Local Reporter Shellie Murdaugh Wins Two Awards at Annual Press Ceremony

News Summary

Jasper County’s Shellie Murdaugh was honored with two awards at the South Carolina Press Association’s annual meeting, including a first-place award for her poignant feature photo capturing a young boy in a military salute. In addition, she received a third-place award for her impactful articles on the fentanyl crisis, highlighting serious community issues. The Jasper County Sun Times, with Murdaugh’s contributions, achieved notable success with eight awards in total, showcasing the dedication of local journalism in addressing vital issues and celebrating community stories.

Celebration in Jasper: Local Reporter Shines Bright at Annual Press Awards

Jasper County was buzzing with excitement recently as it celebrated the remarkable achievements of one of its own. Shellie Murdaugh, a dedicated reporter for the Jasper County Sun Times, garnered two prestigious awards during the South Carolina Press Association’s annual meeting held in Columbia on April 4.

A Heartwarming Moment Captured

Murdaugh took home the first-place award for a stunning Feature Photo that captured the heartfelt moment of a young boy named Worth Congleton, just 4 years old. In the photograph, Worth donned a replica of his great-grandfather’s U.S. Army uniform, saluting at a veteran’s grave during the Wreaths Across America ceremony at Ridgeland Cemetery back on December 16, 2023. The judges were deeply moved by the image, praising it for its strong message of “honor and continuance.” They described it as “a good and very human capture” that resonates with anyone who sees it.

Illuminating a Serious Issue

third-place award in the All Weekly Division for a series of impactful articles focused on the ongoing crisis surrounding fentanyl. Her pieces shed light on the devastating effects of this opioid on families and communities, showcasing her ability to address complex and serious issues in a way that resonates with readers.

Celebrating Team Success

eight awards from the press association. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of so many talented individuals within the community.

Other Notable Winners

two awards, while the Spartanburg Herald-Journal and Anderson Independent Mail brought home one and three awards respectively. A particularly exciting moment came when Ken Ruinard, a photographer for Anderson Independent Mail, was named South Carolina Photojournalist of the Year for 2024. Ruinard’s body of work throughout the year, characterized by exceptional photography in challenging conditions, impressed the judges and cemented his status as a leader in the field.

Highlighting Local Talent

Sports Feature Photo titled “Agony of Missing the Feet” showcased the intense emotions of a football game between Gaffney and Boiling Springs. In the sports category, Herald-Journal photographer Alex Hicks Jr. earned a second-place award for his Sports Feature Photo work. Ruinard’s excellence didn’t stop there, as he also scored additional accolades, including a second-place win in the photo series category and a second-place finish in the sports action photo category.

Broadening Horizons in Arts

A Strong Year for Local Journalism

As local journalism continues to thrive, highlighting both dedicated reporters and the powerful stories they tell, the future looks bright for aspiring storytellers in Jasper County. These awards serve as a reminder of the importance of community journalism in bringing attention to issues that matter, celebrating triumphs, and preserving cherished memories. Here’s to the local stars and the stories yet to come!

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Additional Resources

• Bluffton Today: Jasper County Sun Times Reporter Wins Two SC Press Association Awards
• Greenville Online: Ken Ruinard Wins SC Press Association Photojournalist of the Year Honor
• Bluffton Today: Jasper County Sun Times Reporters Win SC Press Association Awards
• Greenville Online: Gabe Whisnant Named Executive Editor of Gannett SC Publications
• Savannah Now: Sun Times Wins 4 SC Press Association Awards
• Wikipedia: Journalism
• Google Search: Local Journalism
• Google Scholar: Community Journalism
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Journalism
• Google News: Local Journalism Awards

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