. Great work on this one.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Rick Carpenter, “Cinda Kammermann, a minister at the Sumter First Church of the Nazarene and a breast and lung cancer survivor, gets a hug from Spiderman during the Sumter Relay For Life.”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Tuba, Tuba, Tuba”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Beaufort Gazette, Theophil Syslo, “Beaufort High’s Jay Hawley gets pinned by West Oak’s Daniel Ibanez in the 145-pound match.” Judges’ Comments: The clear view of the wrestler’s face adds volumes to this well-composed image.

SECOND PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Donny Knight, “Armonte Prioleau of Timberland stretches out for a touchdown run at Lake Marion High School.”

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Keith Gedamke, “Wilson Hall second baseman Robert James and shortstop McLendon Sears try to field an overthrow as Hammond’s Thomas Middleton dives back to second during the Barons’ 5-4 victory over Hammond in the SCISA 3A state semifinals at Baron Field.”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Layla Williams, 2, cheers for the Fox Creek Homecoming Queens during half-time against Williston Elko.”

Judges’ Comments: Glad you looked into the stands and found this child cheering. Nicely done.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “Cheers”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Eric Russell, “Par 3 contest”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Amy Banton, “Paul Volz, shelter director for The Salvation Army of Aiken, stands in the middle of tent city, a small area where Aiken’s homeless sleep.”

Judges’ Comments: Shooting the man in his element, in an encampment of the homeless, was a great idea.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Keith Gedamke, “From tree to treasure”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Cindy Kubovic, “Breanna Eubanks had some fun Saturday at the Aiken County Rec Center’s back-to-school giveaway.”

PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Mike Adams, “The North Augusta Jackets enter the playing field amid the smoke.”

Judges’ Comments: A great photo that just screams to be run 6 columns. Photog in right place at right time to capture excitement of players taking the field.

SECOND PLACE: The Beaufort Gazette, Delayna Earley, “The GEICO Skytypers fly in formation during the MCAS Beaufort Air Show at the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Cindy Kubovic, “Village for Skylar”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Beaufort Gazette, Delayna Earley, “Swampy land as seen at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area in the ACE Basin.”

HUMOROUS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Dede Biles, “Jordan Pruiksma and her 3-year-old bay gelding, Fullback, are preparing for the Retired Race Horse Project’s $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover competition in October.”

Judges’ Comments: OK, Fullback knows how to horse around for the camera. Good shot.

SECOND PLACE: The Sumter Item, Konstantin Vengerowsky, “Jamie Ridgeway holds a live striped bass as Miss Clarendon Teen Addison Hicks kisses it at the 2015 Striped Bass Festival opening ceremonies.”

THIRD PLACE: The Sumter Item, Keith Gedamke, “Pastor Dan Barber, of First Baptist Church, talks about seeing God’s power every time he goes fishing.”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, Staff, aikenstandard.com

Judges’ Comments: Has what most would want from a website. It has aesthetic appeal, information you’re looking for and is easy enough to navigate.

SECOND PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Staff, thetandd.com

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Billy Dunlap and Staff, indexjournal.com

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Staff, “Water everywhere: week of historic flooding” Judges’ Comments: A flood is big news. By posting this gallery, you shared, essentially, a dump of the visual information gathered by your staff. A great public service. Very well photographed and presented.

SECOND PLACE: Index-Journal, Maddy Jones, “Ben Terry Jr. Funeral”

THIRD PLACE: The Journal, Seneca, Jessica Nelms, “East Brown Street House Fire”

2-3 TIMES WEEKLY & DAILY UNDER 16,000 divisions combined

NEWS VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: Aiken Standard, James Grigsby, “Aiken County Public Schools Honor Court” Judges’ Comments: Excellent visuals, interviews, and some humor, too. Gives the viewer a great insight into the great things happening in the school system.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard, James Grigsby, “Graniteville Cross Dedication”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, James Grigsby, “Battle of Aiken Education Day”

WEEKLY OVER

4,500 & Daily Under 16,000 divisions combined

INTEGRATION OF PRINT AND WEB COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Staff, “Upstate Business Journal print/Web coverage” Judges’ Comments: Great integration of social, multiple platforms, with video and web — cross-promoting with print. The flipbook was helpful, and an email newsletter shows thoroughness. UBJ turned a fairly standard story topic into a well-strategized project.

SECOND PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Staff, “Vietnam: They Served With Honor”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Staff, “Game of the Week high school football coverage”

UNDER 16,000 & 16,000-45,000 daily divisions combined

PUBLIC SERVICE

FIRST PLACE: The Times and Democrat, Staff, “Dramatic year at S.C. State University”

Judges’ Comments: You faced stiff competition from another paper in this division but the fact that you used FOIA and had been covering this issue for 10 years made you the winner. Kudos to a paper that puts this much time and effort into an issue important to its readers.

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Staff, “Public safety during Memorial Day weekend”

THIRD PLACE: Aiken Standard, Maayan Schechter, “Aspirational Cities Tour”

HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Shamira McCray, “DHEC investigates bedbug infestation”

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Herald, Bret McCormick, “Gray area”

Judges’ Comments: Way to shed some light on this “gray area.”

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Ryan Young, “CCU leaders share insight on talks with Sun Belt Conference”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Bret McCormick, “How plays get their names”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Little League Coach”

Judges’ Comments: Really liked the way you told the story of the coach. Nice selection of pictures, well composed.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Faces of February”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Jayden Morrison”

FEATURE VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Delayna Earley, “The Sum of its Parts: Activities in the ACE Basin”

Judges’ Comments: This video was the clear winner in this category. I was skeptical it could hold my attention given the length, but the production quality and organization around 3 types of ACE Basin visitors kept me glued to the screen. It also inspired me to think more deeply about the recreational places I visit and how they might be appreciated differently by others.

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Jason Lee, “The Bee Preacher”

THIRD PLACE: Index-Journal, Maddy Jones, “Margaret’s Wish”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Island Packet, Josh Mitelman, “Power of a pig: Lila bolsters Bluffton woman through cancer ”

SPORTS VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Robby Cox, a blind bowler from Townville, bowls with Special Olympics friends at Boulevard Lanes in Anderson.”

Judges’ Comments: A fantastic perspective on sports from an inspirational young man.

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Jason Lee, “Battle for the Bell: Conway takes back the Victory Bell from rival Myrtle Beach.”

THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Deandre Hopkins is one of the NFL’s best receivers, and during a few weeks of his summer, he returns to hometown Central, South Carolina to teach boys skills of the game.”

NEWSPAPER’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Staff Judges’ Comments: Record likes, shares and comments in this contest. Great interaction with readers. Good mix of newsworthy and entertaining content. Great work!

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Staff

THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Staff

16,000-45,000 daily division

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Sun News, Charles D. Perry, “Friends, family remember North Myrtle Beach contractor killed in Afghanistan” Judges’ Comments: There were MANY well-written and well-researched entries in this category but this one stood out because Charles made readers feel like they were right there, sharing the awful news with the widow. And, he weaved a touching love story into the mix as well. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Staff, “ONE SCHOOL? District 5 looks at Hanna Westside merger”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Staff, “Four killed at Rock Hill home”

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Dan Burley and Rebecca Lurye, “Rough roads” Judges’ Comments: Approach, voice really compelling in this story — backed up with good information captured by reporters. You can tell they know the community, and thought about what kind of story would matter. The writing holds your attention well throughout.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Daniel J. Gross, Kim Kimzey, “Neighborhoods on edge - Threat to safety, property values troubles residents”

THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Gavin Jackson, “Crumbling buildings”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike Ellis, “Identifying the officer in the Zachary Hammond shooting”

Judges’ Comments: The reporter’s tenacity made this entry stand out. Refusing to settle for what little information authorities wanted to trickle out has paid off and will continue to pay off. Keep digging.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Nikie Mayo, “Troubled disabilities agency”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Zach Murdoch and Dan Burley, “Property Administrators”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Herald, Anna Douglas, “Chester superintendent resigns”

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: The Herald, Bristow Marchant, “Chester County landfill fire”

Judges’ Comments: Thorough, balanced coverage. Included the most important voices – those of residents, which reporters sometimes fail to include.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, Anna Douglas, “Jamie Williamson/Winthop University”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Alan Blondin and Steve Jones, “Chinese investors”

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Joshua Lloyd, “Public Safety”

Judges’ Comments: The reporter elevated the bread-and-butter cops and courts beat with an eye for trends and timely localization.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Daniel J. Gross, “Public Safety”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Charles D. Perry, “Public Safety/Crime”

HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Mike Ellis, “Courts”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Sun News, Charles D. Perry

Judges’ Comments: Even while telling the story of a business venture turned sour, Perry has a knack for telling the history of the business’ current situation that informs the whole issue. That interest in the history of the issue comes alive in both stories about farmers, those reeling from drought and floor, and most vividly in “Farmers seek to preserve heritage, grow family business.” All of the pieces are well researched and beautifully written.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Dan Burley

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Zach Fox

HONORABLE MENTION: Independent Mail, Kirk Brown

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Island Packet, Liz Farrell, “The Crucible: No Parris Island recruit can become a Marine without surviving this test”

Judges’ Comments: Richly detailed. The author hooks you from the opening line. This article stands out as the best in a deeply competitive group.

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Charles D. Perry, “A month after wreck claims two popular brothers, Loris still trying cope”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Amy Coyne Bredeson, “The deepest loss”

HONORABLE MENTION: Herald-Journal, Daniel J. Gross, “Gardens help prisoners grow as people”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Sun News, Charles D. Perry, “For this Horry County family, riding in a hearse is an everyday experience”

Judges’ Comments: A cleverly-told tale about a local family’s love for the family hearse.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Mike Ellis, “Faint shadows from centuries ago will be made public Saturday”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Teddy Kulmala, “‘Pure magic’: Rock Hill teen dazzles at sweet 16 celebration”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING

OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Sun News, Charles D. Perry, “Eddie Dyer retiring from Coastal Carolina University after 39 years”

Judges’ Comments: This story rose to the top because it contained lots of comments and quotes from others about the subject–something many entries lacked. Lots of anecdotes and quotes complimented a complete profile.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Abe Hardesty, “Smith answers call of double duty in Honea Path”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Claire Byun, “Horry County Teacher of the Year known for digging ‘into soul of a child’”

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Itinerant man finds a space on Myrtle Beach fishing pier”

Judges’ Comments: A small story that packs a big punch. In not so many words, I felt like I got to know Franklin Cook and why home is on a fishing pier in Myrtle Beach.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Joshua Lloyd, “Florence bailiff still going strong after 71 years”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Erin Heffernan, “The Unclaimed: David “Fish Man” Myers”

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, David Lauderdale, “Mosses must go, so credibility returns; Some advice for the president as he speaks in Charleston; The day we took Daddy to the nursing home”

Judges’ Comments: Direct and clear writing on important topics. If I lived in Hilton Head, I’d be looking for Lauderdale’s columns.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, James Werrell, “Lying about brave deeds is a fool’s game; Do boycotts accomplish anything?; Lowering the flag is more than symbolism”

THIRD PLACE: Morning News, Don Kausler Jr., “Remember this titan of SC journalism; This bud’s for you, Mom, on this special day; An embarrassing, enduring lesson about ‘that flag’”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Sun News, Issac J. Bailey, “Let’s be clear: The Confederate flag has always been demeaning to black South Carolinians, even during quiet periods; Police in Myrtle Beach and elsewhere should not automatically be believed; Black defendant, white victim and the role of race in the verdict”

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: HeraldJournal, Eric Boynton, “Spieth Shines” Judges’ Comments: Eric Boynton takes the reader around Augusta National with Justin Spieth in the first round of the Masters giving us a sense of the amazement of both the crowd and the other players in Spieth’s group as the young golfer tore through Amen Corner in the opening round.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Todd Shanesy, “Terriers upset ‘Pack at buzzer”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Kevin Melton, “Rivals have fond memories of ‘The American Dream”

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Sun News, Ryan Young, “CCU’s Moglia teaching ‘Life After Football’” Judges’ Comments: Great story. It’s a great topic that I haven’t seen elsewhere and well told.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Dan Burley, “Meet the man who’s changing the Bluffton golf industry”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Eric Boynton, “Who needs a seat?”

HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Scott Chancey, “High school hero”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Bob Dalton, “An open letter to the Dolphins; No reason to fight over Rebels nickname; Dutch Fork’s Colburn got a raw deal from Louisville Petrino”

Judges’ Comments: A sports columnist that uses his platform to fight for social justice, amazing. This writer takes the reader beyond the field of play and makes his work more about the common good than the scores, it is a refreshing approach.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, Andrew Dys, “York teen’s ‘beautiful heart’ beats after death; ‘Be the ball?’ Golfers turn to yoga to help their game; Girl, 12, dedicates her golf game to memory of dad - lost in Iraq war”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Eric Boynton, “Harbour Town’s Stoic King; Leggett’s run at Clemson nears end; Clemson, SC blew it on Dorman standout”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Abigail Westcott, “Aug. 9; Aug. 16; Aug. 23”

Judges’ Comments: Three pages that demand a passerby or reader to engage in their content. Strong balance and structure while making a bold statement. (It’s too bad that some of these were not entered as singles and the same for pages who finished second and third in this category.)

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Sandra Ross, “Oct. 5; Aug. 7; July 11”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Kate Sievers, “Jan. 29; March 1; Nov. 7”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Mandy Buff, “July 11:

A new era begins”

Judges’ Comments: The headline. “A new era begins” sums up why this page from the Morning News was the clear winner. There was forethought from the newsroom on what the message was that day and the photographer captured a powerful moment as the honor guard carries the flag away from an empty flag pole while hundreds watch. The designer leaned forward with their community.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, Kate Sievers, “Jan. 29: Finally Justice”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Sandra Ross, “May 17”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, R. Keith Hatchell, “Desserts around the area: Dec. 28; Marshall Tucker Band: April 2; Traveling through a time warp: June 28”

Judges’ Comments: Each of the three pages shows a different approach to feature design. The designer let the stories and images set the design path. The table-top images of the many desserts tantalizes the reader, the bold illustration for the band grabs the reader, while the documentary images from Cuba tells its own story.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Sandra Ross, “Sept. 20; Oct. 3; Oct. 24”

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Lindsay Trapp, “Aug. 14”

Judges’ Comments: Fresh and inviting, this design brings the main illustration, headline and breakout boxes of info together for the reader. Nicely done, “For the reader” item that separates itself from the other content, while drawling the readers attention to the correction.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, R. Keith Hatchell, “retrofest 2015: Feb. 5”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Jeff Nowak, “Honey, we’re home; Feb. 7”

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Herald, Matt Memrick, “Sept. 4; Sept. 25; Nov. 9”

Judges’ Comments: Clean and very readable with excellent use of photography. The use of subheads and other breakout elements helps the reader move through the content and easily come away with lots of tidbits of information sports fans love.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Stephen Guilfoyle, “Nov. 29; Jan. 3; Jan. 23”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Chris Noble, “March 20; Aug. 25; Oct. 7”

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Stephen Guilfoyle, “Nov. 29”

Judges’ Comments: Lots of elements, almost complete lack of gray space, good use of photos both in boxes and in cutouts, and a variety of headline types are what makes this page stand out.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, John Hansen, “Sept. 28”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Maegan Smith, “June 28”

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet, Lisa Wilson, “July 18” Judges’ Comments: Excellent use of feature photo, nice layout of stories.

SECOND PLACE: The Herald, Tracy Yochum, “Sept. 20 Insight”

THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Kody Timmers, “Sept. 24 Insight”

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Smoke and flames”

Judges’ Comments: Nice eye, finding an interesting picture of firefighters at work.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Restaurant fire”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Firefighters with multiple departments battle a fire at a fatal accident involving a tanker on Interstate-26.”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr, “The look of a child”

Judges’ Comments: Quite a picture. He certainly doesn’t look 18 years old as he makes his first appearance before a judge. Really nice work.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Spelling Bee Woes”

THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Animals seized”

FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Steve Jennings has a riding partner as he mows at his home in the Mayo community.”

Judges’ Comments: That’s just an amazing situation to capture. Nicely composed.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr, “Ice Cream at the County Fair”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “Father Daughter Dance”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Lake City High School’s Keenan Graham is tagged out – and upended – by Wilson High School’s Mason Park as he tries to hurdle his way to home plate.”

Judges’ Comments: Wrestling or baseball? Looks like this runner is about to get body slammed in addition to being tagged out. The expression on the umpire’s face adds a lot to the image. Great moment!

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Diving catch”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Head Over Heels”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Alex C. Hicks Jr., “Coach and the high jumpers” Judges’ Comments: You turned away from the action and found a revealing sidelight on the bench. Great job!

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Spot light Cam”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “The Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers battle the Surry Community College Knights.”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Queen Quet”

Judges’ Comments: One of the most unusual portrait/personality shots I’ve ever seen. The hands tell a lot about the person. Good work!

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Digital man”

THIRD PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Trumpet”

PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Amphitheater”

Judges’ Comments: The rows of seats radiate outward like ripples in a pond. A very serene photograph.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Ken Ruinard, “Picture perfect”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “A tiny flower, covered with ice, stands in the newlyfallen snow.”

HUMOROUS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Mohawk”

Judges’ Comments: Graduations are not the staid events they once were, as this almost-graduate demonstrates. Great shot.

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Janet Blackmon Morgan, “A squirrel steals a bag of Fritos from an unguarded golf cart.”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Rabid Panther Fan”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

FIRST PLACE: Herald-Journal, Tim Kimzey, “Child Abuse”

Judges’ Comments: Quite well done, on a subject that’s huge for all of us. Nice lighting and composition.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Veasey Conway, “Deflategate”

THIRD PLACE: Herald-Journal, John Byrum, “Distracted Driving”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Matthew Robertson and Justin Johnson, scnow.com

Judges’ Comments: Local content is easy to find, as are features that engage readers, such as contests and an opinion poll. Navigation options are varied, allowing for different user preferences, and options are clearly marked. Site includes lots of community content and photos, and a searchable calendar.

SECOND PLACE: Independent Mail, Staff, independentmail.com

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Staff, myrtlebeachonline.com

INTEGRATION OF PRINT AND WEB COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: Morning News, Justin Johnson, Melissa Rollins and Shamira McCray, “Biggest Loser” Judges’ Comments: An ambitious, well-thought-out, wonderfully executed project with a mix of print and digital pieces that makes it easy for the audience to stay interested. A great way to involve members of the community while inspiring others. Great work.

SECOND PLACE: The Island Packet, Staff, “Parris Island”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Staff, “Reader photos”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Island Packet, Staff, “Reader comments”

NEWS VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: Independent Mail, Sefton Ipock, “Baby Leonna still missing” Judges’ Comments: Good video. Good audio. The audio was more even compared to some other videos submitted. A heartfelt story with touching moments but not too long. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Morning News, Justin Johnson, “Dancing with the Stars of Florence”

THIRD PLACE: The Sun News, Jason Lee, “Good Samaritans of Pitch Landing”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Island Packet, Theophil Syslo, “Life over Limb”

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY

FIRST PLACE: The Sun News, Jason Lee, “Friday Evacuations from Dunbar” Judges’ Comments: In addition to getting photos that showed what was happening, you caught the expressions in people’s faces – especially the worry and sense of “what now?”

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News, Jason Lee, “Bee Preacher” THIRD PLACE: The Herald, Jeff Sochko, “UCI BMX Supercross World Cup Finals”

HONORABLE MENTION: Morning News, Joshua Lloyd, “Lynches River Flooding”

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News

Judges’ Comments: Quality writing with good mix of local topics. Eyecatching layouts and good use of fonts and visuals. Interesting headlines. Great organization. Quality editorial page.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal

Judges’ Comments: Easy to navigatelayouts pop off the page - good use of photographs and graphics. This is really a fun and informative read. Love the Upstate Business Journal. Kudos to staff for a wellthought out and compelling product. Suspect the readers feel the same.

SECOND PLACE: The Greer Citizen

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer

Judges’ Comments: Project planning and lovely design add to solid writing and a variety of stories. I especially liked the thorough reporting and perspective in “Making Tourism Work.”

SECOND PLACE: Union County News

THIRD PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle

FIRST PLACE ONLY: The Post and Courier Judges’ Comments: An excellent newspaper produced with great care and consistency. This newspaper does an excellent job of serving its marketplace. Coverage was outstanding with an excellent mix of subjects, styles of presentations and approaches to the writing.

FIRST PLACE: The Island Packet Judges’ Comments: Two fantastic enterprise pieces that covered all angles with relevant sidebars and timelines. Entire newspaper well designed with engaging headlines. Great graphics in all sections. An all-around solid newspaper.

SECOND PLACE: The Sun News

FIRST PLACE: The Journal, Seneca Judges’ Comments: Great amount of local content, without too heavy a focus on any one area. Good use of photos and quality sports coverage.

SECOND PLACE: Aiken Standard

THIRD PLACE: The Times and Democrat

THIRD PLACE: Free Times

THIRD PLACE: The Herald

16,000-45,000 & OVER 45,000 daily divisions combined

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brian Hicks, “A horse is a horse, of course, unless he’s a service industry employee; Get online and vote or Charleston will not pass Go; Sharks lining up for hot lunch off Folly? Not likely”

Judges’ Comments: Very funny, breezy and witty writing style on all three columns. I particularly liked the Monopoly column, and making it based on Charleston. I laughed out loud several times while reading that and the others. I liked how the writer found interesting local subjects to weigh in on in a funny way.

SECOND PLACE: Herald-Journal, Pam Stone, “Can we get rid of the Easter bunny, please?; With SC roads who needs a vibrating bra?; It’s not fair Caitlyn chose her own name”

THIRD PLACE: The Island Packet, Liz Farrell, “Beaufort County library card-holders, get ready to eat, pray and supergluck; Spectators bring their game faces for ‘day drinking’ at RBC Heritage; Bluffton woman survives unwelcome visit from snake”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Herald, James Werrell, “Who appreciates those furry critters?; Leave Valentine’s Day to the young; Is Pentatgon eyeing Lone Star State?”

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett, “Bridge Run”

Judges’ Comments: Strong images well presented. Good variety.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn, “11/27: Camp meetings”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn, “12/31: The Year in Photos”

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Emanuel AME Church Shooting”

Judges’ Comments: Newspapers play many roles in a community in the wake of horrific events. Yes, they provide information, but they also are the greatest instrument for bringing the community together. They provide comfort, context, and a sense of being in this together in a way that other media cannot. A newspaper is a large part of what makes a community a community, especially in hard times. I’ve rarely seen that made more clear than in The Post and Courier’s coverage of the Emanuel AME Church shooting. Moving, masterful, restrained and heart-breaking.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Walter Scott”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Staff, “The Confederate flag is removed from State House grounds” HONORABLE MENTION: The Greenville News, Staff, “Confederate flag”

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme and Doug Pardue, “Rain bombs and rising seas” Judges’ Comments: Excellent piece. Great job in raising awareness not only of Charleston’s susceptibility to rains and flooding, but also in pointing out the lax attitude and lack of adequate leadership from the city on this over the years. Some killer details about the report that went unheeded and the conference in Charleston that the locals didn’t bother to attend. Very clearly worded and organized story.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Anna Lee, “A Father’s Grief”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Melissa Boughton, “Dying for a fix”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Greenville News, Tonya Maxwell and Anna Lee, “Online, real worlds collided for accused I-85 killer”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, Andrew Knapp and Adam Parker, “Accountability coverage of Emanuel Church finances”

Judges’ Comments: Great job in cultivating sources both in and out of the church (church goers, victims’ families, the former secretary, etc); great job in tracking down sources and records on the financial issues that Pastor Goff had at other churches; and great job in writing and telling the tale in explaining the financial shadiness and the issues at play. The story brought needed skepticism and questions to this non-profit entity, and the writing was strong. Excellent work.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Tonya Maxwell, Nathaniel Cary and Mark Barrett, “Duke Energy”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Tim Smith, Rick Brundrett and Romando Dixson, “Upstate dams”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, David Wren, Warren Wise and Jeremy Borden, “Bringing Volvo to South Carolina”

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Left Behind”

Judges’ Comments: What an amazing read–more like a novel with chapters and the interwoven lives of characters than a newspaper series. Great access, great flow and writing. There were so many wonderful elements to go with the narrative: “What They’re Saying,” “Snapshots of a Semester” and short stories on other schools. Tremendous job!

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Shots Fired”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Dave Munday and Melissa Boughton, “The nightmare of sex trafficking”

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Same sex marriage in South Carolina” Judges’ Comments: Coverage went far beyond service reporting. Amazing job of explaining the story through many voices.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Bo Petersen, “Environment”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Christina Elmore, “Public Safety”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Slade Judges’ Comments: Slade’s treatment of big business issues that affect everyone in the city- particularly in the Trump story- is thorough, easy to read and an important public service for the readership. The Section 8 story, as well, is a standout example of business reporting that is meaningful to communities.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, John McDermott

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Wren

PUBLIC SERVICE

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Emanuel AME Church killings”

Judges’ Comments: Tough category! All entries met the criteria–and then some–to the degree that places were awarded based on the impact to the community at-large and the importance of the issue. With that measurement, the Post and Courier’s entry about the Emanuel AME Church killings rose to first, but all three places were topnotch.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Shots Fired coverage of police-involved shootings”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes and Adam Parker, “Left Behind: The unintended consequences of school choice”

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Forgotten’ survivors search for meaning” Judges’ Comments: The level of detail in this story makes it a winner. The pain, the sadness, the senselessness – it all comes through in such moving prose. The dialogue and description also makes this a heart-wrenching piece.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “A hard road to safety”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Schuyler Kropf, “A loyal soldier’s cruel ‘tattoo’”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “American Dream deferred: Local family shares human face of unauthorized immigrants” Judges’ Comments: A deft way to tell a national story at the local level. The lede sums up the fear that these families live with every day.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, C. Eric Connor and Mykal McEldowney, “Greenville-Pickens Speedway like you’ve never seen it before”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Abigail Darlington, “Adapting to acceptance: Victories earned in LGBT community lead to many shifts in local queer culture”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING

OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Jennifer Berry Hawes, “Into the Spotlight” Judges’ Comments: This profile had me from the start — the AG dragging home documents as a storm was coming. Great supporting details such as strapping a baby to his chest and giving the speech. This profile delivered from start to finish.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Erin Shaw, “Lexington musician still feels the music – without any fingers”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Jamie Self, “Graham returns to his roots to say he’ll run for president”

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Deanna Pan, “For state trooper, Confederate flag ceremony was just ‘another mission’”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent angle interviewing this African-American state trooper who carried the Confederate flag away from the state grounds. The story was a nice read about a modest, understated trooper just doing his job.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Bo Petersen, “The mad goose of Isle of Palms”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Tony Bartelme, “Daniel L. Simmons Sr.”

HONORABLE MENTION: The State, Erin Shaw, “Final week to see Georgia O’Keeffe shoe exhibit at Columbia College”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Prentiss Findlay, “Firefighters fill big hole dug in the sand at Folly Beach”

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Frank Wooten, “If Tyreik can grin, why can’t you?; Contemplate better motives on race; Another overwrought kiss of death to fun”

Judges’ Comments: Wooten’s columns bring a folksy –but important –look at controversial issues, such as guns and race. He writes of guns and how a stray shot impacted a 5-year-old who was wounded in the crossfire. Racial history is discussed when the son of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond, the one-time Dixiecrat candidate for president, encouraged his fellow state legislators to remove the Confederate flag from the Capital. He takes on lighter topics, such as the kissing cams used at athletic events. His column must be well received by the paper’s readers.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Cindi Ross Scoppe, “What’s wrong with a little more radioactivity?; Bring down the flag, keep us together ; A week of great destrcution and greater generosity”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brian Hicks, “A family, and an entire city, devastated; History has its place but not at the people’s house; A blackand-white issue: Just pure evil”

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Caraviello, “It’s time to move on’ – Spurrier resigns as winningest football coach at South Carolina” Judges’ Comments: “It’s time to move on. Pretty simple.” Perhaps, but this story goes beyond the surface-level story of a coach moving on to explain why it happened and why it is significant. It answers the readers’ questions, and it does so in a pace that keeps you reading.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Caraviello, “It was meant to be’ – Gamecocks cap improbable comeback in overtime victory”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Josh Kendall, “Spurrier: It’s time to get out of the way”

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The State, Ron Morris, “Gamecock Whodunit? Was coach Frank McGuire involved in Fieldhouse fire?” Judges’ Comments: One of the better reads of the year. Great, unique story and well-told.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Mandrallius Robinson, “College coaches suggest changes in summer AAU, travel league basketball”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Tommy Braswell, “The Golf Coast - Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head put South Carolina among world’s top golf destinations”

FIRST PLACE PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT, WEEKLY OVER 4,500: Will Crooks, Greenville Journal

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff, “Spurrier versus ...”

Judges’ Comments: A great read. Informative, entertaining and packed full of interesting facts. Style of article made it easy to read. A standout in an extremely competitive category.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Scott Keepfer, “Decando seems to always come up aces”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Aaron Brenner, “Clemson’s most fascinating family”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The State, David Cloninger, “Behind the smirk, HBC often likable; Woods had one chance to fulfill his childhood dream; Can P.J. Dozier live up to the hype?”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent selection of columns. Well-written and enjoyable reading.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Mandrallius Robinson, “Steve Spurrier aimed high and shot straight; Clemson can’t play underdog card any more; Clemson social media ban has drawn undue ire”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Gene Sapakoff, “The Spurrier severance joke is on South Carolina; Bonding Moment; Welch finale: ‘I’m more than proud’”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “Sir Big Spur, March 10; A new day dawns, July 10; SC turns page in history book, July 11” Judges’ Comments: A wonderful collection of pages that shows the designer’s flair for creative presentation.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Kelly Cobb, “God has a purpose, June 25; King Pharoh, Aug. 27; Rain dissipates, Oct. 6”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Chris Hart, “Grim scenes emerge, Oct. 7; Spurrier aimed high, Shot straight, Oct. 14; Family to fight on, Oct. 28”

HONORABLE MENTION: The State, Elissa Macarin, “‘I can’t move my legs’, Aug. 12; Historic flood ravages Midlands, Oct. 5; Lessons to learn, Oct. 11”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Post and Courier, Krena Lanham, Maureen Hartshorn and Chad Dunbar, “Church shooting 1A, June 21”

Judges’ Comments: The front page of The Post and Courier was transformed into a lovely tribute page devoted to the victims of the church shooting. The art on the page - 9 flowers representing the 9 victims - was a great touch. The extra white space and minimal use of color in the text worked out well. Very nice composition.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “SC turns page in history book, July 11”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Jeff Ruble, “Flag lowered; healing begins, July 11”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett, “Wild Art; Leap in 2015; Dangermuffin” Judges’ Comments: Nice use of photos and illustrations in this portfolio of special publication covers. The placement of the headlines and subheads on each cover was perfect, especially with the “Leap into 2015” issue. You can tell a lot of time was spent on the photos, illustrations and headlines, which produced wonderful results.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “Dec. 31; Oct. 25; Sept 13”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Susan Ardis, “A hot bowl of Southern comfort, Dec. 3; Pop your cork, Dec. 24; Return to Selma, Jan. 9”

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “Fall arts preview, Sept. 13”

Judges’ Comments: The illustration really makes this page pop. The placement of the story beneath it helped the art stand on its own. I also liked how the colors in the main illustration matched up with the colors used to describe the categories. Page is really pleasing to the eye.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Susan Ardis, “Dec. 3”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Maureen Hartshorn, “My Charleston Thanksgiving, Nov. 19”

HONORABLE MENTION: The State, Elissa Macarin, “11/15”

SPORTS PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “NFL Combine, Feb. 17; Tossing in his visor, Oct. 14; Mitchell vs. Mitchell, Nov. 13”

Judges’ Comments: Great use of cutouts, illustrations and graphic presentations. Each page is different in composition and really shows the range of the designer. The keepsake section cover about Spurrier was one of my favorites.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner, “C1, Nov. 30; C1, Jan. 1; C1, June 25”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chris Tabakian, “Sept. 18; June 2; March 6”

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “Feb. 5” Judges’ Comments: The designer really illustrated the story in a way that gets quick information across to the reader. The color bar usage made the text easy to read and the diagonal tilt of the illustration was a nice touch to help draw the reader’s eye to the page. The space below the illustration was used well, too, and helped give the whole package just the right amount of air.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “Why Pharoh Cooper’s a Gamecock, not a Tar Heel, Aug. 27”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “March 22”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Luke Reasoner, “C1, July 26”

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The State, Meredith Sheffer, “April 19” Judges’ Comments: Riveting creativity. Simple yet informative design sets this work apart in a very competitive category. Design elements, photo selection and placement, and a great balance of shading, white space and limited color offer temptation for the eye at every angle. Color selection and placement is pleasantly effective. Each design element has a useful, informative purpose, defining and communicating content as well as entertaining the reader. Almost inspires a desire to be 70; well, almost. Excellent work!

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brandon Lockett, “Deadly Force, May 27”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Elissa Macarin, “Nov. 15”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Chad Dunbar, “S.C. flood, Oct. 6”

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Matthew Fortner, “Resident Julie Bercik looks over her home after a tornado slammed Sonny Boy Lane on John’s Island near Charleston.”

Judges’ Comments: Great moment, well composed. Great work.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Tracy Glantz, “South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley assesses flood damage in Horry County from a United States Army helicopter.”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Matt Walsh, “Randy Liggitt, wearing a life jacket he was rescued in, looks out a backdoor of his Forest Acres home that was flooded.”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Jennifer Pinckney stands by with her daughters on the steps of the Statehouse as a South Carolina Highway Patrol honor guard carries the casket of Senator Clementa Pinckney for a public viewing.”

Judges’ Comments: A very well-composed photo with the honor guard and the family on the state house steps.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “An honor guard from the South Carolina Highway patrol removes the Confederate battle flag from the Statehouse grounds.”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Supporters stand during a news conference to announce the delivery of 626,000 signatures to Gov. Nikki Haley calling for the removal of the Confederate battle flag.”

FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Thousands of people met in the center of the Cooper River Bridge during a unity march to show solidarity after the mass shooting in Charleston.”

Judges’ Comments: Great moment as the community comes together in a unity march. The focus on hands and arms has a good feel for me.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Dunleavy’s Pub Polar Bear Plunge”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Michael Weeks leads an impromptu praise and worship service in front of Emanuel AME Church.”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Clemson wide receiver Stanton Seckinger takes a big hit from USC cornerback Chris Lammons.” Judges’ Comments: Great angle, great moment, great crop. Excellent work.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “Clemson defensive back Cordrea Tankersley breaks up a pass intended for Louisville wide receiver Jaylen Smith.

THIRD PLACE: The State, Gerry Melendez, “Texas A&M Aggies running back Tra Carson gets upended by South Carolina Gamecocks safety Jordan Diggs. HONORABLE MENTION: The Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “North Greenville’s Robbie Brown flies after getting hit.”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The State, Gerry Melendez, “South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Perry Orth gets a breather on the bench.”

Judges’ Comments: Great vision in spotting this picture; great skill in capturing and presenting the moment. Very nicely done.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “Clemson forward Josh Smith celebrates with forward Donte Grantham after Smith tipped in the game winner in the closing seconds against Wake Forest.”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Bart Boatwright, “J.L. Mann’s Elizabeth Stahlman celebrates with teammate Marian Wolski after scoring against Wando during the girls AAAA State Championship game.”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: The State, Matt Walsh, “Former head football coach Steve Spurrier reflects his career the day after resigining from his position at the University of South Carolina.”

Judges’ Comments: Great environmental portrait.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Matt Walsh, “Murray Price recolects VJ day at his home in Lexington.”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Grace Beahm, “Billy Chubb takes orders at the Idle Hour Cafe, which has been in the same East Montague Avenue location for 36 years.”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “Camp Meetings”

Judges’ Comments: Loved this story. Great sampling of what goes on at a camp meeting. Wonderful composition and use of lighting.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Gerry Melendez, “Baseball game”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Staff, “Flood”

PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Acorn squash soup with fromage blanc, gremolata and spiced seeds at The Park Cafe.”

Judges’ Comments: Great shot for the cooking/ dining page. Well-lit, nicely composed and very tempting.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Paul Zoeller, “A stand-up paddle boarder waits for his wave as a subtropical storm created great conditions for surfing.”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Tracy Glantz, “Light patterns of stars shine on supporters who came to The South Carolina State Museum for a party on the eve of Nikki Haley’s inauguration.”

FIRST PLACE PHOTOGRAPH, ASSOCIATE AND INDIVIDUAL MEMBER DIVISION: Kim McManus, SCBIZ

HUMOROUS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The State, Gerry Melendez, “Little Gamecocks camp members learn the fundamentals of handling the basketball.” Judges’ Comments: Good timing and good angle to get this shot. Nice work.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Leroy Burnell, “Tyler Roach heads to lunch on his modified high-balancing bicycle.”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Leroy Burnell, “Freshman cadets from Padgett-Thomas Barracks got haircuts at Mark Clark Hall at the Citadel.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Brad Nettles, “The Ordinary prepared this Black Seabass dish.” Judges’ Comments: I guess we have to give the restaurant credit for some of this, but it is a mouthwatering picture. Very nice composition and lighting.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Matt Walsh, “Associate Concertmaster Ashley Horvat with the S.C. Philharmonic is photographed for Fall for the Arts.”

THIRD PLACE: The Post and Courier, Wade Spees, “Nine palmetto roses, a memorial to the men and women fatally shot at Emanuel AME Church.”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Post and Courier, Staff, postandcourier.com Judges’ Comments:Easy to read, even text headlines imposed over photos. Drop-down menus stay open until cursor moves away, giving readers ample time to make choices. Site’s shirttail is not too long and, unlike NGUX sites, has a bottom. “About” box at the bottom is clean, easy to read and provides a wealth of information. A rare news site that actually lists all reporters, editors, photographers and even designers.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Staff, TheState.com

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Staff, GreenvilleOnline.com

INTEGRATION OF PRINT AND WEB COVERAGE

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Shots Fired” Judges’ Comments: Bravo to the Post & Courier staff for using the Freedom of Information Act to glean data on police shootings. Videos included in the online version of the 5-part series are disturbing but necessary to reveal that an officer’s account of an incident doesn’t always match the video evidence. This series uncovers the ineptitude of an oversight system that has little power – or little interest in exercising the power it has – to investigate when police use deadly force. There were many reminders to print readers about going to paper’s website for videos and other content. The print version used a number of photos that didn’t appear online, giving both mediums exclusive content.

SECOND PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff, “Cradle of Shame”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Harrison Cahill, “Susan Smith’s letter from prison”

NEWS VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky, “Emanuel AME holds first service since tragedy”

Judges’ Comments: Powerful, moving video strikes just the right note on first service at Emanuel AME after mass shooting.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “I was tortured and left to die”

THIRD PLACE: The State, Matt Walsh, “South Carolina town supports fired lesbian police chief”

FEATURE VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky, Hannah Raskin and Paul Zoeller, “Ain’t That a Blessing: The Tradition of Camp Meetings in South Carolina”

Judges’ Comments: Interesting look inside this seemingly lost tradition.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Matt Walsh, “Fixing Your Roads: Politics Driving Projects”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Heidi Heilbrunn, “Red, white and blue runs thick through South Carolina”

SPORTS VIDEO

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Chris Hanclosky and Andrew Miller, “An Underhand Legacy: Following footsteps at free throw line”

Judges’ Comments: What an awesome subtle tribute to one of the greatest players in NBA history.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Gerry Melendez, “Wrestling a Dream - Javier Moreno Story”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “Inside the historic GreenvillePickens Speedway”

HONORABLE MENTION: The State, Matt Walsh, “Spurrier, Swinney golf swings analyzed and compared by pro”

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, David Quick, “Yogapop 5: Play”

Judges’ Comments: A nice, friendly stor y with lots of faces to draw people through the whole thing. Nicely done.

SECOND PLACE: The Greenville News, Mykal McEldowney, “The infield of Greenville-Pickens Speedway”

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Heidi Heilbrunn, “Hall’s Barber Shop: A journey back in time”

NEWSPAPER’S USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

FIRST PLACE: The Post and Courier, Staff Judges’ Comments: Standout entry in competitive class. Newspaper effectively uses various channels to connect with and inform readers. Content is engaging, and in many cases, buzzworthy. Data reporting shows that your efforts are clearly working. Highlight of entry is paper’s Facebook page, which has timely posts/breaking news and impressive likes, comments and shares. Entry lives up to paper’s explanation – “presence not only magnifies the power of our brand, [social media] allows us to start conversations, answer questions and meaningfully engage with our users.” Well done.

SECOND PLACE: The State, Staff

THIRD PLACE: The Greenville News, Staff

UNDER 4,500 weekly division

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Pageland Progressive-Journal, Kimberly Harrington, Vanessa Brewer-Tyson, “Tragedy brings community together: Death of 8-year-old garners community support; Council imposes new parking rules for Pageland Elementary” Judges’ Comments: Sympathetic and timely reporting of a local tragedy.

SECOND PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street, “Deputy shot”

THIRD PLACE: The Manning Times, Robert Joseph Baker, “Stinney conviction vacated: 14 year old’s name cleared 70 years after execution, et al.”

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “Chief’s actions at house fire questioned” Judges’ Comments: Not pulling any punches –impressive candor from sources in a clean, easily read style.

SECOND PLACE: The Star, North Augusta, Scott Rodgers, “Fighting for the dream: Residents impacted by pipeline come together”

THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “Local firefighters form Honor Guard for funerals”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

FIRST PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Murder trial of Michael Beaty” Judges’ Comments: Excellent writing and handling of such a serious and sensitive topic. The stories and coverage were diverse and not just murder trial coverage.

SECOND PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street, “Walking the Line”

THIRD PLACE: Enquirer-Herald, Jennifer Becknell, “Clover family fights for disabled access” HONORABLE MENTION: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Litchfield shooting”

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “Agriculture” Judges’ Comments: Thoroughly-developed series of pieces on a topic that doesn’t get as much coverage as it usually warrants in most communities. All three articles are equal parts informative and entertaining. Quality work.

SECOND PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle &

The Dispatch News, Jerry Bellune, “Coverage of SCE&G’s rate hikes and other controversies”

THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Samantha Lyles, “A look back”

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Manning Times, Robert Joseph Baker, “Public Safety” Judges’ Comments: This author does justice to these tales of crime with detailed reporting and telling quotes from police, victims and the accused.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “Environment”

THIRD PLACE: Lexington County Chronicle & The Dispatch News, Hal Millard, “Crime”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street Judges’ Comments: This is clearly a nose-to-thegrindstone, boots-on-the-ground reporter who got the Volvo story before it officially broke. She’s listening to sources and attending meetings and getting the stories that matter to her readers and telling them simply, but with good context, in the process.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley

THIRD PLACE: The People-Sentinel, Laura J. McKenzie

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Jasper County Sun Times, Anthony Garzilli, “In Celebration Of Sen. Pinckney” Judges’ Comments: Awesome article. Not a word out of place. Very compelling. Reporter did an excellent job of bringing so many individual stories together while highlighting the bigger picture.

SECOND PLACE: Jasper County Sun Times, Anthony Garzilli, “‘He will always be a hero: Community recalls senator’s rise from Ridgeland to the Statehouse”

THIRD PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street, “The art of not passing by”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Berkeley Independent, Lindsay Street, “Life and Death”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The People-Sentinel, Jonathan Vickery, “Willis family learns of ‘complicated legacy’” Judges’ Comments: Many sources and voices help to bring out character and meaning in this lovely story.

SECOND PLACE: News and Press, Jana E. Pye, “My little brother is Downright Perfect”

THIRD PLACE: The Manning Times, Robert Joseph Baker, “Alcolu resident’s father to be portrayed in Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg movie”

HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Jana E. Pye, “Cemetery restored by help by detention center lawn crew”

SECOND PLACE PICTORIAL, 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY & WEEKLY OVER 4,500 COMBINED: Cindy Landrum, Greenville Journal

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “A man of letters”

Judges’ Comments: This story best fulfilled the definition of the category–full portrait. The writer did a nice job of telling Munson’s story without interfering in it. No sloppy or forced transitions, no explanation of what Munson was saying. I’d be happy to get Munson’s letters and have Jason writing features.

SECOND PLACE: Lake City News & Post, Donna Tracy, “Can you dig it?”

THIRD PLACE: News and Press, Jana E. Pye, “Transplant for Toriana”

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Dan Brown, “Remembering the Fallen” Judges’ Comments: The beginning of the story paints a stirring vision of the town.

SECOND PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Jake Lucas, “Look! Up in the sky!”

THIRD PLACE: The Manning Times, Robert Joseph Baker, “Man arrested on shoplifting warrant after locking himself in a patrol car”

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Larry Franklin, “Trying to make sense of things; Rep. Pitts continues to astonish; Elizabeth B. Franklin: 1924-2015”

Judges’ Comments: I like the way you think and the easy way you write, I have a friend who says he writes like he talks so it feels like a conversation. These columns read that way. But mostly I like it because YOU THINK and make your readers do the same.

SECOND PLACE: The Pickens Sentinel, D. C. Moody, “Genetics can’t lie; Be kind to those around you; Goodbye not an easy road”

THIRD PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Proud to be associated with prize winning journalism; The noblest profession takes a hit; Can we get a do-over on 2015, please?”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Cheraw Chronicle & The Chesterfield Advertiser, Randy Garner, “Soap Club; The pros and cons of official ID; March Madness living up to its name this year”

Judges’ Comments: Some clever lines.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Graham Williams, “Password, please; Saturday with Avery; Worst (and best) Christmas songs”

THIRD PLACE: The News, Michaele Duke, “Brains for mushrooms; Camo, ammo, and a caboodle of corn; No, the nose doesn’t always know”

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “CHS looking for a football coach” Judges’ Comments: Compelling and in-depth work. Fine example of what community sports journalism should be.

SECOND PLACE: Jasper County Sun Times, Anthony Garzilli, “You couldn’t ask for a better game, Jaguars outlasted Battery Creek en route to Final Four”

THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “Ellison makes history”

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Dee Jennings, fastest in the country” Judges’ Comments: This story starts strong and gets stronger. The reader feels as if he were there in the starting blocks, feeling the burst of energy as the race begins.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Jason Lesley, “On the fly”

THIRD PLACE: Jasper County Sun Times, Anthony Garzilli, “Mr. And Mrs. Basketball”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Feb. 12; May 7; Oct. 8”

Judges’ Comments: Outstanding use of art and headline type make pages sing. News is well packaged.

SECOND PLACE: The Star, North Augusta, Shana Donahue, “June 3; Sept. 9; June 17”

THIRD PLACE: The Star, North Augusta, Amy Hunter, “March 25; July 8; May 20”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Star, North Augusta, Amy Hunter, “July 8”

Judges’ Comments: Eclectic page one story and element variety. Good use of art, sub-heads and teasers.

SECOND PLACE: The Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer, “Dec. 24”

THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Oct. 8”

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: News and Press, Duane Childers, “Hometown boy makes good…coffee”

Judges’ Comments: Lovely use of photos, space on the page. Beautiful page, pleasure to read.

SECOND PLACE: News and Press, Duane Childers, “Peanuts: Historic farm sees future in versatile legume”

THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “The beach scene with a difference”

HONORABLE MENTION: News and Press, Duane Childers, “Arnold Farms A sweet (potato) tradition of excellence, Oct. 7”

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Krena Lanham, “Nov. 4”

Judges’ Comments: Nice balance between graphics and typography. Inviting page.

SECOND PLACE: The Manning Times, Ted E. Spencer, “March 19”

THIRD PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Linda Anderson, “Sept. 23”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Berkeley Independent, Krena Lanham, “Aug. 26”

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Festival Season”

Judges’ Comments: Fun photography and appealing layout.

SECOND PLACE: News and Press, Duane Childers, “Scare on the Square”

THIRD PLACE: The Berkeley Independent, Linda Anderson, “Machine pitch all-stars finish 2-2”

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Anna Brown, “Firefighters fight a blaze that destroyed a house and try to keep it from spreading to the house next door.” Judges’ Comments: Good two-fer action here, with firefighters trying to contain a blaze and to protect an adjacent structure. Good eye.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Graham Williams, “Gold Star mother Azalee Ashe, whose son was killed in Vietnam, is comforted by her daughter Carolyn Howard, during the Memorial Day ceremony.”

THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Richard Kelly, “Belton firefighters attempt to save a puppy rescued from a structure fire.”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “Saying goodbye”

Judges’ Comments: You captured a very strong post-trial moment. Good work.

SECOND PLACE: Pageland Progressive-Journal, Kevin Smith, “Remembering 9/11”

THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Tears stain the cheeks of Yolanda Holmes at a prayer vigil in Pawleys Island for the victims of the shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.”

FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Rae Lee blows a ram’s horn at dawn on Pawleys Island to mark Yom Kippur.”

Judges’ Comments: This is a nice picture, captured in a great setting. Lots of good feeling here.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Dancing with a sleepy partner at the DaddyDaughter Dance at Belin Methodist Church.”

THIRD PLACE: News-Chronicle, Elaine EllisonRider, “Enjoying ice cream on a hot day during Vacation Bible School”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “Whitmire’s Colton Evans scores for the JV Wolverines against Newberry Academy.” Judges’ Comments: This shot has it all: Runner about to touch homeplate; frustrated catcher; and the ball just below the catcher’s right hand. All nicely composed.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “Union County quarterback De’Airrius Smith goes flying for one of three touchdowns he scored.”

THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “UCHS’ Cassie Horne charges a bunt.”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “Summer Hutchinson eyes her pitch during Union County Recreation Department Coach Pitch action.” Judges’ Comments: Holding your mouth just the right way is critical to making the bat and ball connect. Nicely done.

SECOND PLACE: News-Chronicle, Debbie Rogers, “BHP baseball players celebrate winning the state championship Saturday at Hartsville.”

THIRD PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “Kady Jean Cathcart eyes her pitch.”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH

OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: Union County News, Pete Cochran, “Griffen Sanders says, ‘It’s coming your way!’ last week during the final games of Miracle

League of Union County’s fall schedule.” Judges’ Comments: Nice moment to catch the person, in a break in the action. Good work.

SECOND PLACE: The Star, North Augusta, T.J. Lundeen, “Two loves: Baseball player with violin”

THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “C.J. Rutledge emerges covered in paint from the Color Run fundraiser at Waccamaw Intermediate School.”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “The flood | Emergency Operations Center” Judges’ Comments: Lots of great faces here. You showed all of the details of what was going on in the command center.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Kennedy’s next step”

THIRD PLACE: The Clinton Chronicle, Vic MacDonald, “The lies and deception end today... (murder trial)”

PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: The News, Michaele Duke, “Swamp lilies thrive in a wet area of Keline Todd’s yard.” Judges’ Comments: Beautiful composition and control of the lighting. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Waiting for sunrise at Pawleys Island, visitors slung their hammock under the pier.”

THIRD PLACE: The People-Sentinel, Laura J. McKenzie, “Undulatus Asperatus”

HUMOROUS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “A child gets in the spirit of the holidays during a concert by students at Coastal Montessori Charter School.” Judges’ Comments: So, did he have a solo or was he just really into the song? I’m torn about cropping in a bit from the right. But it’s a great moment.

SECOND PLACE: Coastal Observer, Tanya Ackerman, “Jeff Washington shows off a carp he found in the ditch by his house after this week’s record-setting rains.”

THIRD PLACE: Coastal Observer, Charles Swenson, “Nate Giltmier wins the fourth-grade Halloween costume contest at Waccamaw Intermediate School by a nose.”

UNDER 4,500 & OVER 4,500

weekly divisions combined

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Stepping up to the plate: The maturing of Fort Mill’s KJ Woods”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent storytelling. It felt just the right length, no wasted inches

SECOND PLACE: The Moultrie News, Frankie Mansfield, “Super Bowl offers hope, Lower-tier prospects find bright future”

THIRD PLACE: The Star, North Augusta, Scott Rodgers, “The Creek is rising: Predators vie for first team title in school history”

HONORABLE MENTION: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Police investigation tied to CFHS wrestling team”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Billy Cannada, “I’ll Never Understand; The Carolina Way; Timed Baseball”

Judges’ Comments: This guy takes a position and has an opinion, as a columnist should. I’d read this writer every week.

SECOND PLACE: Union County News, Brian Whitmore, “Devil pride still alive; We can do better; Title IX gave opportunity”

THIRD PLACE: The Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “A mother’s love knows no bounds; Conway fumbles A.D. job serarch; Basketball can be a weird game”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy, “Cop Killer, Jan. 21; Jail Break, Oct. 7; Making Cents, Oct. 21”

Judges’ Comments: Engaging pages with varied use of artwork & typography.

SECOND PLACE: News and Press, Duane Childers, “Hometown boy makes good…coffee; Peanuts: Historic farm sees future in versatile legume; Arnold Farms A sweet (potato) tradition of excellence”

THIRD PLACE: Daniel Island News, Jan Marvin, “Daniel Island mom teaches kids to not just crack, but create the code, Jan. 8-14; The honeycomb is buzzin’, Oct. 8-14; Holiday Shopping Guide, Dec. 18-24”

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Sweating out the competition, June 11” Judges’ Comments: Of the entries, this one commanded my attention most. Overall, the page drew me in and I wanted to understand more about what I was seeing.

SECOND PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Save a life through early detection of breast cancer, Oct. 8”

THIRD PLACE: Pageland Progressive-Journal, Kimberly Harrington, “A new day in South Carolina, July 14”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “U.S. Team Kicks for the Gold, Oct. 1”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

FIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy, “Captured Mermaid” Judges’ Comments: Really, really nice!

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Scott Suchy, “The Great Writing Machine”

THIRD PLACE: The News, Michaele Duke, “High School Hoop Time”

NEWSPAPER WEBSITE

FIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Staff, MyHorryNews.com Judges’ Comments: Tons of content; accessible; gives several opportunities for reader interaction.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Staff, charlestoncitypaper.com

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Staff, upstatebusinessjournal.com

OVER 4,500 weekly division

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Lake Wylie Pilot, Catherine Muccigrosso, “2 rescued from burning vehicle” Judges’ Comments: News doesn’t always fall into your lap. Real reporters dig for details and sources. This reporter sought out sources and video then pulled together a great story.

SECOND PLACE: The Gazette, Staff, “Goose Creek High coach killed in Emanuel AME Church shooting”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Hate won’t win”

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “Bikefest 2015”

Judges’ Comments: Very thorough reporting on the shooting investigation and the steps taken to avoid a repeat. Great package.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Reece Murphy, “Camp TreeTops: Death of a dream”

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Moped Fatalities”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Sherry Jackson, “What flows beneath: Limits on sewer capacity could call a halt to Greenville’s rapid growth” Judges’ Comments: Good reporting on a tough and complex issue presented in a readable fashion. Good use of graphics.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Eva Moore, Chris Trainor, “Shamed: Free Times Looks Forward and Back at the Two-Decade-Old Corridor of Shame Lawsuit”

THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Dan Cook, Eva Moore, Chris Trainor, Rodney Welch, “After the Charleston Massacre”

HONORABLE MENTION: Greenville Journal, April Morris, “Bus stop: Where are we going?”

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Amanda Harris, “Coping with Alzheimer’s” Judges’ Comments: Well-written series taking a local approach to a feared illness.

SECOND PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “Charlie’s Place”

THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “Surfside Beach crash tax”

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Reece Murphy, “Indian Land”

Judges’ Comments: Getting people to talk on the record is difficult especially when it is on a neighborhood issue. This reporter did the leg work to get the story.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Chris Trainor, “Growth and Development”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Ashley Boncimino, “Workforce & Economic Development”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Ashley Boncimino, “Banking & Finance beat”

Judges’ Comments: The reporter shows a clear understanding and mastery of the banking beat and lets the readers in on her insight and knowledge very gracefully – but without hitting us over the head with it.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Sherry Jackson

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “Local lady meets folks who saved her dad” Judges’ Comments: The writer was able to convey the story from past & present accounts to give a seamless narrative that tugged on the heartstrings. This piece tells the same story from different generations. Great job putting it together!

SECOND PLACE: Daniel Island News, Elizabeth Bush, “Musical gift hits high note for Daniel Island teen”

THIRD PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, August Dittbenner, “A clinic for Teddy bears”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Free Times, Dan Cook, Jordan Lawrence, Chris Trainor, “What Columbia Needs, Vol. 2” Judges’ Comments: I love the idea of asking what’s missing from one’s city. We did a story like that once and it got a great response. This is well done.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Living the Gospel”

THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Thad Moore, “1024 Elmwood: A Look at Columbia’s History Through the Lens of One Address”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “65 years of Conway High’s prettiest”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Paul Bowers, “The Life and Death of Michael D. Oswald, Cop Killer” Judges’ Comments: Great job of piecing together a profile without actually talking to the man. An interesting read.

SECOND PLACE: The Moultrie News, Frankie Mansfield, “Isle of Palms’ Cobert part of legendary Flying Tigers”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, April Morris, “Service & sacrifice: DeWitt Jackson”

HONORABLE MENTION: Greenville Journal, Ashley Boncimino, “The history of CU-ICAR is intertwined with story of Cliff Rosen”

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Robert Timmons, “Concealed weapons on Fort Jackson? Still against Regs”

Judges’ Comments: Tight, concise, informative, good lead, well organized

SECOND PLACE: The Gazette, Rob Gantt, “Hip injuries force former county standout to sidelines”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Margaret Ann Moon”

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “70 years; Flags don’t kill; With freedom comes responsibility”

Judges’ Comments: This was a close contest as the top three were narrowly separated. This entry, to me, was consistently strongest throughout the three-column entry–each one equally effective and interesting.

SECOND PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Chris Haire, “Stavrinakis plays Mother Emanuel card in response to Deerin campaign ad; South Carolina finally exorcises a divisive, anachronistic demon; Emanuel AME shooting: This is now the world we live in”

THIRD PLACE: The Horry Independent, Staff, “Crime News Reporting; Confederate Flag controversy; Seatbelts on School Buses”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Charleston City Paper, Chris Haire, “BK’s Halloween Whopper is a lab-to-table nightmare; With HBO at the helm, ‘Sesame Street’ as we know it is doomed; Review: Zombie thriller ‘The South Will Rise Again’ delivers plenty of scares”

Judges’ Comments: The only entry that actually made me laugh! Well done.

SECOND PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Kenneth Collins Maple, “Unquotable quotes; Devenger Road paranormal investigation; Grandparents Day”

THIRD PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Billy Cannada, “Competitive Kickball; Distracted; Finishing First” HONORABLE MENTION: Myrtle Beach Herald, Betty Moses, “Sautéd or caramelized?; Throwback Thursday; Overhaul’s overdue”

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Horry Independent, Robert Anderson, “Martin doesn’t sleepwalk through win” Judges’ Comments: Reporter took the time to get more than one source for his story. Taking that extra step in a sports story put this article in first place.

SECOND PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Falcons help rivals in feel-good moment”

THIRD PLACE: Fort Mill Times, Mac Banks, “Tomasovich brothers makes history”

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Moultrie News, Frankie Mansfield, “Nick Price kicks cancer with soccer” Judges’ Comments: Good descriptive writing, strong characterization, and just enough detail about the athlete’s illness. Elevates the human interest above the sports-ese (statistics, etc.) so often found in sports features.

SECOND PLACE: The Moultrie News, Frankie Mansfield, “Wando star and fan share basketball bond”

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Lindsay Hickman, “Covering all the Bases; Conway’s G.K. Young battles grim prognosis to become Chanticleers’ top batter”

PAGE ONE DESIGN

PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Moultrie News, Fred Smith, “April 15,; June 3; June 24”

Judges’ Comments: Good use of all the classic rules of newspaper design: Catch attention of readers, move eyes to pix, heads, captions. They read. Also smaller stories grab attention without being overwhelmed with lead story. Very nice work.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “April 16; May 14; Sept. 17”

THIRD PLACE: The Gazette, Krena Lanham, “March 12; April 2; June 25”

HONORABLE MENTION: Myrtle Beach Herald, Betty Moses, “March 27; May 15; Oct. 16”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Whitney Fincannon, “Upstate Business Journal, Dec. 19” Judges’ Comments: Very strong image - single focus - expression on key figure reflects the headline. Very compelling - you want to know more. Personality focused - suspect there were other strong images but this image was very powerful. Striking front cover.

SECOND PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Sept. 17”

THIRD PLACE: The Island News, Hope Falls, “August 20”

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Kristy Adair, “Miller looks to increase community collaboration”

Judges’ Comments: Very clean, uncluttered design with a strong photo. Design’s apparent simplicity makes the page powerful.

SECOND PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Julie Holcombe, “April 1”

THIRD PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Dec. 23”

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Gazette, Krena Lanham, “March 5” Judges’ Comments: Good variety of elements. Clean, well-designed page.

SECOND PLACE: The Gazette, Krena Lanham, “Aug. 27”

THIRD PLACE: Pickens County Courier, Zack Mauldin, “Dec. 3”

HONORABLE MENTION: Daniel Island News, Jan Marvin, “A Powerful Ending to this year’s Family Circle Cup”

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Pickens County Courier, Zack Mauldin, “Honoring our heroes”

Judges’ Comments: A simple but elegant page design, and an impressive variety of images that speak to the emotion of the event.

SECOND PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Action at Jackson: Aug. 6”

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Michael Smith, “Carolina Country Music Festival”

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County, Barbara Ball, “A pair of vehicles plunged into the raging waters Sunday as a 20-foot section of Highway 21 near Lake Elizabeth collapsed under their wheels. The occupants were rescued as the record breaking storm changed the landscape of the Midlands.”

Judges’ Comments: Well-framed documentation of the damage caused by the flooding. Good job.

SECOND PLACE: The Gazette, Rob Gantt, “Isidro Valdez, 17, used his four-wheeler to escort a neighbor to the end of Gleason Drive in Goose Creek. He said flooding was up to his knees on Sunday but had been waist deep earlier.”

THIRD PLACE: Free Times, Thomas Hammond, “The Columbia Canal suffered a 60-foot breach on Oct. 5.”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Myrtle Beach Herald, Tom O’Dare, “Rosewood Estates residents Chris and Terri Pace use a row boat to get around their Socastee neighborhood.”

Judges’ Comments: This scene was repeated all over South Carolina in 2015. This picture is ironic, since it’s made on a beautiful, post-flood day. Good work.

SECOND PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace McBride, “Lt. Stefan Eberhard and officer Roy Phoenix participate in a training exercise inside a vacant building on Fort Jackson.”

THIRD PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Jennifer Stride, “South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley addresses an Army panel during a community listening session Feb. 26 at Shandon Baptist Church.”

FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Two men pray at Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church Monday afternoon. The service honored the victims of the mass shooting inside a Charleston church last week.”

Judges’ Comments: There are lots of entries in the contest from events related to the shootings. This is a very good one. Nicely composed.

SECOND PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Wallace

McBride, “Fourth-grade student Gabriella Mejia competes in C.C. Pinckney’s Elementary School’s annual spelling bee.”

THIRD PLACE: Carolina Gateway, Jessica Britton, “Veronica Marroquin dances at the Indian Land High School prom.”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Press & Standard, Jim Killian, “Stop right there. A Cougar defender stops a Summerville ball carrier.”

Judges’ Comments: Classic example of tackling the ball. Both players have their hands on the ball and there will be some jostling in the pile after the whistle. Really nice moment.

SECOND PLACE: The Colletonian, Jeff Kramer, “War Hawk quarterback, Brian Murdaugh, fights off a defender, in an effort to gain a first down.”

THIRD PLACE: The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County, Ross Burton, “Spring Valley’s Tyjuan Fulton delivers the stiff-arm to Malik Horton.”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: Carolina Forest Chronicle, Lindsay Hickman, “Radford coach and Coastal Carolina coach get into a heated exchange during a game.” Judges’ Comments: Good decision to capture an argument between coaches; don’t think I’ve ever seen that happen. Glad that we can see the umpire rushing in that direction in the background. Great moment.

SECOND PLACE: The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County, Ross Burton, “Mickens Stable After Surgery – Westwood coaches and trainers show grave concern as junior defensive back M.J. Mickens is carted off the field Friday.”

THIRD PLACE: The Press & Standard, Jim Killian, “Rice Festival Cornhole Contest”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: Greenville Journal, Will Crooks, “Father Patrick Tuttle”

Judges’ Comments: A very nice portrait. Good work.

SECOND PLACE: The Press & Standard, Jeff Musgrave, “John Ferguson”

THIRD PLACE: The Greer Citizen, Mandy Ferguson, “Glynn “Zig” Zelger pauses for a moment while working the backstage kitchen.”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Robert Timmons, “Salute to the military”

Judges’ Comments: Like this behind-the-scenes look at putting together a veterans salute at a South Carolina football game. Nice selection of images.

SECOND PLACE: Free Times, Sean Rayford, “Losing Record”

THIRD PLACE: The Fort Jackson Leader, Robert Timmons, “Sweating out the competition”

OVER 4,500 & 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY divisions combined

PICTORIAL

FIRST PLACE: The Greer Citizen, William Buchheit, “A man strolls down Litchfield Beach at sunset following a rainstorm Saturday evening.” Judges’ Comments: Nice, moody feel. Well composed and controlled.

SECOND PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Jones Gap”

THIRD PLACE: Greenville Journal, Cindy Landrum, “Fireworks over Greenville”

HUMOROUS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The News & Reporter, Bill Marion, “Which way does this go?” Judges’ Comments: Good job of scanning the crowd and finding an entertaining photo.

SECOND PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Scott Powell, “Pucker Up”

THIRD PLACE: The Colletonian, Cindy Crosby, “Anne Mathis Thomas and Axle”

LEFT: SECOND PLACE GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, DAILY OVER 45,000: Grace Beahm, The Post and Courier. BOTTOM: THIRD PLACE GENERAL NEWS PHOTO, DAILY OVER 45,000: Paul Zoeller, The Post and Courier

2-3 TIMES

WEEKLY

division

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Max Hrenda, “Car catches fire in wreck: More than 30 treated after car hits Andrews school bus”

Judges’ Comments: A strong narrative; reaches out to several sources; covers all the bases.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Moving out”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Leslie Cantu, Jenna-Ley Harrison, Monica Kreber, “Mayor Berlin G. Myers”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Gaffney Ledger, Tim Gulla, “Ambush”

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffith and Eileen Keithly, “City debates dependent health coverage”

Judges’ Comments: Excellent research and presentation of facts.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “A sense of security”

THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Jim Tatum, “City considering ‘Bailey Bill’ historic preservation incentives”

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

FIRST PLACE: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner, Travis Jenkins, “Landfill fire” Judges’ Comments: Thorough reporting–particularly the second story in the entry where the writer clearly did some legwork. Overall, a very good entry.

SECOND PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Larry Hilliard and Scott Powell, “Same as the old boss”

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, Brian Garner, “Superintendent ouster”

SERIES OF ARTICLES

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Denyse Clark, Nita Brown, Christopher Sardelli and Reece Murphy, “Graduates who inspire” Judges’ Comments: This series was inspirational. There was great attention to detail. Articles flowed nicely and were a fun read. I especially enjoyed Miller’s story. Fantastic job!

SECOND PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Jim Tatum, “Is Kershaw County being left behind?”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Max Hrenda and Clayton Stairs, “Serving the Community”

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Jenna-Ley Harrison, “Dorchester County crime” Judges’ Comments: Coverage goes beyond routine to spotlight important issues. Very assertive coverage.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Lancaster County Cops and Courts”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Reece Murphy, “Cops and Courts”

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli Judges’ Comments: Has a good sense of irony in his writing, and tells people stories well. Is also able to find interesting stories and disclosures for readers in what would otherwise seem to be turnof-screw bureaucracy.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Gregory Summers

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE (TIE): The Hartsville Messenger, Ardie Arvidson, “One cool miracle” Judges’ Comments: Human interest plus informative piece on a new and relatively unknown treatment. Well written.

FIRST PLACE (TIE): The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Twenty years of heartbreak” Judges’ Comments: Emotional story. Shows caring nature of the community that people still remember and work this case

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Gregory A. Summers, “Author retraces explorer’s 1700’s journey through the Carolinas”

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Shootin’ the breeze...under the trees”

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Dr. Paul Hletko found a renewal of purpose in Georgetown 26 years ago”

Judges’ Comments: What I loved about this story, is the writing really gave the reader an inside look into this doctor’s way of thinking. As a reader, I was able to visualize what this doctor had gone through to get to where he wanted to be in life. Great job!

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Author works to help other ‘soul survivors’”

THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Jim Tatum, “The Land of 2 Sands”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Gaffney Ledger, Scott Powell, “Family gets a home for the holidays”

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Monica Kreber, “Remembering Mr. Moody” Judges’ Comments: This is a lovely, moving obituary feature on a long-time high school music teacher. Writer does a nice job weaving together comments from family and former students.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Figuring out life’s equation”

THIRD PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Martin L. Cahn, “A member of the family: Maggie Davis retires after 55 years of working with Joseph dental practice”

HONORABLE MENTION: The Newberry Observer, Patricia M. Edwards, “A vet remembers”

SHORT STORY

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Eileen Keithly, “I put down my reporter’s notebook and still found the story”

Judges’ Comments: Meaningful piece. Reveals just enough of the reporter’s part in the story without making it the main topic.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Denyse Clark, “Owl’s well that ends well”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Leslie Cantu, “Career takes Babington to pitcher’s mound”

COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE AND BEST OF THE BEST: The Easley Progress, Kasie Strickland, “Everyone remembers where they were; When not knowing is the hardest to endure; No gender issues here with my son and his doll”

Judges’ Comments: Personal columns that keep one reading - column on autism was especially well done. Nice work!

SECOND PLACE: The Newberry Observer, Andrew Wigger, “A five year road to here from and now; Time flies in one year; Older parents made me who I am”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Can binge watching be good for you?; Scrambled eggs, with a side of confusion; Movie music moves my life”

HUMOR COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Everyone else is doing it, so I’m also announcing my bid for the presidency; Forget that blue and black dress, because I’m mad and I’m NOT seeing red; News reports sidestep Bigfoot issues” Judges’ Comments: I couldn’t stop laughing at these columns, especially the interview with the Bigfoot freezer man. I’m sure every reporter would love to interview someone that way.

SECOND PLACE: Chronicle-Independent, Jim Tatum, “Take my tent ... please!; A man for all seasons, sort of; More deep thoughts”

THIRD PLACE: The Easley Progress, Kasie Strickland, “Chocolate sprinkles have been officially banned from my house; Abandon all hope, ye who enter here; Time to take down the Michigan State flag”

SPOT SPORTS STORY

FIRST PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Lady Green Wave falls to Gators” Judges’ Comments: Catchy lead and thorough game coverage. You told the story well and kept the reader interesting through a routine piece.

SECOND PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “You can’t stop The Cinco”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Robert Howey, “State-Bound”

SPORTS ENTERPRISE REPORTING

FIRST PLACE: The Newberry Observer, Andrew Wigger, “College ready to begin bidding” Judges’ Comments: Very thorough and interesting. You left no questions unanswered and you kept the readers attention while doing so.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Chris Sokoloski, “Pray and play: FCA spreading the Word, one athlete at a time”

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Size Matters (in prep athletics)”

HONORABLE MENTION: Georgetown Times, Chris Sokoloski, “German exchange student rewriting record book”

SPORTS FEATURE STORY

FIRST PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Rivals and Friends” Judges’ Comments: Interesting feature that showed the bond of two coaches. It was nice to see a feature that concentrated on the sports connection, but was still able to keep the story-telling element. All around, thorough and great article to read.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Woman sets records in powerlifting: Pawleys resident wins title”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Robert Howey, “Brigman brings the hits”

HONORABLE MENTION: Georgetown Times, Chris Sokoloski, “End of an Era”

SPORTS COLUMN WRITING

FIRST PLACE: The News & Reporter, Travis Jenkins, “Double Standards; Hail to the Victor; Don’t underestimate Austin Kerr” Judges’ Comments: The topics of your columns in combination with your great story-telling abilities are what made your columns stand out. You made your points well.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Nick McClary, “Wellness is a marathon, not a sprint; Year-end sports may damage your child’s future; Proper conditioning makes even molasses fast”

THIRD PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Nick Herman, “In 9-10 LL mess, all went wrong that could; Today I can bobble my head in celebration; Slow and steady, but is it enough?”

HONORABLE MENTION: Georgetown Times, Chris Sokoloski, “Hail to the coaches; 1965: A very good year; The week sports didn’t matter”

PAGE ONE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Gregory A. Summers, “Nov. 23; March 11; June 5” Judges’ Comments: Eye-catching photos, graphics and headlines. What I loved about this design is that it gives the reader a lot of information up front without becoming too busy of a layout.

SECOND PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Sandy Schopfer, “May 1; Oct. 30; April 10”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “The Lancaster News, Sept. 9 & Nov. 11; Pageland-Progessive Journal, Oct. 6”

SINGLE PAGE ONE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Krena Lanham and Mark A. Stevens, “July 3” Judges’ Comments: Eye-catching! Good mixture of fonts. Good balance of headlines to text. Clever wraparound of text on steeple.

SECOND PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Sandy Schopfer, “May 1”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Krena Lanham, “Nov. 11”

FEATURE PAGE DESIGN PORTFOLIO

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “May 31; Nov. 1; Nov. 11” Judges’ Comments: These stunning & creative layouts invite readers to dive in! Great mix of text and graphics as well as color and B&W. Well chosen headline fonts; outlining headlines & tilted photos add friendliness to pages. Easy to read captions.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Sandy Schopfer, “Aug. 26; Sept. 9; Sept. 25”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Laura Caskey, “Nov. 26; Dec. 21; March 29”

HONORABLE MENTION: The News & Reporter, Phyllis Lucas, “April 29; May 13; Nov. 11”

SINGLE FEATURE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “May 31”

Judges’ Comments: The juxtaposition of old and new works for me and the film strip adds some movement to the page.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Krena Lanham, Mark A. Stevens and Taylor Griffith, “NOW PLAYING, Class of 2015, Starring Georgetown County Schools”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “Nov. 1”

SINGLE SPORTS PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The News & Reporter, Phyllis Lucas, “Nov. 11”

Judges’ Comments: Page really jumped out at me, which I am sure attracted many readers. The top story photos were placed nicely.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Jane Alford, “March 4”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Linda Anderson, “July 22”

SPOT NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Tim Gulla, “9th Street Fire”

Judges’ Comments: Good eye to spot this unusual picture of a firefighter cooling down hot spots. Well composed. Nice feel to it.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “Spring Street Fire”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Eileen Keithly, “Andrews Police and Fire departments rescue two horses on Cherry Street Oct. 4.”

GENERAL NEWS PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Reece Murphy, “David Adam Pate, left, peers at the camera as his attorney, public defender Mike Lifsey, listens to solicitor Randy Newman present the facts surrounding the October 2013 murder of Rickey W. James. Pate was sentenced to life in prison.” Judges’ Comments: There’s something about this picture that gives me chills. Maybe it’s the look or the tattoos. Good shot.

TOP: THIRD PLACE SPOT

NEWS PHOTO, DAILY OVER 45,000: Matt Walsh, The State.

BOTTOM: THIRD PLACE SPOT NEWS PHOTO, 2-3 TIMES WEEKLY: Eileen Keithly, Georgetown Times

INSIDE PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Krena Lanham, “June 24”

Judges’ Comments: Love this bright, clean, easy to read design. The colors and photos make this community look like a fun place to visit. The use of only three main fonts makes it easy to read. Exactly what a newcomer section should do.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “July 31”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Christopher Sardelli, “Sunday, May 24”

PHOTO PAGE DESIGN

FIRST PLACE: The Lancaster News, Athena Redmond, “Teen Day in LA”

Judges’ Comments: Good variety of photos captures essence of event.

SECOND PLACE: The Lancaster News, Laura Caskey, “LC Moulin Rouge”

THIRD PLACE: The Lancaster News, Jane Alford, “Lighting of the Way”

SECOND PLACE: The Dillon Herald, Betsy Finklea, “Latta World Series Champs celebration”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Jenna-Ley Harrison, “A North Charleston police officer hugs a stranger during the unity chain event Sunday evening on the Ravenel Bridge.”

FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Gaffney Ledger, Scott Powell, “A Blast of Color — Showers of color flow over Gaffney High students Saturday during a color drop before the ‘Color Me Crazy’ run.” Judges’ Comments: There are lots of these events now, but they do make for colorful and interesting action. Well done.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffith, “Rhonda Bryant surprises Gladys Barrineau of Georgetown with a birthday hat at the May 28 Music in the Park.”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Mark A. Stevens, “Beach Buddies”

SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Dillon Herald, Johnnie Daniels, “Dillon-Hartsville Scrimmage Game 4” Judges’ Comments: Good action!

SECOND PLACE: The Dillon Herald, Johnnie Daniels, “Dillon Baseball Lower State”

THIRD PLACE: Laurens County Advertiser, Nick Herman, “FACE OFF — Presbyterian College lacrosse player Taylor Johnson battles to win a draw against Mercer during Friday afternoon’s contest at Old Bailey Stadium in Clinton.”

SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO

FIRST PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Monday evening was frustrating for the Green Wave Nation.”

Judges’ Comments: I hope you ran this really big in the paper. There’s so much to be read in this picture –anger, frustration, dejection. Great range of emotions.

SECOND PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Roger Lee, “Members of the Green Wave softball team cheer for catcher Taylor Belfiore as she rounds the bases after hitting a walk-off homerun Saturday.”

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “Temaris Dixon shows off his wrestling state championship ring after receiving it in a ceremony during Cyclone Fan Fest.”

PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPH OR PORTRAIT

FIRST PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Jenna-Ley Harrison, “Dr. Shirley McGreal, founder and executive director of IPPL, is affectionate with a gibbon named Courtney who was born at the sanctuary as a result of a male gibbon’s failed vasectomy.”

Judges’ Comments: Nice framing of a picture of Dr. McGreal with the gibbon. I wished the gate wasn’t in the way, but the moment was too good to pass up.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “Not too young to fly – The students at Purity Presbyterian Play School recently completed their 100 Days of School projects.”

THIRD PLACE: The News & Reporter, Brian Garner, “Storyteller Lowry in an expressive moment.”

PHOTO SERIES OR PHOTO STORY

FIRST PLACE: The News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “‘Outcast’ films scene in local home”

Judges’ Comments: A nice set of pictures that tells readers more about what shooting a motion picture means. Good shots.

SECOND PLACE: The News & Reporter, Nancy Parsons, “32nd Annual Flopeye Fish Festival”

THIRD PLACE: The Summerville Journal Scene, Leslie Cantu, “Painting the Town”

ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY

FIRST PLACE: Georgetown Times, Eileen Keithly, “Andrews Flooding”

Judges’ Comments: This photo gallery made it clear to me that the photographer went the extra mile to cover the flood for the community. I especially liked the sequence with the horses being rescued. Great job.

SECOND PLACE: Georgetown Times, Chris Sokoloski, “Nick at Night”

THIRD PLACE: Georgetown Times, Max Hrenda, “Dunbar Flooding”

HONORABLE MENTION: Georgetown Times, Taylor Griffith, “Indigo Choral Society”

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