2026 S.C. Press Association Annual Meeting & Awards Program

Columbia

March 5-6, 2026

Working together to strengthen journalism

USC’s College of Information and Communications and The Post and Courier have formed a new partnership. Ten CIC students will intern with The Post and Courier for academic credit and will receive a scholarship. The students will learn about the media and business functions of The Post and Courier broadly. They will also perform work in their specific area of interest. The students will come away from the experience with a portfolio developed with professional guidance.

Nina Brook

Journalism Sequence Head, Scholastic Media Programs Director

College of Information and Communications

Bernie Heller

Publisher and Advertising Director

The Post and Courier Columbia, Free Times

Jordan Lawrence Editor

106 Outlet Pointe Blvd. Columbia, SC 29210 (803) 750-9561 scpress.org

2025 - 2026 Officers

President

Hal Welch TheJournal , Seneca

Vice President, Weeklies

Barbara Ball The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County

Vice President, Dailies

Kyle Osteen The Sumter Item

Treasurer

Jonathan Vickery The People-Sentinel Barnwell

Immediate Past President

Nathaniel Abraham Jr. Carolina Panorama Columbia Executive Committee

John Boyette Aiken Standard

Jason Cato The Post and Courier

Ryan Gilchrest GreenvilleJournal

Rocky Nimmons Pickens County Courier

Co-Executive Directors

Jen Madden

Randall L. Savely

March 5, 2026

Greetings, and welcome back to Columbia for the South Carolina Press Association’s Annual Meeting.

Each year, we gather in celebration of our state’s finest journalists, photographers and the newspapers they represent. In an industry that is constantly evolving sometimes by necessity, sometimes by disruption it is a joy to witness the energy, creativity and determination you continue to bring to this calling.

I am especially encouraged by the number of young professionals receiving recognition this weekend. In your hands, this medium to which I have devoted my life rests well. Will it look the same 25 years from now? Surely not. It shouldn’t. But with your passion, integrity and commitment to truth, you will help shape what it becomes. Hold tightly to that responsibility and to that opportunity.

While you are here, make the most of every workshop and every conversation. Seek out ideas. Ask questions. Share what has worked in your newsroom and be honest about what hasn’t. A tremendous amount of time and effort has gone into bringing us together in one place, so please be sure to thank Jen Madden and Randall Savely for their work in putting this weekend together. These gatherings matter because iron sharpens iron. Use this time to strengthen one another.

Local newspapers remain the heartbeat of many South Carolina communities. In towns large and small, you are often the first draft of history, the keeper of records and the connective tissue that helps neighbors understand one another. Long after headlines fade, the work you do remains a permanent record of the people, challenges and triumphs that shape your communities and ultimately our state.

In a nation as politically divided as ours today, the work you do has never been more important. You are the watchdogs of government and the storytellers for the communities you serve. You attend the meetings others skip. You read the documents others overlook. You sit through the long hearings and ask the uncomfortable questions. What you do matters more than you may ever fully realize.

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

There is a reason we are protected by the First Amendment. Great journalism is not a luxury; it is essential to a free and self-governed people. This is why those who seek absolute power so often attack the media first. The work is not always easy. We are criticized, second-guessed and, at times, insulted. But this weekend we pause to celebrate one another and the vital role we play in making the great state of South Carolina a safer, stronger and more just place to call home.

Thank you for the work you do. Enjoy the weekend, and congratulations to all our award recipients.

Hal Welch

President, South Carolina Press Association

Chief Operating Officer | The Edwards Group Editor & Publisher | The Journal

SCHEDULE | THURSDAY, MARCH 5

2:30 – 4 p.m.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting

SCPA Offices

Opening Reception

Bierkeller | 600 Canalside St., Suite 1009, Columbia, SC 29201

Join us at Columbia's riverfront brewery and biergarten for a casual reception featuring great German beer (wine and other drinks, too), snacks and lots of fun! Come mingle with SCPA's staff, Executive Committee, members and Annual Meeting sponsors!

Dinner on your own

You may wish to stick around Bierkeller for a traditional German dinner and trivia, but check out page 7 for other restaurant and bar recommendations in the Vista!

MEETING INFO

VISIT THE REGISTRATION DESK:

• Pick up a program, your nametag and other goodies!

• Purchase a wooden base for your 2nd and 3rd place certificates. Scan the QR code on page 21 to purchase and pick up at the registration desk.

• Find out where to go... Sessions are in Lexington A/Lexington B and the Awards Celebration Luncheon is in Richland.

• Ask questions about SCPA services like press IDs, SLED Checks, how to sign up for the weekly eBulletin newsletter and more!

IN THE PREFUNCTION AREA:

• Meet our awesome sponsors by visiting their tables!

• Browse the Winners' Exhibit. Can't find your wins? All winners are displayed. Ask an SCPA staff member to help!

• Take photos with your awards. Make sure to tag us!

BEVERAGES:

• Help yourself to coffee and water in Lexington A, the location of our training sessions and business meeting.

• Please join us for a celebratory Happy Hour drink on Friday at 4 p.m. next door at Taco Mundo.

• Special thanks to our beverage sponsor – the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications!

WI-FI:

• Connect to CMCC Guest

• Wait for a pop-up login page (If splash page does not appear, type gateway01.cmcchotspot.com in your web browser.)

• Select General Plan - Free and "Continue"

• You should be connected!

SCHEDULE | FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Friday's events will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, located at 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201.

8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open

Lexington-Richland Prefunction

8:30 - 10:15 a.m. Independent/Family-Owned News Organization Breakfast Roundtable

Lexington B

This ticketed event is the time for key leaders and owners of the Palmetto State’s family-owned and independent newspapers and online news publications to come together to connect, share and learn from each other, as well as discuss the unique business issues that family-run news organizations face. The programming and robust discussions will re-energize you and help you plan for your organization’s future.

10:30 - 10:45 a.m. SCPA Business Meeting & Election of Officers

Lexington A

Join SCPA for a brief update on legal/FOI, membership and financial matters, as well as our election of officers.

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. Counteracting declining trust in news

Lexington A

Trust in news is at a crossroads – but the comeback starts here. Hear Rufus Friday, executive director for the Center for Integrity in News Reporting, deliver an energizing blueprint for how journalists and news organizations can reclaim credibility and win audiences back through fearless objectivity and visible core journalistic values. Rufus Friday, the former publisher of the Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Kentucky, from 2011 to 2018, joined the Center for Integrity in News Reporting as the Executive Director in December 2024. Friday brings decades of experience in publishing and leadership to this vital role. He also previously served as President and Publisher of the Tri-City Herald in Kennewick, Washington, from 2005 to 2011. Friday began his career in circulation at the Raleigh (NC) News & Observer, in 1984, rising to become Vice President of Circulation there from 2003 to 2005. His media career also includes executive leadership roles at newspapers in Montgomery, Alabama; Rockford, Illinois; and Jackson, Tennessee.

The Center for Integrity in News Reporting was created to address the public’s declining trust in news reporting. CFINR aims to improve public trust by encouraging and rewarding impartial, objective and fair journalism. By recognizing exemplary reporting, CFINR hopes to restore the standards that once earned widespread trust.

Noon - 2:30 p.m.

Awards Celebration Banquet & S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame Induction

Richland Ballroom

This ticketed luncheon event will showcase the Palmetto State's commitment to outstanding journalism by honoring 2025 News Contest winners! We will induct our 2026 Hall of Fame recipient, Lee Bandy of The State. Read more about Bandy's contributions to journalism on page 11.

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Counselors Off the Cuff

Lexington A

Following the Awards Banquet, you don't want to miss our annual legal update. Join our panel of media law experts who will offer a no-holds-barred discussion on the legal, First Amendment and open government issues you're facing. Featuring Attorneys Jay Bender, Carl Muller, Eric Robinson and Taylor Smith. Moderated by FOI Chair Richard Whiting.

Following the final sessions, please join us for a Happy Hour drink next door at Taco Mundo. Your first drink is on us!

VISTA RESTAURANTS & BARS

929 KITCHEN & BAR

929 Gervais St., 803-764-3825 929kitchen.com

Modern Korean cuisine

ART BAR

1211 Park St., 803-929-0198 artbarsc.com

Unique late-night bar

BIERKELLER

(Opening Reception)

600 Canalside St., Suite 1009 (803) 338-1599 bierkellercolumbia.com Riverfront German biergarten

BLUE MARLIN

1200 Lincoln St., 803-799-3838 bluemarlincolumbia.com

Casual dining in historic Seaboard Railroad Station

CAVA

831 Gervais St., 803-888-4608 cava.com, Fast Mediterranean

COA Agaveria y Cocina

(Connected to Aloft hotel)

823A Lady St., 803-851-5965 coaagaveria.com

Contemporary upscale Latin cuisine and tequila bar

COLA’S RESTAURANT

1215 Assembly St. 803-771-2353

colasrestaurant.com

Fine dining

DI VINO ROSSO

807 Gervais St. 803-550-9699, divinorossosc.com

Traditional Italian with a local twist

GERVAIS & VINE

620 Gervais St., 803-799-8463

gervaisandvine.com

Mediterranean wine and tapas bar

GRILL MARKS

711 Gervais St., 803-661-8932

grillmarks.com

Gourmet burgers and milkshakes

HICKORY TAVERN

907 Senate St., 803-765-9280

thehickorytavern.com

Casual dining in a lively sports bar

KAMINSKY’S DESSERT CAFE

930 Gervais St., 803-550-9979

kaminskys.com

Desserts, specialty coffees and drinks

TACO MUNDO

(Happy Hour)

828 Gervais St., 803-461-4677

tacomundocantina.com

Tasty tacos, rice bowls and margaritas

LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE

902 Gervais St., 803-254-5100

longhornsteakhouse.com

Steaks, seafood and chicken

M VISTA

701-C Lady St., 803-255-8878

miyos.com, Asian grill

MELLOW MUSHROOM

1009 Gervais St., 803-933-9201 mellowmushroom.com

Pizzas, calzones and salads

MENKOI RAMEN HOUSE

1004 Gervais St., 803-708-1569 menkoiramenhouse.com

Authentic Japanese noodles

MONTERREY

931-B Senate St., 803-765-1465

eatmonterreys.com

Casual Mexican cuisine

MOTOR SUPPLY CO. BISTRO

920 Gervais St., 803-256-6687 motorsupplycobistro.com

Fine dining, menu changes

OLD CHICAGO PIZZA & TAPROOM

802 Gervais St., 803-252-3100

oldchicago.com

Salads, calzones, pizzas and paninis

THE OYSTER BAR

1123 Park St., 803-799-4484 oysterbarcolumbia.com

A true old-fashioned oyster bar

PANERA BREAD

933 Gervais St., 803-799-3060

panerabread.com

Sandwiches, salads and soups

PEARLZ OYSTER BAR

936 Gervais St., 803-661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com

Seafood, raw bar, Lowcountry and regional favorites

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

924-A Senate St., 803-212-6666 ruthschris.com

Serious steaks, sizzling personality

SAKITUMI

807 Gervais St., Suite 103, 803-931-0700, sakifresh.com

Sushi bar, grill and cocktails

SMALLSUGAR

709 Gervais St., 803-722-7506 smallsugarsc.com

Local sandwiches, coffee and pastries

SWEETWATERS COFFEE & TEA

1002 Park St., 803-253-1711

swparkst.com

Coffee, tea and baked goods

THIRSTY FELLOW

621 Gadsden St., 803-799-1311

thirstyfellow.com

Drinks, pizza, sandwiches and salads

THE DRAGON ROOM

803 Gervais St., 803-988-9980 thedragonroomsc.com

Japanese izakaya

THE HOLLOW

823 Gervais St., 803-722-4101 thehollowsc.com (803) 722-4101

Game, vegetables and cocktails.

Guy Reel | May 3, 2025 | Retired Mass Communication Department Chair, Winthrop University

Fran Dodds | June 5, 2025 | Retired ad sales representative, The News & Reporter

Charles Bierbauer | Aug. 31, 2025 | Dean, University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications

David McDougall | Sept. 2, 2025 | Retired crime reporter and web editor, The Post and Courier; Reporter, The News and Courier

Jeff Evans | Sept. 6, 2025 | Publisher and owner, The Island News and Lowcountry Weekly | Executive Committee Member, S.C. Press Association (2025)

Tami Rodgers | Oct. 6, 2025 | Retired publisher, The News, Kingstree

Lisa Willis | Oct. 29, 2025 | Page designer, production manager, ad layout specialist and art director, Free Times

Rob Novit | Nov. 4, 2025 | Former senior writer, Aiken Standard; Former associate editor and reporter, The Press and Standard

Donald “Don” Everett Wilder | Dec. 18, 2025 | Retired CEO, Hometown News; Former publisher, The Union Daily Times

Grace Dukes Livingston | Dec. 29, 2025 | Former society editor, The Times and Democrat | Past President, former S.C. Press Association Women’s Division (1968-1969)

Bishop James Redfern II | Jan. 16, 2026 | Founder, Black On News, Black News, Sumter Black Post, Greenville Black Star, Orangeburg Black Voice, Rock Hill Black Views, Florence Black Star, Charleston Black Times and Carolina Tribune

Casey Jones | Jan. 17, 2026 | Managing editor, My Horry News

Morrell “Morrey” Livingston Thomas III | Jan. 18, 2026 | Retired publisher and owner, News and Press | Past President, S.C. Press Association (2014)

Cathy Elliott | Jan. 21, 2026 | Former editor, News and Press

Jim Parker | Jan. 30, 2026 | Former reporter, The Post and Courier

Timothy “Tim” Kendrick Hicks | Feb. 1, 2026 | Former managing editor, The People-Sentinel; Former journalist, The Herald

HALL OF FAME

The S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame was established in 1973 to recognize and honor men and women who have excelled in their craft and made significant contributions to journalism and their communities. Eighty-three newspaper journalists – from the 1700s to the present – have been chosen by their peers for this recognition. The S.C. Hall of Fame began in 1972 when SCPA President William L. Kinney Jr., of Bennettsville, acting on a suggestion from SecretaryManager Reid H. Montgomery, set in motion activities that led to the establishment of a S.C. Press Association Hall of Fame.

1973: Elizabeth Timothy (-1757) South Carolina Gazette

1973: Francis W. Dawson (1840-1899) The Charleston Mercury; The Charleston News; The News and Courier, Charleston

1974: Narciso G. Gonzales (1858-1903) The State; The News and Courier; Charleston Journal of Commerce

1974: Bony Hampton Peace (1874-1934) Carolina Spartan, Spartanburg; The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont

1974: Peter Timothy (1721-1782) South Carolina Gazette

1974: Aaron Smith Willington (1781-1862) The Charleston Courier

1975: William Watts Ball (1868-1952) The Evening Post; The Greenville News; Laurens Advertiser; The News and Courier; The State

1975: Arthur B. Jordan Sr. (1876-1956) The Dillon Herald

1975: James Rion McKissick (1884-1944)Times-Democrat, Richmond, Va.; The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont

1976: Hubert Graham Osteen (1870-1955) Watchman and Southron, Sumter; Sumter Daily Item

1976: Edward Hope DeCamp (1865-1952) The Gaffney Ledger; The State, Columbia

1977: Arthur M. Manigault (1851-1924) The Evening Post, Charleston

1978: Harold C. Booker Sr. (1888-1960) Spartanburg Herald-Journal; Greenville Piedmont; The Sumter Daily Item; The Columbia Record

1978: Charles Oscar Hearon (1876-1959) The Spartanburg Herald; Herald, Bristol, Va.; Times, Richmond, Va.

1979: Robert Lathan (1881-1937) The News and Courier, Charleston; The State, Columbia; Asheville (NC) Citizen; 1924 Pulitzer Prize Winner

1980: Tom O’Connor (1902-1969) Hampton County Guardian; Allendale County Citizen

1980: Louis W. Cassels (1921-1974) United Press International

1981: Robert Craft Peace (1899-1968) The Greenville News

1981: George A. Buchanan (1898-1976) The Columbia Record; Dean of Journalism, USC

1982: Robert M. Hitt, Jr. (1914-1968) Bamberg Herald; Charleston Evening Post

1982: W.W. Smoak (1877-1947) Press & Standard, Walterboro

1983: Wood Davidson Grist (1865-1925)

Yorkville Enquirer; Atlanta Constitution

1983: Hall Thomas McGee (1889-1963)

Charleston Evening Post; The News and Courier, Charleston

1983: Edmund A. Ramsaur (1925-1976)

The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont

1983: James Loyal Sims (1914-1962)

The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg

1984: James Edward Chaffin (1913-1977)

The Index-Journal, Greenwood

1984: Ambrose E. Gonzales (1857-1926)

The State, Columbia; The News and Courier, Charleston

1984: William E. Gonzales (1866-1937)

The State, Columbia

1985: William R. Bradford Sr. (1874-1957) The Fort Mill Times; The State, Columbia

1985: Elbert Herman Aull (1857-1929)

The Newberry Herald and News

1985: Ernest Allen Cutts (1912-1980)

Charleston Evening Post

1986: Noah Graham Osteen (1843-1936)

The Item, Sumter

1986: Phil Buchheit (1907-1978) Spartanburg Herald-Journal

1986: R. Frank Mundy (1915-1982)

The Index-Journal, Greenwood

1986: Samuel L. Latimer Jr. (1891-1975) The State, Columbia

1986: Harry L. Watson (1876-1956) The Index-Journal, Greenwood

1987: Robert Melvin Hitt (1886-1963) Bamberg Herald

1987: John Kelly Sisk (1913-1980) Greenville News-Piedmont

1987: Wilson William Harris (1889-1955) The Clinton Chronicle

1987: William Light Kinney (1902-1983) Marlboro Herald-Advocate, Bennettsville

1988: Talbot Patrick (1897-1980) Chicago Evening Post; The Goldsboro (NC) News-Argus; The Herald, Rock Hill

1988: Frank Wilmore Sossamon (1887-1979) The Gaffney Ledger

1989: Paul S. League (1920-1978) The Lancaster News

1989: Edward Manigault (1896-1983) Charleston Evening Post

1990: Edd A. Burch (1907-1985) Greer Citizen

1993: Hubert Duvall Osteen (1904-1987) The Item, Sumter

1993: Miles Benjamin McSweeney (1855-1909) The Ninety-Six Guardian; Hampton County Guardian

1995: Thomas Pettigrew Davis (1926-1990) Georgetown Times

1995: James A. Rogers (1905-1990) Florence Morning News

1996: William D. Workman (1914-1990) The News and Courier, Charleston; The Greenville News; The State, Columbia

1998: Joseph F. Smoak (1936-1993) The News and Courier, Charleston; Charleston Evening Post

1998: Marcellus C. Garner (1920-1992) The Sun News, Myrtle Beach; The Myrtle Beach News; The Myrtle Beach Sun; The Field, Conway; The Horry Herald; The Loris Sentinel

1999: Reid H. Montgomery (1909-1993) The State, Columbia; The Item, Sumter; Winthrop College; University of South Carolina; South Carolina Press Association

2002: August Kohn (1868-1930) The News and Courier, Charleston

2002: Annie Laurie Mayer Kinney (1902–1999) Marlboro Herald-Advocate

2003: Annie Howell King (1893-1973) Aiken Standard

2005: William E. Rone (1926-1998) The State, Columbia

2005: Alfred B. Williams (1856-1930) News and Courier, Charleston

2007: Dr. Robert Wilson Gibbes (1809-1866) The South Carolinian

2008: Felix Gregory de Fontaine (1834-1896) Charleston Daily Courier, The South Carolinian; Daily South Carolinian; New York Herald

2009: Robert Quillen (1887-1948) Fountain Inn Tribune

2009: Lewis Brabham (1915-2003) The Keowee Courier; The Bamberg Herald

2010: Henry Timrod (1829-1867) Charleston Mercury

2011: William Gilmore Simms (1806-1870) Charleston City Gazette, Daily South Carolinian, The Phoenix

2011: Charles H. Wickenberg Jr. (1923-2004) The State

2012: Peter Manigault (1927-2004) The News and Courier, Charleston

2012: Benjamin F. Perry (1805-1886) Greenville Mountaineer; Southern Patriot, Greenville

2012: Robert Ashe Pierce (1928-2007) The State, Columbia

2013: Col. Thomas Bissell Crews (1832-1911) The Laurensville Herald, Laurens

2014: John Miller (1744-1807) The South Carolina Gazette and Daily Advertiser

2015: Samuel A. Cothran (1915-2010) Aiken Standard and Review

2015: Wilton E. Hall (1901-1980) Anderson Independent

2016: Henry F. Cauthen Sr. (1901-1977) The State, The Columbia Record, The News & Courier

2018: Lewis Timothy (1699-1738) The South Carolina Gazette

2019: John C. Shurr (1947-2015) S.C. Associated Press Bureau Chief

2020: Ken Burger (1949-2015) The Post and Courier

2021: Dean B. Livingston (1933-2014) The Times and Democrat

2021: John Henry McCray (19101987) Lighthouse and Informer

2023: Scott Beale Hunter (1949-2018) Aiken Standard

2023: Louis C. Sossamon (1921-2019) The Gaffney Ledger

2024: Judith Mundy Burns (19472019) Index-Journal

2025: Hubert Duvall Osteen Jr. (1936-2020) The Sumter Item

2026: Leland Allen Bandy (1935-2013) The State, Columbia

4, 2026

Hall of Fame South Carolina Press Association

Leland Allen Bandy 1935 – 2013 Political Reporter, The State

Lee Bandy, the political reporter who earned the title of dean of the South Carolina press corps, spent 40 years at The State newspaper, including two decades as the chief Washington correspondent for the newspaper covering a S.C. delegation that included such 20th century political figures as U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond, U.S. Sen. Ernest “Fritz” Hollings and U.S. Rep. William Jennings Bryan Dorn.

He was one of the first four inductees into The State-Record Hall of Fame. Bandy was named a South Carolina Press Association Journalist of the Year and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Gov. Mark Sanford in 2007. Along the way, Bandy wrote 3,000 political columns, was inducted into the Gridiron Club and appeared frequently on national television. His retirement was noted in the Congressional Record.

Bandy’s journalistic career coincided with enormous political and social changes in the nation and South Carolina. He had an acute sense of the essential nature and value of local issues emanating from a national base.

He covered the transformation of South Carolina from a conservative white Democratic stronghold to a modern state governed by Republicans who championed economic development and low taxation. Always cognizant of historic forces, he reminded readers of the state’s complicated history and difficult race relations, as well as its strong agrarian tradition and its deep religious roots.

He wrote of the ascendency of the Christian Coalition and other religious right organizations in the late 20th century. Having grown up as a pastor’s son deeply immersed in the evangelical church, Bandy understood evangelical Christians and their motivation for entering the public square. When South Carolina Republicans positioned the state as the first-in-the South GOP primary, Bandy recognized the importance of the state as a political firewall.

From his perch in the U.S. Senate Press Gallery, Bandy covered political campaigns with honesty and candor that earned him grudging respect even among those who were angered by what he wrote. During his career, he crossed

paths with every president and presidential contender since 1968 and was a fixture at all but one presidential nominating convention from 1968 to 2004.

At the time of his passing former South Carolina Democratic Gov. Jim Hodges said: “He was probably the most cussed and discussed reporter in the state, and I say that in a very affectionate way because Lee’s weekly column could make or break a politician’s fortunes, not only inside South Carolina but outside South Carolina. I’m one of those he occasionally said good things about and sometimes he said bad things. There was never anything malicious in Lee’s reporting. It was honest and straightforward. The one thing I always loved about Lee was if he ever concluded that he was wrong, he would change his mind. He was never hesitant to say he was wrong. The trick was he wasn’t wrong a whole lot.”

The late President George H. W. Bush said: “Lee was more than a prodigious and prolific observer of South Carolina politics. For political junkies across America, he was a Palmetto State institution – a widely respected reporter who always had keen insights into events and their impact, but who also had a ‘kinder and gentler’ way of going about his business.”

At the end of his career, one of his colleagues summed him up: “Everybody, including politicians who despised other journalists, trusted Lee Bandy. Why? For the simplest of reasons. He treated everyone with kindness and respect.”

Leland Allen Bandy was born June 5, 1935 in Asheville, N.C., the second of four children of the late Rev. Julian A. and Eunice Bascom Bandy. He was a graduate of Bob Jones University.

Bandy’s family includes his wife of 41 years, Mary Dygert Bandy; son, the late Ryan Leland Bandy; son Michael Lee Bandy and his wife Elizabeth; daughter Alexa Suzanne Bandy Monte and her husband retired Lt. Col. Jeffrey John Monte; and grandchildren Sophia Ann Monte, Nathaniel Leland Monte, Alexander Jose Monte, Cadence Victoria Bandy and Paul Leland Bandy.

ATTENDEES

Seanna Adcox SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC

Randy Akers Georgetown County Georgetown, SC

Laura Allshouse Greenville Journal/ TOWN Magazine Greenville, SC

Briar Alsbrooks

The Manning Times Manning, SC

Kino Ambrister

S.C. Press Association

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Maya Ambuehl

S.C. Press Association

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Barbara Ball The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County Blythewood, SC

Brenda Bancroft North Augusta, SC

Mary Bandy Columbia, SC

Michael Bandy Sterling, VA

Mac Banks Fort Mill Prep Sports Fort Mill, SC

Rebecca Banks Fort Mill Prep Sports Fort Mill, SC

McKenzie Bargeron

S.C. Press Association

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Chloe Barlow Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Kelsey Barlow Koch NP Strategy Columbia, SC

Michele Barr The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

ATTENDEES

Tony Bartelme

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Grace Beahm Alford

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Linda Beattie

The Island News Beaufort, SC

Taylor Beltz Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Jay Bender

S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Nicole Blevins

The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC

Ann Blunt

Summerville Journal Scene Summerville, SC

Christian Boschult

The Post and Courier Spartanburg, SC

John Boyette Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Caleb Bozard Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC

Jack Bradshaw Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Jackie Broach Georgetown County Georgetown, SC

Anna Brown Union County News Union, SC

Bobby Brown Union County News Union, SC

2025-2026 SCPA PRESIDENT

Jim Brown Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC

Judith Brown

Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC

Robert Brown Union County News Union, SC

Andrew Brown

My Horry News Conway, SC

Angela Brown Union County News Union, SC

Faith Brown

My Horry News Conway, SC

PJ Browning

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Patrick Byrne

Tega Cay Sun LLC Tega Cay, SC

Norm Cannada The Journal Seneca, SC

Andrew Carvalho Augusta, GA

ATTENDEE ATTENDEES

Jason Cato The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Mandy Catoe The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Andrew Chodes The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

David Clark

Cherry Road Technologies Bristol, TN

John Clayton Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC

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ATTENDEES

Belinda Cobb Kingstree News Kingstree, SC

Chris Coffee

Tega Cay Sun LLC Tega Cay, SC

Jeffrey Collins Associated Press Columbia, SC

Landry Collins The Dillon Herald Dillon, SC

Bruce Cook Union County News Union, SC

Julie Cook Union County News Union, SC

Ashley Cunningham Dominion Energy Columbia, SC

Larry Davidson The Journal Seneca, SC

Gwinn Davis

Gwinn Davis Media Simpsonville, SC

Sandi Davis

Gwinn Davis Media Simpsonville, SC

Hope Derrick NP Strategy Columbia, SC

Bailey Dunlap GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC

Billy Dunlap GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC

Sydney Dunlap Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Sydney Dunlap GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC

Sazie Eagan My Horry News Conway, SC

ATTENDEES

Bryn Eddy

The Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC

Fadi El Kalash Lexington, SC

Paula Ellis Charleston, SC

Alex Feagin

The Manning Times Manning, SC

Laura Finaldi

The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC

Megan Fitzgerald Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Melissa Foust-McCoy

The Manning Times Manning, SC

Sonja Fox

The Twin City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Herb Frazier

Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC

Sammy Fretwell

The State Columbia, SC

Rufus Friday Center for Integrity in News Reporting Lexington, KY

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter Chester, SC

Jenny Garner

The News & Reporter Chester, SC

Ashley Ghere

The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County Blythewood, SC

Caleb Gilbert

The Journal Seneca, SC

Ryan Gilchrest Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

“To

Congratulations 2025 P resident ’ s C u P for

First Place

The Staff at The Post and Courier

• Feature Section or Magazine: “Best of SC Music Edition 2024”

Top 20 South Carolina albums of 2024

With their first album in a decade, Charleston’s Brave Baby is No. 1 on our list

The Simplicity dress up their raggedly glorious rock ‘n’ roll sound on ‘MONEY’ as our No. 2 pick

Voted third best SC album, Admiral Radio perfects Americana roots in ‘Good Things Take Time’

Our runnerup picks that missed the cut for best SC albums of 2024”

• General Excellence: March 9, 2025 edition

Sept. 23, 2025 edition

• Election and Political Coverage

Second Place

The Staff at The Post and Courier

• Series of Articles: Uncovered: Shining a light on South Carolina corruption and misconduct

• General Excellence: Digital

• Use of Social Media

Individual First Place Winners:

Grace Beahm Alford

Chloe Barlow

Tony Bartelme

Jon Blau

David Cloninger

Kenna Coe

Kailey Cota

Teri Errico Griffis

Chelsea Grinstead

Individual Second Place

Grace Beahm Alford

Macon Atkinson

Kenna Coe

Toby Cox

Jocelyn Grzeszczak

Lisa Justus

Individual Third Place

Grace Beahm Alford

Macon Atkinson

Tony Bartelme

Mitchell Black

Jon Blau

Christian Boschult

Jonah Chester

Kenna Coe

Anna Davis

TO THE S.C. PRESS ASSOCIATION

AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISTS OF

l�t l)ost anb Qrouritr

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE

Winners:

Alford

Jocelyn Grzeszczak

Dave Hale

Conor Hughes

Gavin McIntyre

Kalyn Oyer

Adam Parker

Autumn Phillips

Fred Rindge

Jason Ryan

Place Winners:

Alford

Winners:

Tony Kukulich

Hongyu Liu

John McDermott

Parker Milner

Kalyn Oyer

Cindi Ross Scoppe

John Del’Osso

Ian Grenier

Dave Hale

Scott Hamilton

Conor Hughes

Tony Kukulich

Chris Lavender

Brandon Lockett

Gavin McIntyre

Cindi Ross Scoppe

David Slade

Glenn Smith

Lamaur Stancil

Henry Taylor

Jessica Wade

Andrew J. Whitaker

Max White

Anna Sharpe

Henry Taylor

Jessica Wade

Andrew J. Whitaker

Max White

Robert Scheer

Cindi Ross Scoppe

David Slade

Glenn Smith

Henry Taylor

Andrew J. Whitaker

Anna Wilder

ATTENDEES

Zach Giroux

Mount Pleasant Magazine Mount Pleasant, SC

Kelly Grady Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Michael Graham Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Kayla Green

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Micah Green

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Kyle Griffis Charleston, SC

Teri Griffis

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Dave Hale

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Maxie Haltiwanger Columbia, SC

James Hayes

The News Chronicle Belton, SC

Bernie Heller Post and Courier Columbia Columbia, SC

Grant Hermanns Myrtle Beach, SC

Jessica Holdman SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC

Zac Hooks

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Cary Howard

Bluffton/Hilton Head Sun, Lexington Chronicle and Daniel Island Sumter, SC

Conor Hughes

The Post and Courier Greenville, SC

Elizabeth Hustad Post and Courier North Augusta North Augusta, SC

Julie Hutt

USC College of Information and Communications Columbia, SC

Thomas Hyslip

Tega Cay Sun LLC Tega Cay, SC

Sherry Jackson Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Ashley Jenkins

The News & Reporter Chester, SC

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter / The Lancaster News Chester, SC

Vince Johnson

The Item / Lexington Chronicle / Bluffton Sun / DI News Sumter, SC

Donna Johnston Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Mark Johnston Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Javar Juarez

CUBNSC Columbia, SC

Andrea Kelley

The Journal Seneca, SC

Li Khan

The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC

Tracy Kimball

The Herald Rock Hill, SC

ATTENDEES

Carol King Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Jay King Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Zak Koeske

The State Columbia, SC

Denise Koon S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Skylar Laird

SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC

Chris Lavender Gaffney, SC

Breanna Law GoFountainInn.com Fountain Inn, SC

ATTENDEES

Jordan Lawrence Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

James Lee

The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC

Tim Leible

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Lauren Leibman The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Elsie Logan Columbia, SC

Harry Logan SCPA Foundation President West Columbia, SC

Bill Macchio

Mount Pleasant Magazine Mount Pleasant, SC

Jen Madden S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Jeremi Madden Columbia, SC

Kenton Makin N. Augusta, SC

Alaysha Maple The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Bristow Marchant The State Columbia, SC

SUBSCRIBE

Bill Marion The News & Reporter Chester, SC

John Marks The Herald Rock Hill, SC

Jai Mar-Mar Columbia, SC

Baker Maultsby Herald-Journal Spartanburg, SC

Leigh Ann Maynard The Manning Times Manning, SC

Mike McCombs The Island News Beaufort, SC

Robert Miller

The Journal Seneca, SC

Garrett Mitchell

The Woodruff Times Woodruff, SC

John Monk

The State Columbia, SC

Hollie Moore

SCBiz Charleston, SC

Bianca Moorman Post and Courier North Augusta North Augusta, SC

Jimmy Mount

ATTENDEES

S.C. Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities - Office of Substance Use Services Columbia, SC

Carl Muller

Carl F. Muller Attorney at Law, P.A. Greenville, SC

Denise Nelson

The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County Blythewood, SC

Zoe Nicholson Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC

Bru Nimmons

Pickens County Courier Pickens, SC

Rocky Nimmons

Pickens County Courier Pickens, SC

Ross Norton SCBiz Charleston, SC

Randy Novak

Make it Free Partners Los Angeles, CA

Andrew O’Byrne Leader Publishing Wagener, SC

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ATTENDEES

John Olson Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Linda O’Neil

The Lancaster News / Paxton Media Lancaster, SC

Renee Ortiz

Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Jack Osteen

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Kyle Osteen

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Susan Osteen

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Jack O’Toole

Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC

Kalyn Oyer

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Jacob Phillips

The Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC

Lauren Pierce

The Journal Seneca, SC

Sara Pipa S.C. Press Association

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Abigail Pittman

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Tom Poland Freelance Journalist Columbia, SC

Scott Powell

The Gaffney Ledger Gaffney, SC

Mundy Price Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

CONGRATULATIONS

South Carolina Daily Gazette

Winner of 10 SC Press Association Awards

Editor Seanna Adcox

Skylar Laird

Jessica Holdman

Shaun Chornobroff

David Wren States Newsroom celebrates your fair and fearless reporting.

EMPOWERING SOUTH CAROLINIANS THROUGH NEWS

ATTENDEES

Tom Priddy Herald-Journal Retired Greer, SC

Janel Przybyla The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

Jeannie Putnam Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Tom Reichert College of Information and Communications University of South Carolina

Leisa Richardson Greenville News Greenville, SC

Terri Richardson The Sun News

Myrtle Beach, SC

Daniel Ridgell Greenville, SC

Adrian Robertson My Horry News Conway, SC

Stephen Robertson My Horry News Conway, SC

Eric P. Robinson School of Journalism and Mass Communications University of South Carolina

Tonya Rodgers The Twin City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Aida Rogers Columbia, SC

Parks Rogers School of Journalism and Mass Communications University of South Carolina

Kristi Ross The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC

Janice Ruinard Anderson, SC

Ken Ruinard Anderson Independent Mail Anderson, SC

Leigh Savage TOWN Magazine/Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

ATTENDEES

Randall Savely

S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC

Rhonda Schaub Meriwether Law Columbia, SC

Chris Segal

The State Columbia, SC

Madison Sharrock

Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC

Stephanie Shaver

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Ralph Shealy

The Twin City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Aaron Sheinin WebMD Atlanta, GA

Ken Sherod Professional Printers West Columbia, SC

Bob Simmonds Index-Journal Greenwood, SC

Callie Sims

The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County Blythewood, SC

Emma Slaven

The Daniel Island News Daniel Island, SC

Glenn Smith

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Sean Smith The Journal Seneca, SC

Taylor Smith

S.C. Press Association Meriwether Law

Gina Smith SC Investigates Columbia, SC

Matt Socha Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC

Tiare Solis Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Celebrating

ATTENDEES

Abbie Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger Gaffney, SC

Cody Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger Gaffney, SC

Lamaur Stancil

Post and Courier Rock Hill, SC

Steve Stegelin

Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC

Trey Stewart GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC

Lana Stover Lancaster, SC

Sasha Sweeney

The Bluffton Sun Bluffton, SC

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC

Squeaky Swenson

Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC

Jeff Taylor

The Post and Courier Charleston, SC

Rayna Teague

The Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC

Cissy Terlizzi

The Twin City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Jonathan Vickery

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Patrick Villegas

The Daniel Island News Daniel Island, SC

FREE PRESS FREE PEOPLE

Hannah Wade

The State Columbia, SC

Anna Walker

TOWN Magazine/Greenville Journal Greenville, SC

Sam Walters

The Journal Seneca, SC

Maya Ward

NP Strategy Columbia, SC

Damion Waymer

College of Information and Communications University of South Carolina

Joe Wedra

My Horry News Conway, SC

South Carolina Press, Thank you for keeping us informed and connected.

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Community Assessment

Crisis Management

Event Management

Media Relations

Media Training

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Navigating the Narrative

ATTENDEES

Hal Welch SCPA President The Journal Seneca, SC

Richard Whiting SCPA FOI Chair Greenwood, SC

Wendy Whiting Greenwood, SC

Amanda Wilson Gaffney, SC

Tracy Winslow The Bluffton Sun Bluffton, SC

Barbara Wren Charleston, SC

David Wren SC Daily Gazette Charleston, SC

Michael Wright Copper Dome Strategies Columbia, SC

Nicole Ziege The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach, SC

For

We raise our glasses to You

Thanks for all you do every day to serve the Palmetto State. We're so proud to call you members!

S.C. Press Association

S.C. Newspaper Network

Jen, Randall, Denise, Lacey, Marlene, Taylor, Jay, Michael, Maya, McKenzie, Kino and Sara

NOMINATIONS FOR 2026-27

SCPA OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of officers and Executive Committee members for consideration by the full membership at the 2026 Annual Business Meeting. (All have agreed to serve if elected.)

OFFICERS:

• President: Barbara Ball, The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County

• Vice President – Dailies: Kyle Osteen, The Sumter Item

• Vice President – Weeklies: Jonathan Vickery, The People-Sentinel, Barnwell

• Treasurer: John Boyette, Aiken Standard

• Immediate Past President: Hal Welch, The Journal, Seneca

NEW MEMBERS:

For Executive Committee, daily representatives:

• Mundy Price, Index-Journal, Greenwood

• Leisa Richardson, Greenville News, Herald-Journal and Independent Mail

For Executive Committee, weekly representatives:

• Cris Temples, Charleston City Paper

RETURNING MEMBERS:

For Executive Committee, weekly representatives:

• Ryan Gilchrest, Greenville Journal

• Rocky Nimmons, Pickens County Courier

For Executive Committee, daily representative:

• Jason Cato, The Post and Courier

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Lady Whistledown’sSOCIETY PAPER

EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE, EXTRAORDINARY NEWS

March 6, 2026

Dearest Gentle Reader, It has come to this author's attention that a most distinguished event is gracing the social calendar.

The Ton is abuzz with news of a most inspiring event, a celebration of royal envy – the South Carolina Press Association Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation.

South Carolina Newspaper Network

Indeed, the incomparably talented journalists of the Ton shall be recognized for the vital work they do every day to serve readers, and this author could not be more elated.

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Is anything more exhilarating than honoring those who pick up their quills, cameras and brushes to serve as faithful scribes for society?

Heartiest felicitations are in order for the 2025 News Contest winners. South Carolina journalists are certainly the diamonds of the season.

Yours truly,

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