Contact: Helen S. Plotkin, 2021 APW Contest Director
haplotkin@outlook.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
APW names winners of 2021 Communications Contest
UALR’s Angelita Faller wins Sweepstakes Award
Arkansas Press Women announced the winners of its annual communications contest at a small, socially-distanced event Saturday afternoon on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Angelita Faller, News Director at UA-Little Rock, took top honors, earning the 2021 Sweepstakes Award. Sweepstakes runners-up were Mary Hightower, Chief Communications Officer, UA System Division of Agriculture; Fred Miller, Science Editor, UA System Division of Agriculture; and Audrey Poff, Publisher, Occasions Publishing Group in Jonesboro.
APW also recognized its 2021 Communicator of Achievement, Tammy Keith of Conway, who retired last year as a senior writer at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Keith will represent Arkansas at the National Federation of Press Women Annual Conference, which was scheduled to be in Arkansas in June. Because of the continuing pandemic, the conference has become a virtual event. NFPW will present its COA award on Saturday evening, June 12.
First-place winners in the APW contest are eligible to compete at the national level, if they are NFPW members. APW has been notified that 21 of its members have placed in the national competition. NFPW’s awards presentation is scheduled on Friday evening, June 11. For more information about the conference or to register visit https://memberclicks.net/conference.
The following individuals received awards in Arkansas Press Women’s 2021 Professional Communications Contest. Winners in the collegiate categories of the contest are also included in this list.
Maria Aguilar, Managing Editor, Threefold Advocate at John Brown University won:
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for “QAnon Explained: The Conspiracy Theory Spreading in Christian Circles”
Terry Austin, Night Design Director, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Newspaper for “Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Page 1A”
Savanna Bader, Student Design Assistant, at Hendrix College won:
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics for “Hendrix College Tuition Reset Postcard”
- Honorable Mention in Graphics and Design > Graphics for “Hendrix Laptop Decor Decal Sheet”
Eric Besson, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “Lives Remembered”
- Co-Entrants: Lisa Hammersly, Ginny Monk, Kat Stromquist, Jeannie Roberts
Bill Bowden, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > History for “Text books slanted”
- Co-entrant: Francisca Jones
- Second Place in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for “Hateful Letter: Black Santas”
- First Place in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for “Black pastor in Harrison”
- Co-entrants: Yutao Chen, Stephen Swofford
Kelly Brant, Food Editor, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Food for “Dumplings, Part 1”
- Co-entrant: John Sykes Jr.
Sally Carroll, Freelance Writer, won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Green/environmental for “View From A Canoe: Cleaning For A Cause”
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for “A Piece of History: Old Winery Sign Adds to Museum”
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 500 words for “Doing What It Takes: Divine Guides Students To Success”
Sean Clancy, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Third Place in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for “Outspoken activist”
Andy Davis, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Third Place in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “Covid coverage”
- Co-entrants: Eric Besson, Joseph Flaherty, Lisa Hammersly, John Moritz, Ginny Monk, Jeannie Roberts, Kat Stromquist, and the Democrat-Gazette Staff.
Stan Denman, Page Designer, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Graphics and Design > Page Design > Newspaper for “Style 2/25/2020”
Angelita Faller, News Director, at University of Arkansas at Little Rock won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for “UA Little Rock Class Shares Unique Educational Experience With Inmates Through Inside Out Program”
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Hobby for “UA Little Rock’s Costume Shop Manager Creates Unique Line of Face Masks”
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > History for “Professor’s Research Leads to Historic Marker for Elaine 12 Member Frank Moore”
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for “Care Team Makes Difference in Lives of UA Little Rock Students in Need”
- Second Place in Writing > Feature Story > Online publication for “Wilkerson Fulfills Dream of Earning College Degree 55 Years After Graduating High School”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Arts and entertainment for “UA Little Rock Professor Receives National Endowment for Humanities Grant to Publish Book on Unpublished Works of Louise Dupin”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Science or technology for “UA Little Rock Researchers Help Identify Covid-19 Misinformation and Myths in New Public Website”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Religion for “UA Little Rock Grad Jason Littleton Details Heroic Life of Arkansas Missionary Pearle McCain”
- First Place in Writing > Publications Regularly Written by Entrant > Newsletter/other publication, non-profit, government, or educational for “UA Little Rock Now”
Lara Farrar, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for “Delta hunger”
- Co-entrant: Stephen Swofford
Joseph Flaherty, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “Little Rock protests”
- Co-entrants: Staton Breidenthal, Rachel Herzog, Thomas Metthe, Ginny Monk, John Moritz, William Sanders, Stephen Simpson, Stephen Swofford, and the Democrat-Gazette Staff.
Amy Forbus, Communications Director, at Hendrix College won:
- Third Place in Writing > Feature Story > Online publication for “‘Well-Being Book Club’ Provides Connection and Life Lessons During Remote Learning”
Lisa Hammersly, Reporter/Projects Editor, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for “107-year-old was center’s star”
Audrey Hanes, Editor, at Occasions Publishing Group won:
- Second Place in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “Leading Jonesboro Through a Pandemic”
Eric Harrison, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for “Wicked review”
Joanna Hayes, student writer, at The Threefold Advocate at John Brown University won:
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > News for “Students Reveal Experiences and Challenges of Quarantine”
Mary Hennigan, Assistant Editor, at Arkansascovid.com won:
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Online publication for “Severe COVID-19 Complications Lead to 26-year-old’s Death, Family Struggles”
Mary Hightower, Chief Communications Officer, at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Continuing Coverage or Unfolding News for “COVID’s economic impact”
- Co-entrant: John Anderson
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for “Laura’s wicked winds twist soybeans, flatten rice, scatter cotton bolls”
- First Place in Writing > Feature Story > Online publication for “Masks can’t hide the laughter, enthusiasm during COVID-time summer camp”
- First Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > Newsletter/other publication – non-profit, government, or educational for “ONE Division – Special Edition”
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > Nonprofit, government or educational for “COVID-19 Recursos en Español”
- Co-entrants: Bianca Hernandez, Keiddy Urrea-Morawicki, Bryan Mader.
- First Place in Communications Programs and Campaigns > Public Service Program or Campaign for “University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture COVID-19 web, social media outreach”
- Co-entrants: Amy Cole, Tracy Courage, Emily Davis, Nick Kordsmeier, Chris Meux, Kim Rowe, Julie Thompson, Oliver Williams
Carrie Hill, Graphic Artist, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics for “Halloween’s happening”
Bob Holt, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for “Eddie Sutton”
Tony Holt, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for “Arkansas Killer Executed”
Cynthia Howell, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for “Class of ’20 Celebrations in jeopardy”
Tammy Keith, Freelance Writer, won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 500 words for “Sister of Eagle Scouts is first girl in state with honor”
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Print-based newspaper for “A tale of two lost, found cats”
- Third Place in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “A ministry of love”
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for “Warming station opens in Conway Sports Center”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Hobby for “Faulkner County women start stitching group”
Nyssa Kruse, Digital Content Manager, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Electronic Newsletter > Corporate or for-profit for “The Article”
- Co-entrant: Maggie McNeary
Courtney Lanning, Editorial Writer, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Editorial/Opinion for “Complicated issue”
Grace Lindquist, The Threefold Advocate News Section Editor, at John Brown University won:
- Second Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Features for “Breast Cancer Awareness Month During Coronavirus”
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Features for “JBU Alumna Appointed to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court”
Philip Martin, Columnist/Reviewer, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Arts and entertainment for “Back to 1979”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for “Lucinda Williams”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Personal essay for “Critical Mass: Bury My Heart turns 50”
Jerry McLeod, style editor, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 500 words for “Bobby Bones”
Maggie McNeary, Senior Online Editor, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Social Media Presence > Corporate or for-profit for “Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Facebook”
- Co-entrant: Democrat-Gazette Online Staff
Tommy Metthe, Staff Photographer, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Photography > Single Photograph > News or feature photo for “Twister damage surveyed in Jonesboro”
- First Place in Photography > Single Photograph > General photo for “Enamored with Rexy”
Debbie Miller, Assistant Professor, at John Brown University won:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Personal essay for “Famous Women You May Not Have Heard Of”
- First Place in Collegiate / Education Faculty Advisor of Student Publication, Station, or Site for “The Threefold Advocate adviser”
Fred Miller, Science Editor, at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture won:
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for “Researchers aim to outsmart waterborne pathogens in hydroponic systems”
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Science or technology for “Research on soybean vein necrosis virus leads to unexpected discovery”
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Green/environmental for “Division of Agriculture entomologist on mission to save Arkansas’ bees”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Physical health for “Research aims to prove childhood health benefits of blueberry extracts”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Agriculture for “Fitbits and AI — technology may help improve quality in chicken meat”
- First Place in Information for the Media > News or Feature Release – Single Release for “Regulations keep take-out food safe from COVID-19, but precautions still important during purchase; hand-washing essential even for those in isolation at home”
Ginny Monk, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for “Children in Peril”
Andrew Moreau, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for “Helena Blues”
- Co-entrant: Staton Breidenthal
Kristin Netterstrom Higgins, Program Associate, at University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture won:
- Honorable Mention in Web and Social Media > Social Media Campaign > Nonprofit, government or educational for “2020 Arkansas Ballot Issue Education Social Media Campaign”
- Co-entrant: Julie Thompson
- Third Place in Web and Social Media > Blog > Nonprofit, government or educational for “Covid-19 and Absentee Voting in Arkansas”
- Third Place in Web and Social Media > Electronic Newsletter > Nonprofit, government, or educational for “Arkansas Ballot Issues News & Notes”
- Second Place in Web and Social Media > Electronic Newsletter > Nonprofit, government, or educational for “Arkansas Ballot Issues News & Notes”
- Second Place in Communications Programs and Campaigns > Public Service Program or Campaign for “2020 Arkansas Ballot Issue Education”
- Second Place in Communications Programs and Campaigns > Public Service Program or Campaign for “Take Time to Care Before You Share – How to Avoid Spreading Misinformation”
- Co-entrant: Molly Hunt
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Blog > Nonprofit, government or educational for “DYK: Arkansas One Of Several States With More Ballot Issue Options”
Catherine Nolte, Executive Editor of The Threefold Advocate at John Brown University won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > In-depth Reporting for “French and Metaxas debate and protest; online harassment”
- Co-entrant: Maria Aguilar
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for “Part of the Kingdom: Documentary sheds light on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ students at Christian universities”
Rob O’Connor, Vice President for Communications at Hendrix College won:
- Second Place in Information for the Media > News or Feature Release – Single Release for “Hendrix College to Lower Tuition by 32%”
Rachel O’Neal, Features editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Third Place in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 500 words for “V.L. Cox”
Brittney Osborn, Art Director at Occasions Publishing Group won:
- Third Place in Graphics and Design > Graphics for “Surviving 2020”
- First Place in Graphics and Design > 2Page Design > Magazine or magapaper for “From the Hearts and Hands of Sun Ridge Farms”
- First Place in Advertising > Single Advertisement for “Smoothie King”
Nathan Owens, Reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for “Risk up on poultry lines”
Michelle Parks, Director of Communications at Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design won:
- Second Place in Writing > Personality Profile > More than 500 words for “Focused on Adaptive Reuse Project in Home State”
- First Place in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “CLT Panels Studied in New Hall”
- First Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > Magazine/Magapaper for “ReView Magazine Winter 2019/2020”
Olivia Paschal, Staff Reporter at Facing South won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > In-depth Reporting for “Poultry & Pandemic: Arkansas Meat Industry Workers During COVID-19”
- Co-entrants: Rachell Sanchez-Smith, Rolando Zenteno
Orry Phillips, Threefold Advocate Sports Editor/Podcaster at John Brown University won:
- First Place in Web and Social Media > Podcast for “The Conversation Ep. 1: David French”
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Opinion/Editorial/Reviews for “Wear a Mask to Save College Sports”
- First Place in Collegiate / Education > Writing > Sports for “Despite Adversity, Soderquist’s ’20 Signing Class Stays Focused”
Audrey Poff, Publisher at Occasions Publishing Group won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Feature Story > Magazine, newsletter/other publication for “Peace, Love and Chalk Art”
- Second Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Publication Regularly Edited by Entrant > Magazine/Magapaper for “Jonesboro Occasions”
- Co-Entrant: Audrey Hanes
- Second Place in Photography > Photographer-writer for “Rebuilding Jonesboro: An Update on Jonesboro’s Recovery Efforts”
- Co-entrant: Lisa Turner
- First Place in Photography > Photographer-writer for “Peace, Love and Chalk Art”
- First Place in Writing > Columns > Humorous for “The Occasions Lady and … A Holiday Dumpster Dive”
- First Place in Writing > News Story > Magazine, newsletter/other print publication for “Faces on the Front Line of the Coronavirus Crisis”
- First Place in Editing for Print or Online Publications > Single Page, Section, or Supplement Edited by Entrant > Magazine/Magapaper for “Rebuilding Jonesboro: An Update on Jonesboro’s Recovery Efforts”
- Co-entrant: Audrey Hanes
Charlotte Purdy, Reporter at the DeWitt Era-Enterprise won:
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for “Where Were You When The Towers Fell?”
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Business for “Local Businesses Depend on Drive Through, Carry out and Curbside Service”
- Honorable Mention in Writing > Specialty Articles > Social issues for “Old Glory”
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > History for “Cataloging History at Arkansas Post National Memorial”
- Third Place in Photography > Photographer-writer for “Arkansas County Night of Hope Hosts Celebrity Waiter Dinner and Silent Auction”
- Third Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Reviews for “U.S. Federal Reserve Acknowledges Coin Shortage: How Will It Affect ARCO?”
- Second Place in Photography > Single Photograph > General photo for “Memorial Day Flags”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Travel for “Explore Your Local National Park While Practicing Social Distancing”
Jeannie Roberts, Reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Third Place in Writing > News Story > Print-based newspaper for “Jonesboro Tornado”
- Co-entrants: Joseph Flaherty, William Sanders, Thomas Metthe
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Obituary for “Charles Portis Obit”
Katy Seiter, Assistant Editor at Arkansascovid won:
- Third Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for “Nursing Home Covid-19 Infection Control Reports Reveal Problems With Patient Care”
Jamie Smith, Owner at Jamie’s Notebook won:
- Honorable Mention in Web and Social Media > Blog > Personal for “What I’ve learned since declaring myself an advocate”
- Honorable Mention in Web and Social Media > Blog > Corporate or for-profit for “6 reasons your nonprofit needs a blog”
- Third Place in Web and Social Media > Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > Nonprofit, government or educational for “Elkins-Area Business Networking Group website”
- Co-entrants: Lynn Francis, Matt Francis
- Second Place in Web and Social Media > Blog > Corporate or for-profit for “Imposter syndrome? Watch Wizard of Oz”
The staff of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Web and Social Media > Website Edited or Managed by Entrant > Corporate or for-profit for “Arkansas Online – Website of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette”
George Stoia, Reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Sports for “Living with grief”
Kat Stromquist, Reporter, at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > In-depth Reporting for “Human Development Centers Investigation”
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for “Student Hunger”
Stephen Swofford, Staff Photographer at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Photography > Single Photograph > News or feature photo for “In LR, rally near Capitol turns violent”
- First Place in Photography > Single Photograph > Sports photo for “Inaugural girls state wrestling tournament”
Emily Walkenhorst, Reporter at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- Second Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Education for “School dilemma”
Helaine Williams, Style Editor at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette won:
- First Place in Writing > Specialty Articles > Style for “Covid couture”