The Kansas Press Association handed out its 2018 Awards of Excellence at its annual banquet on Feb. 10, and I’m proud to say The Hays Daily News did rather well, especially the newsroom.

Overall, we had 29 awards, including eight first-place awards. Seven of those were for the newsroom.

While I didn’t get any first-place awards, I did receive six second- and third-place awards. I’m most happy with the two video awards I won, as the Daily Division categories for those were combined. The other video award winners were much larger papers, who are most likely using more than just an iPhone and have staff members dedicated to editing and producing videos. I also won a couple of photo awards, and by no means do I consider myself a photojournalist. I have worked with some excellent ones, so I guess maybe I learned something from them.

Here’s my winning entries.

Second place, Feature Story

DNA test leads woman to father she never knew

One of my favorite stories, not only because of this woman’s emotional journey, but because a reader, who was adopted, contacted me and told me how it helped her find her own birth family.

Judge’s comments:

“This entry is truly deserving of being one of this year’s winners in this Feature Story division. The article gave this reader a heart-felt connection as the story unfolds with meeting her father. When someone has been through many trials in her life, it is pleasant to read such a glorious conclusion.”

 

Second place, Best Story/Picture Combination (with photographer Jolie Green)

Bomber takes veterans on a sentimental journey

This story was fun to write. It was interesting to see the reaction of the veterans, and getting to ride in the nose was a once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Jolie had fantastic photos, and she was the recipient of four other awards, including two first-place finishes.

No judge’s comments.

 

 

 

Second place, Best online video (feature)

Rock the Halls

This was a story where I went in not knowing exactly what to expect. It was also one where I was my own photographer and had use of the office’s DSLR, so I was able to get some decent video.

Judge’s comments:

“This is a fun watch but also tells a story. Good interaction between people and the angles used. Well done.”

Third place, Best Story/Picture Combination

Hernandez goes to market

Another one where I was my own photographer and had use of the DSLR. I’ve worked with Chef Hernandez before, so I was able to go into this already having an idea of what the visuals could be to help tell the story.

No judge’s comments.

 

 

Third place, General News Photo

Data from Sheridan County shows possibility of sustainable use of aquifer

This award is for the A1 photo, and frankly surprised me. Honestly, I didn’t feel like it was that spectacular a photo, but it gave a good idea of the appreciative crowd that turned out to hear the governor and the officials from the state water office.

Judge’s comments:

“This is an interesting angle on a standard meeting photo.”

 

 

Third place, Best Online Video (news)

Hail damage in WaKeeney, Kansas

I’m glad this one was recognized, and I appreciate the judge understanding that small-market media don’t have fancy, expensive equipment but can produce good live reporting. We don’t get a lot of breaking news in my area, but this Facebook live video helped people understand the severity of the storm.

Judge’s comments:

“This entry is an example of good, small market, low-tech, video reporting. The best part is in the middle when the reporter walked around showing damage on the vehicles and giving an informative commentary. She even relayed the story of the vehicle transport truck wrecked on the interstate that she saw as she arrived on the scene. The opening was a bit slow and the viewer couldnt really see all the windows in the motel shattered. Also, at the end the reporter gave her wrap-up while the camera only showed concrete parking lot. But still, overall nice job.”