By TYLER GREEN
Daily Press Staff Writer
On the drive home from the New Mexico Press Association 2011 Better Newspaper Awards banquet in Albuquerque this weekend I had time to ask myself what it means to bring home 10 awards.
Initially, I thought about my awards and how much work I put into my articles and photos but I eventually came to the conclusion – as I am certain most award winners do – that these awards are not just my awards; these awards belong to the entire Artesia Daily Press staff, the Artesia community and the citizens of Eddy County.
It requires a tremendous amount of work and coordination to publish a daily newspaper and every time I hear the press run it feels like we accomplished a tiny miracle.
There are no shortage of days when we are frantically trying to meet our deadline; anything can and does happen. Printers fail, phone calls are not returned and pictures go missing.
Sometimes it is all you can do to just “put a period” on a story.
As ADP ad sales representative Robin Dunnavant says, “It’s not a job, it’s an adventure.”
I imagine there are few careers that compare to journalism. What other job requires you to stand on the sidelines, question a CEO or have dinner with the governor?
While it might sound like an adventure, to me it is a huge responsibility to inform and entertain our readers. That is why I feel especially proud for the Daily Press to receive the Best of Show award for outstanding newspaper work during the year 2010-2011 in the category of Daily Newspapers Class III.
I would like to thank the entire community for helping us become an outstanding newspaper. Thank you for all the returned phone calls, the story leads, the submitted stories and photos and all your general support. In addition, thank you to the entire Daily Press staff for your continued dedication and work.
Artesia Daily Press 2011 Better Newspaper Awards:
Best of Show
Daily Newspapers Class III
Artesia Daily Press
This award is given to the newspaper which receives the most awards.
News Writing
Second Place
Tyler Green
“Blue Ribbon Commission concludes county visit”
Comments: In-depth coverage of an important subject, well organized into sections.
Columns
First Place
Ashley Trujillo
“Violent crime vexing”
Feature Writing
First Place
Tyler Green
A collection of stories.
Comments: A well-written enjoyable collection of stories about topics ranging from the effects of wildfires on recreation areas to a profile of a new local business leader.
Sports Writing
First Place
Brienne Green
“Dog eat Dawg”
Comments: The writer delivers passion and tells the story of the game – what it means, the emotions, the big picture – without getting bogged down in stats. Good job of storytelling.
General News Photo
First Place
Tyler Green
“Tangle of twisted metal after 34 cars derail”
Comments: Wrecked cars provide sound and sense of metal fall-out.
Feature Photo
Second Place
Tyler Green
“Devine bovine”
Comments: Really nice photo – stunning in color. I love the framing. Very tough choice between first and second place.
Sports Photo
Second Place
Tyler Green
“Bulldogs take title No. 27”
Comments: Photo manages to capture triumph and defeat in a clear way, unusual angle works well.
Photo Series
First Place
Tyler Green
“20th annual Indian Country Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Service”
Comments: Photo series with positioned angles that followed a story telling flow.
Supplements & Special Sections
Second Place
Brienne Green
“New Mexico Class 4A State Championship”
Comments: Loved the contrast of the front cover and back page. Excellent.
