2011

• Sigma Delta Chi Award, Investigative Reporting, for a three-part series on people living near landfills, "The waste land," "Living on the edge" and "Digging deeper," by Rebekah L. Cowell (Society of Professional Journalists)


• First Place, General News Reporting, "Light my faucet" by Lisa Sorg (North Carolina Press Association)

Judges' comments: "Clear winner. Scientific data clearly explained for general audience. Nice use of charts/breakout boxes."


• First Place, Feature Writing, "A sweet story" by Emily Wallace (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Though this was a long story, the reporter kept my interest. It was an interesting subject that was covered from a variety of angles. Thorough reporting; good writing that doesn't call attention to itself. Very good job."


• First Place, Special Section, "The Triangle's vibrant drinking culture" by Emily Wallace (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "This is a fun special section that goes beyond the usual tired offerings tied to alcohol. I really liked the writing in 'What'll Ya Have?' You really got to know the people. That was so fun to read. I liked the sidebars as well. The design and photos are really attractive, especially the typefaces and design in the restaurant listings. Great job."


• First Place, Arts Criticism, "Yes and Noh," "Welcome to the machine" and "Plugging in" by Byron Woods (NCPA)


• First Place, Niche Publication, "Annual Manual 2011-2012" by staff (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "A very informative guide to the Triangle area. It really made me want to visit this area. Outstanding writing, layout and a clever approach to sharing insider tips on the neighborhoods."


• First Place, Special Section, "Hopscotch Guide" by staff (Association of Alternative Newsweeklies)


• First Place, Arts Feature, "Little Brother breaks up" by Grayson Currin (AAN)


• Second Place, Education Reporting, "Tata's blah-blah," "An open letter to Anthony Tata" and "Color scheme" by Bob Geary (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Aggressive, thorough and well-written. Provides context and color to make points about a newly appointed superintendent."


• Second Place, Investigative Reporting, "The Art Pope empire" by Bob Geary, Samiha Khanna, Chris Kromm and Joe Schwartz (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "A fascinating study of how so much money and power held by one man has shaped the lives of so many people. The public interest was well served by this in-depth investigation."


• Second Place, Photo Page, "On the road with Spiderbags" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Nice use of photos to tell the story. In this case the photos really are the story. Reads like a scrapbook. Makes me want to go along on the next road trip."


• Second Place, Arts Criticism, "The wild east," "Jungle fatigue" and "Angels in America" by Adam Sobsey (NCPA)


• Second Place, News Feature Writing, "Chew on this" by Lisa Sorg (NCPA)


• Second Place, Lighter Columns, "Explosions in the garden," "Good eggs" and "The reason I stopped you" by John Valentine (NCPA)


• Second Place, Appearance and Design, "Feb. 2" and "Feb. 9" issues by staff (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "The Independent takes design chances that work. The visual appeal is striking. 'Last chance dance' was a great design. Loved the calendar."


• Second Place, Illustration, "Dad Rock" by Nathan Golub (AAN)


• Third Place, Arts Criticism, "Chinese artists respond to Three Gorges Dam," "A fascinating, underexplored corner of Modernism at the Nasher" and "Portraiture examined at the Ackland" by Chris Vitiello (AAN)


• Third Place, New Story, Long Form, "N.C. eugenics survivors seek justice" by Lara Torgesen (AAN)

2010

• First Place, Arts & Entertainment Reporting, "Little Brother breaks up" by Grayson Currin (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "A great sprawling piece into the rise and fall of a prolific rap group. The writer catches you from the onset with a great introduction."


• First Place, News Enterprise, "Who's watching the cops?" by Samiha Khanna and Joe Schwartz (NCPA)


• First Place, Profile Writing, "The reincarnation of Bruce Thomas" by Lisa Sorg (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "What stood out about 'The reincarnation of Bruce Thomas' is that when I finished reading this story, I felt like I knew the man."


• First Place, News Feature Writing, "N.C. eugenics survivors seek justice" by Lara Torgesen (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Chilling is the best way to describe this well researched, reported and written news feature. The best journalism gives the reader information about people and issues at the same time."


• First Place, Lighter Columns, "The animals and us," "Biden's bidding," "Positive feedback" by David Klein (NCPA)


• First Place, Appearance and Design (print issue), "Stay inside the lines," "Seeing a black family in the White House" by staff (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "The Independent is well designed, with crisp clear type and good photo placement. Each page is a treat."


• Second Place, Best Video, "The future is electric" by D.L. Anderson (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Enjoyed the creativity in the production and it was an informative piece."


• Second Place, General News Reporting, "Sweepstakes cafes: coming to your low-income neighborhood" by Lisa Sorg and Joe Schwartz (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "The reporters use census data and other sources to put together an in-depth look at a trend sparked by a loophole in state law. They offer a graphic illustration of the issue and then follow up with a story when state lawmakers move to address the issue. An impressive effort."


• Second Place, News Feature Writing, "What rights to undocumented immigrants have when they become crime victims?" by Rebekah L. Cowell (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "More good work from this weekly about an issue in the community many might not be aware of."


• Second Place, Arts & Entertainment Reporting, "The new North Carolina Museum of Art opens up" by Kate Dobbs Ariail (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Well researched and informative with a mix of flare."


• Second Place, Arts Criticism, "A new conversation about Picasso at the Nasher," "Christian Marclay's visions of sound at the Nasher Museum" and "Digital variations on a ubiquitous theme at Rebus Works" by Amy White (AAN)


• Second Place, Innovation/ Format Buster, "Bowerbirds and Megafaun tour America together and tell the tales" by Maria Bilinski Shain, Shayne O'Neill, Nathan Golub, Grayson Currin, and Bryan Reed (AAN)


• Third Place, Feature Photography, "The Thinkers" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "I imagine the photographer jumped for joy the moment he came across this scene."


• Third Place, Criticism, "André Leon Gray adds it up at Flanders Gallery," "The history of a brilliant ad campaign at Duke's Perkins Library," "Plastic CameraWorks 2 at Rebus Works" by Amy White (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "Very sharp art criticism. She relates an exhibit to history to put it into context."


• Honorable Mention, Multimedia, "Bones are beautiful" by D.L. Anderson (AAN)

2009

• Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year, Community Division, D.L. Anderson (NCPA)
  
  This award honors the late Hugh Morton, owner of Grandfather Mountain, but best known for his passion for photography. He helped to start the N.C. Press Photographers Association and the Southern Short Course in News Photography. Morton's pictures appeared in Time, Life and National Geographic, and in countless newspapers. The award recognizes a photographer's body of work for the entire contest year. Judging the portfolio of 10 photographs took into account the content and composition of the photographs, as well as their technical quality and story-telling impact.
  
  Judges' comments: "Anderson has an eye for the unique, a great sense of composition, a technical touch and a natural knack. In a division where every photographer had at least a few standout pictures, Anderson's portfolio was packed."


• First Place, General Excellence Website, www.indyweek.com by staff (NCPA)


• First Place, Best Video, "Bones are beautiful" by D.L. Anderson (NCPA)


• First Place, Online Breaking News, "At UNC, student protesters crash Tom Tancredo's party" by Sam Wardle (NCPA)


• First Place, Arts Criticism, "Reynolds Price revisits his 20s in a new memoir," "Dads at sea [review of The Book of Dads]" and "N.C. State professor Marvin Hunt tells us why Hamlet continues to fascinate through the ages" by Adam Sobsey (NCPA)


• Second Place, Best Use of Interactive Feature, "On The Ballot" by staff (NCPA)


• Second Place, In-Depth Reporting, "High stakes for high-speed Internet" by Fiona Morgan (Best of Statehouse Reporting Awards by Capitolbeat, the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors)


• Second Place, Media Criticism, "Cuts to run deep at N&O;," "The Herald-Sun's nosedive," and "What's Up? More bad news at The N&O;" by Fiona Morgan (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "Good context on the layoffs, and I like the touch of letting readers know where to reach these characters."


• Second Place, Arts Criticism, "Artifacts from the notorious Kipper Kids," "Exhilaration, anxiety and a Golden Age at the Nasher," and "Wootini meets MoMA in a color-theory smackdown" by Amy White (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "White's writing is ambitious and bravetwo qualities that don't always combine in criticism. Her piece on the Spanish art show at Duke University expressed serious opposition to certain curatorial decisions in a way that was forceful without being snide or dismissive."


• Second Place, Music Criticism, "Billy Corgan's bombast was mother's milk," "Pity for Black Kids," and "Lil Wayne canceled his Raleigh date, but you're still sweating his 2007 anyway" by Robbie Mackey (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "Informative, fluid writing that touches not just on the artists, but on the larger solar system they exist inwith an appealing dose of backed-up opinions."


• Third Place, Best Multimedia Project, "Finding faith on Chapel Hill Street" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPA)

Judges' comments: "This 'movie' made with black and white still images by Jeremy Lange is stand-out work and a creative and interesting angle on how change has affected a Durham neighborhood and a look at the different avenues religion takes."

2008

• Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism, "Stolen youth" by Mosi Secret (Casey Journalism Center on Children and Families)
  
  Judges' comments: "This is the strain of journalism that elevates the profession: crusading and authoritative, passionate and clearly told. Secret exposes gaping holes in the investigation and prosecution of a 15-year-old robbery suspect, any number of which would undermine judicial fairness. High-impact coverage of an increasingly common story of miscarried justice."


• First Place, General News Photography, "Finally free" (story link) by D.L. Anderson (N.C. Press Photographers Association)


• First Place, Investigative Reporting: "The two faces of Bo Lozoff" by Matt Saldaa (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Matt got the big interview, looked in all the corners and connected the dots to produce an intriguing story that got results in the community."


• First Place, Arts Criticism, "Durham author David Guy distills a lifetime of work", "The final, unfinished novel of the late, great Larry Brown" and "New Stories From the South: More than Confederates and kudzu" by Adam Sobsey (AAN)


• First Place, Criticism (Visual Art), "There will be blood," "Houses of joy" and "But does it kick a**?" by Amy White (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Insightful writing shows a clear mastery of subject. Good detail with vivid descriptions and clever turns of phrase."


• First Place, News Coverage, Sept. 3, 2008 and Sept. 17, 2008 issues by staff (NCPA)


• Second Place, Green Eyeshade Awards, "Stolen youth" by Mosi Secret (Society of Professional Journalists)


• Second Place, News Enterprise Reporting, "That empty feeling: The Durham Performing Arts Center" by Matt Saldaa (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Thoroughly researched story on a big expensive project that the reporter showed could very well become a white elephant."


• Second Place, Criticism (Film), "Nothing's shocking / Why are the Iraq War movies tanking?," "The long march of time" and "Wrecking the house" by David Fellerath (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Engaging writing and reporting puts individual films into the broader context of movie historyrecent and past."


• Second Place, News Picture Story, "Cpl. Joshua C. Blaney returns home" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPPA)


• Second Place, Sports Picture Story, "Alley cat race" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPPA)


• Third Place, Feature Photography, "Insert politically motivated clich here" by D.L. Anderson (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Rarely captured opportunity. Speaks to viewer emotionally and politically. Nice job!"


• Third Place, Appearance and Design, Jan. 23, 2008 and Jan. 30, 2008 issues by staff (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Very clean; good handling of large amount of information. Well organized."


• Third Place, Special Section, "DISH: Farm to table challenges" by staff and freelance food writers (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "The graphics and pull-out boxes were a great ideasuch a timely topic. Layout is very clean for the amount of info contained in section."


• Third Place, Criticism (Books), "Burning ambition," "Sort-of-good country people" and "Escape from Wobegon?" by Adam Sobsey (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Fun and engaging while offering competent, serious criticism."


• Third Place, Photography, "The Longest Road Home" by Jeremy M. Lange, the funeral of Spc. Steven R. Jewell, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Anbar province (AAN)


• Third Place, Sports Picture Story, "Triangle Rattlers" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPPA)


• Honorable Mention, Election Photography (Multiple), "John Edwards campaigns in South Carolina" by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPPA)

2007

• Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism, "Dreams deferred" by Mosi Secret (Casey Journalism Center on Children and Families)
  
  Judges' comments: "The reporter conveys the complexities involving Derrick Steele's struggles to overcome addictions to find meaningful, legal work through a Durham jobs program. Secret also shows how the program falters through lack of funding and commitment, leaving participants unsteady and on the edge."


• Hugh Morton Photographer of the Year, Community Division, Derek Anderson (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Great use of light. Daring cropping. A clear winner. Intimacy with subjects. Sense of humor comes through. Great job! Keep pushing the envelope."


• First Place, Investigative Reporting, "Stolen youth," a profile of a teenage boy convicted of a crime he probably did not commit, by Mosi Secret (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Powerful story by Mosi Secret casts doubt on the convection of a 15-year-old for robbery. It's obvious that a great deal of preparation went into this work, which has attracted much attention."


• First Place, News Coverage, for a package of stories previewing the N.C. General Assembly's 2007 session, including "The progressive prescription" and "Jones Street scorecard," by Bob Geary, Lisa Sorg and Fiona Morgan (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "A big subject that could overwhelm the reader. It did not because it was divided into several 'bite-sized' elements that set out solutions to the perceived ills of N.C."


• First Place, Feature Photography, "Drink it raw," a feature story about the underground market for raw milk, by Derek Anderson (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Great selection of varied images shot in lovely ambient light. The photos create a strong mood and no repetitive images."


• First Place, Photo Page, "The longest road home," a double-page spread photo essay (and online slideshow) of a soldier's funeral, by Jeremy M. Lange (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Very nice mood and variation to the photos of this event. Nice use of perspective and depth of field. Black and white intensified the emotion."


• First Place, Media Reporting/ Criticism, "Inside The Herald-Sun," "Technobarons of the 21st century," "A tangle of telco laws" by Fiona Morgan (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "Fiona is proof positive of what the common tools of reporting can do when put in the hands of an uncommonly hard worker. Nothing is taken at face value, everything is reported out and then conveyed in clear, precise prose. She does great credit to her profession and her paper." David Carr, media columnist, The New York Times


• Second Place, General News Reporting, for a series of stories exposing the dog-fighting connections of a member of a citizens' committee on dog-tethering, which resulted in her resignation, including "Member of Orange County's chained-dog study panel has ties to dog-fighting" and "Orange dog panel member quits," by Ashley Roberts and Jennifer Strom (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Great dogged (no pun intended) reporting that shows that people will lie to youand you don't have to accept it. Community papers need to be watchdogssorry, not intended againand this one was, and had an impact."


• Second Place, News Feature Writing, "Drink it raw," a feature story about the underground market for raw milk, by Suzanne Nelson (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "The author displays an original voice, which makes an unusual topic important while doing a good job of presenting both sides."


• Second Place, Illustration, "Prince George" by Tyler Bergholz (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "I loved the expressiveness and personality of the illustrations." Stephanie Grace Lim, former features design director, San Jose Mercury News


• Third Place, Appearance and Design, by staff (NCPA)
  
  This entry consisted of two full issues of the paper (Oct. 4 & 11, 2006), judged for "attractiveness and consistency of layout, typography, use of photos, effective headlines and overall impact of the newspaper's appearance."
  
  Judges' comments: "Creative covers. Very easy to read and navigate through the paper."


• Third Place, Arts Criticism, "Bait and switch," "The coming of the Lord," "Profits on a plane" by David Fellerath (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "These reviews are some of the best I've read in recent times. The author's depth of research brings each of the movies to life and provides a detailed context for understanding each of the filmseach review takes on a life of its own but never loses its focus on the movie under scrutiny.... The author's dedication to each of the films enhances his credibility as a critic and storyteller: At times it seems as if the author were part of the movies' creative teams." Art Janik, grant writer for New York City Center, a landmark performing arts center in Manhattan


• Third Place, Website Content Feature, "Me Against Me" by Derek Anderson (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "A really nice job of using audio track and photos to add depth to a print feature." Erin Kissane, editor of AListApart.com, an online magazine for people who make Web sites


• Third Place, Photography, "Central Park South" by Lissa Gotwals (AAN)
  
  Judges' comments: "In my opinion, the best of the bunch. A nice variety of images that captured a mood and gave me a sense of place with visually appealing images." Alicia Calzada, past president of the National Press Photographers Association

2006

• First Place, Feature News Writing, "Dreams deferred" by Mosi Secret (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "So moving, I'm still thinking about it. An incredible amount of effort produced an incredible story. This entry was head and shoulders above the rest. You've taken in-depth writing to a new level. Excellent, excellent news feature."


• First Place, Photography Page, "Central Park South" by Lissa Gotwals (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Stunning photos of everyday life. Texture and contrast are starkly riveting; moving section is beautifully executed."


• Second Place, News Coverage, by staff (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "This large weekly stands out because of strong writing and reporting skills. Well worth wading through to find what you want and need."


• Second Place, Editorials, Richard Hart (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Excellent topic choices. Well researched and convincing arguments."


• Second Place, Arts Criticism, theater reviews, Byron Woods (AAN)


• Second Place, Non-Deadline Reporting, "Growth rules!" by Jennifer Strom (Green Eyeshade Awards / Society of Professional Journalists)


• Third Place, Feature Writing, "The infinite shag" by Chris Toenes (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "Great read. You made the reader feel the beat and hear the music. Keep up the great coverage and descriptive talent with words."


• Third Place, News Feature Writing, "Going South" by Jennifer Strom (NCPA)
  
  Judges' comments: "The unique approach was what hooked me. Way to tell it like it really is. Excellent piece."


• Third Place, News Story, Long Form, "Guards sound alarm over security at nuclear plant" by Sue Sturgis (AAN)


• Third Place, Media Reporting/Criticism, "Paxton may have overpaid for Herald-Sun", "Big cable wants public access denied" and "Rock talk is history at WRDU" by Fiona Morgan (AAN)


• Third Place, Food Column, Wine Beat, by Arturo Ciompi (Association of Food Journalists)


• Honorable Mention (Tie), Column, Derek Jennings (AAN)


• Excellence in Media Award, Byron Woods (Raleigh Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities)

2005

• First Place, Arts Criticism: Film Reviews, Godfrey Cheshire (AAN)
• First Place, Criticism, Byron Woods (NCPA)
• First Place, Arts Criticism, "Persian crack-up", "The prodigal father" and "Of stars and skies" by Godfrey Cheshire (AAN)
• First Place, Investigative Reporting, "Growth rules!" by Jennifer Strom (NCPA)
• Second Place, Criticism, Godfrey Cheshire (NCPA)
• Second Place, Investigative Reporting, "A disaster waiting to happen" by Jon Ellison and Barbara Solow (Green Eyeshade Awards / Society of Professional Journalists)
• Second Place, Photo Illustration, York Wilson (NCPA)
• Second Place, Food News Reporting, "Black Gold" by Besha Rodell (Association of Food Journalists)
• Third Place, Special Section, Staff (NCPA)
• Third Place, Special Section, Annual Manual by Kirk Ross, Grayson Currin, Byron Woods, York Wilson, Liz Holm & Kelly Lodj (AAN)
• Third Place, Column, "Pecking order", "Its about time" and "Going out of style" by Melinda Ruley (AAN)
• Third Place, Sports Photography, Jon Gardiner (NCPA)
• Third Place, Criticism, David Fellerath (NCPA)
• Third Place, Food Column, Arturo Ciompi (Association of Food Journalists)
• Honorable Mention, Music Criticism, "Sabado Gigante at Chino Latino", "Mundo Rico" and "Salsas Son and Lisbon by Night" by Sylvia Pfeiffenberger (AAN)
• Honorable Mention, News Story - Long Form, "The companies he keeps" by Jennifer Strom (AAN)
• Honorable Mention, Media Reporting & Criticism, "A vast left-wing conspiracy? Not quite" and "The Monitor" by Fiona Morgan (AAN)
• North Carolina Media & The Law Award, Fiona Morgan (North Carolina Bar Association)
• Dan Wilkinson WRAL Conservation Communication Award, "Life of a Tomato", Besha Rodell and Sidney Cruze (Sponsored by the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District)

2004

• First Place, News Story, Jon Elliston (AAN)
• First Place, Photo Illustration, "Copywrong" by York Wilson (NCPA)
• First Place, Column, Melinda Ruley (AAN)
• First Place, Investigative Reporting, "Deep Trouble" by Jennifer Strom (AAN)
• First Place, Appearance & Design, Staff (NCPA)
• First Place, Food Column, Arturo Ciompi (Association of Food Journalists)
• Second Place, Feature Writing, "Paper mommies and friendly lawsuits" by Fiona Morgan (NCPA)
• Second Place, Editorial Layout, "Against the Odds" by Liz Holm & M.J. Sharp (AAN)
• Second Place, Use of Photographs, Staff (NCPA)
• Third Place, Feature Photography, Lissa Gotwals (NCPA)
• Third Place, News Enterprise Reporting, "Academia under siege" by Barbara Solow & Cat Warren (NCPA)
• Third Place, Editorials, Kirk Ross (NCPA)

2003

• First Place, Profile Feature, Fiona Morgan (NCPA)
• First Place, Photo Illustration, Alex Maness (NCPA)
• First Place, Business, "Blue Notes" by Barbara Solow (AAN)
• First Place, Investigative Reporting, "Deep Trouble" by Jennifer Strom (NCPA)
• Third Place, Editorials, Richard Hart (NCPA)

2002

• Excellence in Media, "An Ounce of Prevention" by Barbara Solow (North Carolina Prevention Partners)
• Outstanding Achievement in Removing Attitudinal Barriers Through Public Education About People with Disabilities (Triangle Access Award / Universal Disability Advocates)

2001

• First Place, Arts Criticism, Godfrey Cheshire (AAN)
• The Business and Industry Award, Progressive Journalism that Promotes Racial and Cultural Harmony in the Greater Durham Community (Durham Human Relations Commission)