Some people think I’m good at writing and gave me a bunch of pieces of paper that say so

It’s awards season and I won some stuff from the Nebraska Press Association and the Nebraska Press Women organization. They think I’m good at making words sound nice and believe I know what I’m doing with a camera.

I do not write my articles for the Star-Herald to win awards. While I have assigned beats, I also cover things I think are interesting and/or that the public should be informed on. These include historical pieces and current events. Two of those stories won first place this year at the Nebraska Press Association’s Better Newspapers Contest.

I wrote an article about human trafficking and it won first place for “in-depth writing.” The phrase “there are more slaves today than at any other time in history” has always struck a chord with me. While human trafficking isn’t a huge problem, yet, in Scottsbluff, it does happen. It’s happening in Nebraska. It’s happening in America. I’m pleased the story got some recognition.

I am eternally grateful to Tristen Wecker for being so open about her past and allowing me to tell her story. It also won first place for “feature stories.” I told the story because childhood sexual assault is a big deal. It happens a lot. People still want to sweep it under the carpet and pretend it doesn’t happen. Winning first place means other people get it. Other people understand and recognize the importance of bringing these issues out of the darkness so we can change as a society.

I shared a first place award with Lead Copy Editor Candice Pederson for a photo page of the 2017 total solar eclipse at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. I’ve turned the page into a photo so you can view it below.

I also received nine awards – three first place, four second place, one third place, and one honorable mention – at the Nebraska Press Women organization’s Professional Communications Contest.

This year, there were 200 entries from 22 entrants in 72 categories, the most of any NFPW affiliate. Of those, 58 first place entries have moved on to the national communications contest sponsored by the National Federation of Press Women.

I would have preferred to show the pdf of these articles because I think they have more impact, I have provided the online links so you can at least read them. The headlines are also sometimes changed online, creating confusion for anyone trying to find the story. These are the awards I received:

First place, enterprise reporting, “Good Vibrations” (Part 1 and Part 2). This was my favorite story of the year and I would have been happy if it had been the only winner. From the judge’s comments, “Story invoked admiration rather than sympathy for its subject, Robby Simmons. Good narrative and use of quotes. They keep the reader in the story and pull things along.”

First place, photgrapher-writer, “Awestruck at Agate” You see this page above.

First place, editorial/opinion, “Net Neutrality is Needed.”

Second place, news story, “A Helping Hand.” From the judge, “…your article has great relevance and emotional appeal. And it also brings the public’s attention to the tremendous contributions of these women that our military branches  obviously have ignored. It’s shameful and you know it. Yet, somehow you managed to describe the women’s frustrations and emotions without adding your own to the story. Your choice of quotes was excellent, showing the strength these veterans have drawn from each other.”

Second place, continuing coverage, for following the saga of PenAir. PenAir was a subpar choice for Scottsbluff. They had continued troubles, including constant pilot shortages, which led the Western Nebraska Regional Airport to seek, and receive, permission from the FAA to sever the contract and seek a new airline. although I wrote about a dozen articles of the ongoing saga, I was allowed to submit six of them for consideration.

Second place, feature story, “Stepping up, speaking out.” This story took first place at the NPA contest. From the NPW judge, “Very tough subject well-told. A sensitive look at a very sensitive topic. Glad to see this was on the front page. More stories such as this will help break down stereotypes of sexual abuse victims.” My only gripe is I seem to have had marks against me for the lack of bold face for the subhead, which I have no control over. In the end, it doesn’t matter. People read the story and liked it. Hopefully, it sparked a few conversations as well.

Second place, columns, for “Women’s March inspires millions” and “Making the right call on ethics.” Both columns were considered as one entry. From the judge, “I’ve read seven well-written entries, four of which should be winners….Like some of the Olympians edged out of the Gold by one-hundreth of a second, you are awarded the Silver….But if I had my way, there would have been a tie for first place. Your writing is second to none in this category.”

The judge also went a little off topic stating “I was heartened after reading your Women’s March column. I was surprised to find your strong voice in a red state such as Nebraska, vehemently challenging conservative legislators on issues of women’s rights, human rights, civil rights, LGBT rights, gun control and others right down the line. It was refreshing and hopeful to me to learn that strong newspaper women like you are talking a blue streak in red states.” It’s obvious my columns I entered struck a chord with the judge. All of the things the judge mentioned were from previous columns over the past couple of years and for that I am touched that a stranger wanted to read more of my stuff.

Third place, Photography and Graphics, “Fair Time.”

MacCormick Riesen holds his duck after competing in the 4-H poultry division at the 2017 Scotts Bluff County Fair.

Honorable Mention, History, two articles covering Nebraska’s 150th anniversary. Part 1 and Part 2. From the judge, “the articles you entered were so well done that they could be used as a textbook in Nebraska Classrooms. If I headed the Scottsbluff Public Library, I’d request copies for the section on Nebraska history. You did your research, then translated it into a long, but very readable text. It’s there for posterity and you should take pride in that.”

There were great comments from the judges, even on the entries where I didn’t place, which I liked. I also liked the constructive criticism where I could improve on each entry, including first place. I really like that kind of feedback and will definitely take it all to heart.

I don’t write for awards, but, damn, they sure do feel nice when you win.