News Summary
Greenwood recently celebrated a triumphant night at the South Carolina Press Association awards, with local publication Index-Journal winning ten prestigious awards. Highlights included Cameron Adams’ first place in Short Story for a heartfelt narrative about a local football player and Andrew Chodes’ impactful Sports Column reflecting on local healing after Hurricane Helene. The event underscored the importance of local journalism and showcased the dedication of its writers, editors, and photographers in capturing significant community stories.
Greenwood Shines Bright at Statewide Press Awards
What a celebration it was in Columbia! The vibrant city recently played host to the much-anticipated South Carolina Press Association awards ceremony, and Greenwood couldn’t have been prouder. The local champions, the Index-Journal, swept up a stunning total of ten awards at this prestigious statewide contest. That’s right; ten shining honors that underscore the power of local journalism!
A Star Among Us: Cam Adams
Among the talented winners was Cameron Adams, a former gem-off-the-staff at the Index-Journal, who bagged the top spot in the Short Story category for Division C. His award-winning tale brought a spotlight to Damarcus Leach, a dedicated football player from Abbeville High School. Adams delved into how Leach finds solace and stress relief through horseback riding, crafting a heartfelt narrative that resonated with readers.
Sports Columns That Hit Home
Swinging into the spotlight, Andrew Chodes landed the second-place award in the open division for his engaging Sports Column Writing. Chodes penned thoughtful columns reflecting on his recent move to Greenwood, touching on the remarkable healing power of local sports that emerged after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc. He also explored his own encounters with compulsive sports gambling – talk about keeping it real!
All About That Bass
In a delightful twist, Greg K. Deal secured third place in Arts and Entertainment Writing for a feature that resonated with music lovers, titled “All about that bass.” This feature highlighted the unique rhythms and lives of local bass players. Deal also showcased his talent behind the lens, winning third place for a stunning Sports Action Photo.
Covering Tough Stories
No award ceremony is complete without acknowledgment of hard-hitting journalism. St. Claire Donaghy and Renee Ortiz made waves by earning second place in the Reporting In-Depth category for their compelling coverage of the William “Bud” Ackerman murder trial, proving that insightful reporting remains a cornerstone of local media.
Honoring Lives and Legacies
The awards didn’t stop there! Robert Jordan, although no longer with the Index-Journal, received accolades for his impactful writing. He secured second place in the News Feature Writing category for a gripping piece on the anniversary of the Bixby standoff, which tragically resulted in the loss of two lawmen. He also took home another second-place award in the Obituary Story category in Division C, honoring Porsha Griffin who tragically passed away in a tubing accident.
Editorial Expertise Shines
The spirit of inquiry and critical discussion was further demonstrated by retired Executive Editor Richard Whiting. He garnered a second-place award for his editorial and column work focused on freedom of information and open government issues, touching on hot topics like Senator Billy Garrett’s controversial claims on transgender health care and the complexities swirling around Mayor Terrico Holland in Calhoun Falls. Whiting also claimed third place in the E.A. Ramsaur Award category, addressing the glaring hypocrisy among lawmakers and questioning the options voters have when it comes to political candidates.
Recognition for Passionate Journalism
The celebration ended on a high note with Index-Journal Publisher Mundy Price publicly applauding the staff’s dedication and talent. Despite working with limited resources, the team managed to bring home these coveted honors, showcasing the heart and spirit that goes into producing award-winning journalism.
All in all, this awards ceremony served as a reminder of the vitality and importance of local reporting. As native voters and residents, we can take great pride in knowing that right here in Greenwood, stories are being told that matter. Here’s to many more years of impactful journalism and recognition!
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