Annual state newspaper convention convenes in Cheyenne
Posted 1/24/23
CHEYENNE – The 124th annual Wyoming Press Association Convention was held at Little America in Cheyenne Jan. 19-21.
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Local journalist wins awards
Annual state newspaper convention convenes in Cheyenne
Mark DeLap/Guernsey Gazette
The Wyoming Press Association awarded a first place Pacemaker Award to Guernsey Gazette Editor Mark DeLap for his Portrait/Personality photo – “Chipmunk Dance” at the 124th annual Wyoming Press Association Convention in Cheyenne last weekend. In addition, this photo won the sweepstakes photo award for all small weekly newspapers as the top photo.
Posted
CHEYENNE – The 124th annual Wyoming Press Association Convention was held at Little America in Cheyenne Jan. 19-21.
Journalists from around the state of Wyoming came together for the annual event which featured conference speakers and workshops along with the annual major awards for newspapers and individual awards for journalists.
The speakers for the convention included Jesse Eisinger, senior editor and reporter at ProPublica, Richard Brown, a News/Media Alliance Rising Star recipient, Sandra Fish, data journalist specializing in politics, Fred Brown, retired reporter, editor and statehouse bureau chief for the Denver Post, Tom Hallman, Jr., one of the nation’s premiere narrative writers, Tiffany Comer Cook, consultant for the Align Team, Ryan Dohrn, a 30-year media veteran, Dan Haley, former editorial page editor and writer for the Denver Post, Darlena Potter, appointed Ombudsman at Wyoming Records, Aaron Ontiveroz, staff photographer at the Denver Post, Michael Smith, photography business owner, Bruce Moats, specialization of citizen access to government and Beth Potter who is the United State manager for the Journalism Trust Initiative.
Some of the sessions included “managing stress, overwork and burnout” and the world which constantly adjusts. From marketing to writing to photography to graphics, there was a session for each expertise of convention-goers.
Local journalist and editor of both the PC Record-Times and Guernsey Gazette, Mark DeLap, won 10 Pacemaker Awards and ONE Major award for two different newspapers at the convention including: (judges comments included)
Major Award:
Sweepstakes Photo
1. Guernsey Gazette, “Chipmunk Dance”, Mark DeLap - Overall, a difficult category to judge. There were far too many photos without people. The photo of the dancing girls moved to the top because it had a nice moment with good composition and expression that readers can connect to.
Pacemaker Awards:
Platte County Record-Times:
General News Story – First Place Award - "Dialysis may be coming to Wheatland” When the going gets tough, the tough convert an old fellowship hall into a much needed medical facility. The article covers the limitations and benefits of this kind of ad hoc solution, letting the community know that there will be relief and challenges to come.
Agriculture Reporting – Second Place Award – “Three agriculture stories from Platte County” ٠ Engaging feature stories focused on cattle ranchers in Wyoming, particularly those who are experimenting with new opportunities and markets.
Arts-Entertainment-Culture Reporting – Third Place Award (three awards -tied for third place) - "Visiting Charlie's Aunt, "Anastasia acted out in Horse Arena” and “Cool Wnter Jazz" All three articles covered a Wheatland High School Band winter concert and two theater performances of the plays, "Anastasia" and "Charlie's Aunt." The writer went in-depth with coverage about the performances and atmosphere of each production. In each case, due to the Wheatland High School auditorium being under renovation, new venues, including a horse arena, that had to be found and created for Anastasia.
House Ad – Third Place Award – to both Mark DeLap and graphic artist Jessica Oaks. “Local Star in Advertising” Nice touch to use a local high school student in the ad. Excellent representation of community. Very nice.
Guernsey Gazette:
News-Feature Story - Third Place Award – “Ewww Bugs” A good read about a great program! The information was well presented and nicely written.
Portrait/Personality Photo – First Place Award "Chipmunk Dance” Chipmunk dance ...That young lady enjoys life . . .great job showing your readers how much fun she's having.
Sports News Story – Third Place Award - "Wyoming defeats Nebraska in shoot-out" A passionate article that adds emotion to a gamer by highlighting one player's journey through an event he remembers from childhood during what may be the end of an era.
Sports Feature Story – Third Place Award - “Special Olympian comes out of retirement" Everyone loves a good comeback story.
Spot News Photo – Second Place Award - "Picket signs spell out the greed of the BNSF Railroad"
Feature Photo – Third Place Award - "It's a gigantic grasshopper" I love the expression in these children's faces. Nice beat, easy to dance to. I'll give it a third.