Raleigh – The Cherokee Scout, the primary local news source for Cherokee County since 1889, picked up a total of 12 news and advertising awards during the N.C. Press Association’s 149th annual convention Thursday night at Hilton North Hills.
N.C. Press’ annual contest is one of the largest in the nation, with more than 4,000 entries submitted by 125 newspapers and news organizations. The Scout has been a consistent winner in the contest for more than 20 years.
“It’s always an honor to be recognized by your peers,” Publisher David Brown said of the content, which is judged by other states’ press associations. “And it’s great that everyone on our news team over the time the contest covered were honored.
“But what really makes community journalism rewarding is making an impact in the lives of the people who read the Scout every week. That’s what inspires us to get better every year.”
The Scout competes in Division A of N.C. Press. Here is a list of the local awards.
First place
Newspaper Promotion, Brown and staff, “Your local newspaper hasn’t stopped keeping residents informed.”
Sports News Reporting, Sports Writer Justin Fitzgerald, “A perfect night for Andrews.”
Serious Columns, Brown, for three columns; “Words still matter after Jan. 6,” DSS fiasco will impact for generations” and “Crypto mining and the county’s culture.”
Second place
Sports News Reporting, Fitzgerald, “Perfect 10 – Murphy holds off Northside-Pinetown for 10th state title.”
Special Section, Staff, Celebrating Our Veterans 2020 magazine.
Multimedia Project, Staff Correspondent Abigail Hickman, “A castle in the mountains – Cambrea siblings create magic,” which included both an article and podcast.
Third place
News Feature Writing, Editor Jared Putnam, “Local gets $4M DSS settlement.”
Lighter Columns, Staff Correspondent Anngee Quinones-Belian, for her humor columns.
Editorial Page, Staff, for July 7, July 14 and July 21, 2021.
Beat News Reporting, former assistant editor Penny Ray, “Entire town police force suspended.”
Arts & Entertainment Reporting, Hickman, “Murder & mystery stun large crowd.”
Feature Writing, Hickman, “Local lives of the homeless – Help available behind the scenes.”
The Graham Star, an affiliated newspaper of the Scout, picked up four awards in the contest. For a full list of winners, visit www.ncpress.com.