WORKING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN JOURNALISM
USC’s College of Information and Communications and The Post and Courier have formed a new partnership. Ten CIC students will intern with The Post and Courier for academic credit and will receive a scholarship. The students will learn about the media and business functions of The Post and Courier broadly. They will also perform work in their speci c area of interest. The students will come away from the experience with a portfolio developed with professional guidance.
Nina Brook
Journalism Sequence Head, Scholastic Media Programs Director, College of Information and Communications
Jimmy Nesbitt
Columbia Editor, The Post and Courier
LAUNCHING FALL 2025
10 Internships at The Post and Courier
Interns receive a $1,500 scholarship
Open to all CIC Majors
Bernie Heller Publisher and Advertising Director, The Post and Courier
Internships available in multiple departments
Thanks for all you do to serve your community and our state!
ALWAYS proud of you!
Your Press Association Staff –
Jen, Randall, Sharon, Lacey, Marlene, Taylor, Jay, Ray, Mae, Emmy, McKenzie & Maya
SCHEDULE | THURSDAY, APRIL 3
3 – 4:30 p.m.
5:30– 7:30 p.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
SCPA Offices
Opening Reception
Bierkeller | 600 Canalside St., Suite 1009, Columbia, SC 29201
Join us at Columbia's riverfront brewery and biergarten for a casual reception featuring great German beer (wine and other drinks, too), snacks and lots of fun! Come mingle with SCPA's staff, Executive Committee, members and Annual Meeting sponsors!
Dinner on your own
You may wish to stick around Bierkeller for a traditional German dinner, but check out page 7 for other restaurant and bar recommendations in the Vista!
Friday's events will be held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, located at 1101 Lincoln St., Columbia, SC 29201.
MEETING INFO
VISIT
THE REGISTRATION DESK:
• Pick up a program, your nametag and other goodies!
• Purchase a wooden base for your 2nd and 3rd place certificates. Scan the QR code on page 17 to purchase and pick up at the registration desk.
• Find out where to go... Sessions are in Lexington A/Lexington B and the Awards Celebration Luncheon is in Richland.
• Ask questions about SCPA services like press IDs, SLED Checks, how to sign up for the weekly eBulletin newsletter and more!
IN THE PREFUNCTION AREA:
• Meet our awesome sponsors by visiting their tables!
• Browse the Winners' Exhibit. Can't find your wins? All winners are displayed. Ask an SCPA staff member to help!
• Take photos with your awards. Make sure to tag us!
BEVERAGES:
• Help yourself to coffee and water in Lexington A, the location of our training sessions and business meeting.
• Please join us for a celebratory Happy Hour drink on Friday at 4 p.m. next door at Taco Mundo.
• Special thanks to our beverage sponsor – the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications!
WI-FI:
• Connect to CMCC Guest
• Wait for a pop-up login page (If splash page does not appear, type gateway01.cmcchotspot.com in your web browser.)
• Select General Plan - Free and "Continue"
• You should be connected
SCHEDULE | FRIDAY, APRIL 4
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open
Lexington-Richland Prefunction
8:30 - 10:30 a.m. Independent/Family-Owned Newspaper Breakfast Roundtable
Lexington B
This ticketed event is the time for key leaders and owners of the Palmetto State’s family-owned and independent newspapers and online news publications to come together to connect, share and learn from each other, as well as discuss the unique business issues that family-run news organizations face. The programming and robust discussions will re-energize you and help you plan for your organization’s future.
10:45 - 11 a.m. SCPA Business Meeting & Election of Officers
Lexington A
Join SCPA for a brief update on legal/FOI, membership and financial matters, as well as our election of officers.
11 - 11:45 a.m. Practical AI to Power Your Newsroom
Lexington A
Gina Smith of SC Investigates will present easy-to-use AI tools that anyone at any size newsroom can use and understand. Reporters and editors are encouraged to attend this session to learn how to utilize AI to analyze data and research, organize notes and make your life easier. Gina will discuss the ethics of AI and how to use it responsibly and carefully. No coding knowledge needed!
Gina Smith is the director of SC Investigates and editor of McClatchy’s SC Projects Team, which includes The State, The Island Packet and The Sun News. She’s a 24-year veteran of journalism best known for catching then-Gov. Mark Sanford in the Atlanta airport in 2009 when he was supposedly hiking the Appalachian Trail. Gina is currently a Nieman Foundation Fellow studying at Harvard University. She also serves on the Executive Committee of the S.C. Press Association.
Noon - 2:30 p.m.
Awards Celebration Banquet S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame Induction
Richland Ballroom
This ticketed luncheon event will showcase the Palmetto State's commitment to outstanding journalism by honoring 2024 News Contest winners! We will induct our 2025 Hall of Fame recipient, Hubert Duvall Osteen Jr. of The Sumter Item
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Counselors Off the Cuff
Lexington A
Following the Awards Banquet, you don't want to miss our annual legal update. Join our panel of media law experts who will offer a no-holds-barred discussion on the legal, First Amendment and open government issues you're facing. Featuring Attorneys Jay Bender, Eric Robinson and Taylor Smith. Moderated by FOI Chair Richard Whiting.
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Early Career Journalists Planning Session
Lexington B
SCPA has launched a group for early career journalists (targeted at members with 10 or less years of experience) to connect and collaborate. Our early career community will host networking events, virtual and in-person training, develop resources and offer a safe space for early career journalists to get connected with fellow members and give back to the profession through volunteer efforts. If you'd like to get involved with this group, please attend this planning session.
Following the final sessions, please join us for a Happy Hour drink next door at Taco Mundo. Your first drink is on us!
Smith
Bender Smith
Robinson
929 KITCHEN & BAR
929 Gervais St., 803-764-3825, 929kitchen.com
Modern Korean cuisine
ART BAR
1211 Park St., 803-929-0198 artbarsc.com
Unique late-night bar
BIERKELLER
(Opening Reception)
600 Canalside St., Suite 1009 (803) 338-1599 bierkellercolumbia.com
Riverfront German biergarten
BLUE MARLIN
1200 Lincoln St., 803-799-3838 bluemarlincolumbia.com
Casual dining in historic Seaboard Railroad Station
BOKU KITCHEN AND SALOON
916 Gervais St., 803-708-5877
bokukitchenandsaloon.com
Asian and ramen restaurant
CAVA
831 Gervais St., 803-888-4608 cava.com, Fast Mediterranean
COA Agaveria y Cocina (Connected to Aloft hotel)
823A Lady St., 803-851-5965 coaagaveria.com
Contemporary upscale Latin cuisine and tequila bar
COLA’S RESTAURANT
1215 Assembly St. 803-771-2353
colasrestaurant.com
Fine dining
COLUMBIA CRAFT BREWING
520 Greene St., 803-799-6027
columbiacraft.com
Independently owned brewery
VISTA RESTAURANTS & BARS
DI VINO ROSSO
807 Gervais St. 803-550-9699, divinorossosc.com
Traditional Italian with a local twist
GERVAIS & VINE
620 Gervais St., 803-799-8463
gervaisandvine.com
Mediterranean wine and tapas bar
GRILL MARKS
711 Gervais St., 803-661-8932
grillmarks.com
Gourmet burgers and milkshakes
HICKORY TAVERN
907 Senate St., 803-765-9280
thehickorytavern.com
Casual dining in a lively sports bar
KAMINSKY’S DESSERT CAFE
930 Gervais St., 803-550-9979 kaminskys.com
Desserts, specialty coffees and drinks
TACO MUNDO
(Happy Hour)
828 Gervais St., 803-461-4677 tacomundocantina.com
Tasty tacos, rice bowls and margaritas
LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
902 Gervais St., 803-254-5100 longhornsteakhouse.com
Steaks, seafood and chicken
M VISTA
701-C Lady St., 803-255-8878
miyos.com, Asian grill
MELLOW MUSHROOM
1009 Gervais St., 803-933-9201 mellowmushroom.com
Pizzas, calzones and salads
MENKOI RAMEN HOUSE
1004 Gervais St., 803-708-1569 menkoiramenhouse.com
Authentic Japanese noodles
MONTERREY
931-B Senate St., 803-765-1465 eatmonterreys.com
Casual Mexican cuisine
MOTOR SUPPLY CO. BISTRO
920 Gervais St., 803-256-6687 motorsupplycobistro.com
Fine dining, menu changes
OLD CHICAGO PIZZA & TAPROOM
802 Gervais St., 803-252-3100 oldchicago.com
Salads, calzones, pizzas and paninis
THE OYSTER BAR
1123 Park St., 803-799-4484 oysterbarcolumbia.com
A true old-fashioned oyster bar
PANERA BREAD
933 Gervais St., 803-799-3060 panerabread.com
Sandwiches, salads and soups
PEARLZ OYSTER BAR
936 Gervais St., 803-661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com
Seafood, raw bar, Lowcountry and regional favorites
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE
924-A Senate St., 803-212-6666 ruthschris.com
Serious steaks, sizzling personality
SAKITUMI
807 Gervais St., Suite 103, 803-931-0700, sakifresh.com
Sushi bar, grill and cocktails
SMALLSUGAR
709 Gervais St., 803-722-7506 smallsugarsc.com
Local sandwiches, coffee and pastries
SWEETWATERS COFFEE & TEA
1002 Park St., 803-253-1711 swparkst.com
Coffee, tea and baked goods
THIRSTY FELLOW
621 Gadsden St., 803-799-1311 thirstyfellow.com
Drinks, pizza, sandwiches and salads
THE DRAGON ROOM
803 Gervais St., 803-988-9980 thedragonroomsc.com
Japanese izakaya
THE HOLLOW
823 Gervais St., 803-722-4101 thehollowsc.com (803) 722-4101
Game, vegetables and cocktails.
In memory of those we’ve lost over the past year:
Brian LaPeter | Feb. 8, 2024 | Former photographer, The Island Packet
James McLaurin | March 15, 2024 | Retired sports journalist, The State
Fred Foster | April 8, 2024 | Retired president and publisher, Anderson Independent Mail | Past President, S.C. Press Association | Former S.C. Press Association Foundation Board Member
Les Duggins | April 23, 2024 | Former photo editor, Herald-Journal
James Caroll "Jimmy" Glenn | May 11, 2024 | Retired, The Post and Courier | Formerly worked at The People-Sentinel and The Baptist Courier
James E. Wilson III | May 30, 2024 | Reporter and photographer, Bamberg County Leader | Formerly worked at The Advertizer Herald
Bonnie Calhoun Williams | August 23, 2024 | Retired Editorial Page Editor, Anderson Independent Mail
Sarah Yelena Haselhorst | Oct. 5, 2024 | Reporter, The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette
Jim Hoagland | Nov. 4, 2024 | Former sports writer, The State and Columbia Record
Gloria Fair | Jan. 8, 2025 | Former news editor, Herald-Journal
Nathalie Dupree | Jan. 13, 2025 | Former recipe columnist, The Post and Courier
Millie Scott | Feb. 8, 2025 | Retired ad manager, cooking columnist, Lee County Observer
Dan Branyon | Feb. 27, 2025 | Retired publisher and founder, The Observer, Ware Shoals | Former Sports Editor, Laurens County Advertiser
Jennifer Spears | March 13, 2025 | Retired production manager, The Times and Democrat | Former clerk and typesetter, The Greenville News
HALL OF FAME
The S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame was established in 1973 to recognize and honor men and women who have excelled in their craft and made significant contributions to journalism and their communities. Eighty-one newspaper journalists – from the 1700s to the present – have been chosen by their peers for this recognition. The S.C. Hall of Fame began in 1972 when SCPA President William L. Kinney Jr., of Bennettsville, acting on a suggestion from SecretaryManager Reid H. Montgomery, set in motion activities that led to the establishment of a S.C. Press Association Hall of Fame.
1973: Elizabeth Timothy (-1757) South Carolina Gazette
1973: Francis W. Dawson (1840-1899) The Charleston Mercury; The Charleston News; The News and Courier, Charleston
1974: Narciso G. Gonzales (1858-1903) The State; The News and Courier; Charleston Journal of Commerce
1974: Bony Hampton Peace (1874-1934) Carolina Spartan, Spartanburg; The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont
1974: Peter Timothy (1721-1782) South Carolina Gazette
1974: Aaron Smith Willington (1781-1862) The Charleston Courier
1975: William Watts Ball (1868-1952) The Evening Post; The Greenville News; Laurens Advertiser; The News and Courier; The State
1975: Arthur B. Jordan Sr. (1876-1956) The Dillon Herald
1975: James Rion McKissick (1884-1944)Times-Democrat, Richmond, Va.; The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont
1976: Hubert Graham Osteen (1870-1955) Watchman and Southron, Sumter; Sumter Daily Item
1976: Edward Hope DeCamp (1865-1952) The Gaffney Ledger; The State, Columbia
1977: Arthur M. Manigault (1851-1924) The Evening Post, Charleston
1978: Harold C. Booker Sr. (1888-1960) Spartanburg Herald-Journal; Greenville Piedmont; The Sumter Daily Item; The Columbia Record
1978: Charles Oscar Hearon (1876-1959) The Spartanburg Herald; Herald, Bristol, Va.; Times, Richmond, Va.
1979: Robert Lathan (1881-1937) The News and Courier, Charleston; The State, Columbia; Asheville (NC) Citizen; 1924 Pulitzer Prize Winner
1980: Tom O’Connor (1902-1969) Hampton County Guardian; Allendale County Citizen
1980: Louis W. Cassels (1921-1974) United Press International
1981: Robert Craft Peace (1899-1968) The Greenville News
1981: George A. Buchanan (1898-1976) The Columbia Record; Dean of Journalism, USC
1982: Robert M. Hitt, Jr. (1914-1968) Bamberg Herald; Charleston Evening Post
1982: W.W. Smoak (1877-1947) Press & Standard, Walterboro
1983: Wood Davidson Grist (1865-1925)
Yorkville Enquirer; Atlanta Constitution
1983: Hall Thomas McGee (1889-1963)
Charleston Evening Post; The News and Courier, Charleston
1983: Edmund A. Ramsaur (1925-1976)
The Greenville News; Greenville Piedmont
1983: James Loyal Sims (1914-1962)
The Times and Democrat, Orangeburg
1984: James Edward Chaffin (1913-1977)
The Index-Journal, Greenwood
1984: Ambrose E. Gonzales (1857-1926)
The State, Columbia; The News and Courier, Charleston
1984: William E. Gonzales (1866-1937)
The State, Columbia
1985: William R. Bradford Sr. (1874-1957) The Fort Mill Times; The State, Columbia
1985: Elbert Herman Aull (1857-1929)
The Newberry Herald and News
1985: Ernest Allen Cutts (1912-1980)
Charleston Evening Post
1986: Noah Graham Osteen (1843-1936)
The Item, Sumter
1986: Phil Buchheit (1907-1978) Spartanburg Herald-Journal
1986: R. Frank Mundy (1915-1982)
The Index-Journal, Greenwood
1986: Samuel L. Latimer Jr. (1891-1975) The State, Columbia
1986: Harry L. Watson (1876-1956) The Index-Journal, Greenwood
1987: Robert Melvin Hitt (1886-1963) Bamberg Herald
1987: John Kelly Sisk (1913-1980) Greenville News-Piedmont
1987: Wilson William Harris (1889-1955) The Clinton Chronicle
1987: William Light Kinney (1902-1983) Marlboro Herald-Advocate, Bennettsville
1988: Talbot Patrick (1897-1980) Chicago Evening Post; The Goldsboro (NC) News-Argus; The Herald, Rock Hill
1988: Frank Wilmore Sossamon (1887-1979) The Gaffney Ledger
1989: Paul S. League (1920-1978) The Lancaster News
1989: Edward Manigault (1896-1983) Charleston Evening Post
1990: Edd A. Burch (1907-1985) Greer Citizen
1993: Hubert Duvall Osteen (1904-1987) The Item, Sumter
1993: Miles Benjamin McSweeney (1855-1909) The Ninety-Six Guardian; Hampton County Guardian
1995: Thomas Pettigrew Davis (1926-1990) Georgetown Times
1995: James A. Rogers (1905-1990) Florence Morning News
1996: William D. Workman (1914-1990) The News and Courier, Charleston; The Greenville News; The State, Columbia
1998: Joseph F. Smoak (1936-1993) The News and Courier, Charleston; Charleston Evening Post
1998: Marcellus C. Garner (1920-1992) The Sun News, Myrtle Beach; The Myrtle Beach News; The Myrtle Beach Sun; The Field, Conway; The Horry Herald; The Loris Sentinel
1999: Reid H. Montgomery (1909-1993) The State, Columbia; The Item, Sumter; Winthrop College; University of South Carolina; South Carolina Press Association
2002: August Kohn (1868-1930) The News and Courier, Charleston
2002: Annie Laurie Mayer Kinney (1902–1999) Marlboro Herald-Advocate
2003: Annie Howell King (1893-1973) Aiken Standard
2005: William E. Rone (1926-1998) The State, Columbia
2005: Alfred B. Williams (1856-1930) News and Courier, Charleston
2007: Dr. Robert Wilson Gibbes (1809-1866) The South Carolinian
2008: Felix Gregory de Fontaine (1834-1896) Charleston Daily Courier, The South Carolinian; Daily South Carolinian; New York Herald
2009: Robert Quillen (1887-1948) Fountain Inn Tribune
2010: Henry Timrod (1829-1867) Charleston Mercury
2011: William Gilmore Simms (1806-1870) Charleston City Gazette, Daily South Carolinian, The Phoenix
2011: Charles H. Wickenberg Jr. (1923-2004) The State
2012: Peter Manigault (1927-2004) The News and Courier, Charleston
2012: Benjamin F. Perry (1805-1886) Greenville Mountaineer; Southern Patriot, Greenville
2012: Robert Ashe Pierce (1928-2007) The State, Columbia
2013: Col. Thomas Bissell Crews (1832-1911) The Laurensville Herald, Laurens
2014: John Miller (1744-1807) The South Carolina Gazette and Daily Advertiser
2015: Samuel A. Cothran (1915-2010) Aiken Standard and Review
2015: Wilton E. Hall (1901-1980) Anderson Independent
2016: Henry F. Cauthen Sr. (1901-1977) The State, The Columbia Record, The News & Courier
2018: Lewis Timothy (1699-1738) The South Carolina Gazette
2019: John C. Shurr (1947-2015) S.C. Associated Press Bureau Chief
2020: Ken Burger (1949-2015) The Post and Courier
2021: Dean B. Livingston (1933-2014) The Times and Democrat
2021: John Henry McCray (19101987) Lighthouse and Informer
2023: Scott Beale Hunter (1949-2018) Aiken Standard
2023: Louis C. Sossamon (1921-2019) The Gaffney Ledger
2024: Judith Mundy Burns (19472019) Index-Journal
2025: Hubert Duvall Osteen Jr. (1936-2020) The Sumter Item
If you have a Hall of Fame nominee, contact SCPA for eligibility and citation requirements. Deadline to submit a 2025 Hall of Fame nomination: Dec. 5, 2025
ATTENDEES
Nathan Abraham Carolina Panorama Columbia, SC
Patricia Abraham Carolina Panorama Columbia, SC
Nathaniel Abraham Jr. Carolina Panorama Columbia, SC
Seanna Adcox SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC
Randy Akers Georgetown County Georgetown, SC
Jane Alford
The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC
Maya Ambuehl S.C. Press Association
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Chloe Appleby The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC
Josh Archote
The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Sharon Bailey S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC
Barbara Ball The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County Blythewood, SC
Brenda Bancroft North Augusta, SC
Mac Banks
The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC
McKenzie Bargeron
S.C. Press Association
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
James Cash Penney
Congrats,
The Waccamaw Publishers family of excellent community newspapers Celebrates You!
ATTENDEES
Catharine Barone Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC
Joe Barone Lexington, SC
Michele Barr The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Tony Bartelme
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Cynthia Beasley WIS TV Columbia, SC
Taylor Beltz
The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star North Augusta, SC
Jay Bender
S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC
Christian Boschult
The Post and Courier Spartanburg, SC
Josh Boucher
The State Columbia, SC
John Boyette Aiken Standard Post and Courier North Augusta/ The Star, SC
Caleb Bozard The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Andy Brack
Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC
Elizabeth Brewer The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC
2024-2025 SCPA PRESIDENT
Honors
Jackie Broach Georgetown County Georgetown, SC
Jessica Brodie South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Columbia, SC
Angela Brown Union, SC
Anna Brown Union County News Union, SC
Bobby Brown Union County News Union, SC
Jim Brown Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC
Judith Brown Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC
Robert Brown Union County News Union, SC
Joey Busby The Manning Times Manning, SC
Patrick Byrne Tega Cay Sun Tega Cay, SC
Ken Campbell AdCellerant Walhalla, SC
Norm Cannada The Journal Seneca, SC
Tommy Cardinal myhorrynews.com Conway, SC
Jason Cato The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Mandy Catoe The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC
ATTENDEES
Shaun Chornobroff SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC
David Clark Cherry Road Technologies Bristol, TN
Tammy Clark Batesburg, SC
Tom Clark Batesburg, SC
John Clayton
Laurens County Advertiser Laurens, SC
Macy Cochran
The Greer Citizen Landrum, SC
Kenna Coe
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Kristin Coker The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC
Jeffrey Collins Associated Press Columbia, SC
Bruce Cook Union County News Union, SC
Julie Cook Union County News Union, SC
Ashley Cunningham Dominion Energy Columbia, SC
Gwinn Davis Gwinn Davis Media Simpsonville, SC
Sandi Davis Gwinn Davis Media Simpsonville, SC
Suzanne Detar The Daniel Island News Daniel Island, SC
Spencer Donovan The Post and Courier Greenville, SC
Isabella Douglas
The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC
Vivian Dugas Fox Press Hammond, LA
Bailey Dunlap GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC
Billy Dunlap GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC
Sydney Dunlap GoLaurens.com Laurens, SC
Sydney Dunlap
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
The Post and Courier Columbia
Bryn Eddy
Lexington County Chronicle
The Sumter Item
Lexington, SC
Fadi El Kalash
Columbia, SC
Jeff Evans
The Island News/ Lowcountry Weekly Beaufort, SC
Margaret Evans
The Island News/ Lowcountry Weekly Beaufort, SC
Alex Feagin
The Manning Times
Manning, SC
Megan Fernandes
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Tim Flach
The Twin-City News
Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Melissa Foust-McCoy
The Manning Times Manning, SC
Sonja Fox
The Twin-City News
Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Cong rat u lat io
First Place
Second Place
2024 PRESIDENT’S CUP FOR E
The Staff at The Post and Courier
• Election/Political Coverage
• News Section or Special Edition: “King Street nights: Here’s what happens when 50,000 people pile into Charleston’s entertainment district”
• Digital Project: “King Street nights: Here’s what happens when 50,000 people pile into Charleston’s entertainment district”
• General Excellence: Digital
The Staff at The Post and Courier
• Obituary: “Helene took the lives of nearly 50 people across South Carolina. Here’s a look at the lives lost.”
• Use of Social Media
Individual First Place Winners:
Grace Beahm Alford
Tony Bartelme
T. Michael Boddie
Christian Boschult
Kenna Coe
Tom Corwin
Spencer Donovan
Megan Fernandes
Chelsea Grinstead
Jocelyn Grzeszczak
Individual Second Place
Grace Beahm Alford
Pamela Brownstein
David Cloninger
David Ferrara
Clare Fieseler
Chelsea Grinstead
Dave Hale
Individual Third Place
Grace Beahm Alford
Mitchell Black
Lillia Callum-Penso
David Cloninger
Kailey Cota
Hillary Flynn
Jocelyn Grzeszczak
ons EXCELLENCE
Winners:
Alford
Bartelme
Boddie
Grinstead
Grzeszczak
Eva Herscowitz
Alan Hovorka
Tony Kukulich
Hongyu Liu
Gavin McIntyre
Andrew Miller
Parker Milner
Valerie Nava
Kalyn Oyer
John Ramsey
Alford
Brownstein Cloninger
Winners:
Place Winners: Alford
Ali Rockett
Cindi Ross Scoppe
David Slade
Glenn Smith
Chris Tabakian
Borso Tall
Henry Taylor
Jessica Wade
Andrew Whitaker
Conor Hughes
Hongyu Liu
John McDermott
Parker Milner
Anna B. Mitchell
Kalyn Oyer
Nick Reynolds
Dave Hale
Scott Hamilton
Eva Herscowitz
Tony Kukulich
Chris Lavender
Hongyu Liu
Gavin McIntyre
Cindi Ross Scoppe
Anna Sharpe
Benjamin Simon
Henry Taylor
Jessica Wade
Andrew Whitaker
Autumn Phillips
John Ramsey
Cindi Ross Scoppe
Anna Sharpe
Henry Taylor
Maura Turcotte
Andrew Whitaker
ATTENDEES
Jose Franco
The Greenville News, Herald-Journal & Independent Mail Spartanburg, SC
Adrienne Frazier Charleston, SC
Herb Frazier
Charleston City Paper Charleston, SC
Brian Garner
The News & Reporter Chester, SC
Ashley Ghere
The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County Blythewood, SC
Caleb Gilbert
The Journal Seneca, SC
Ryan Gilchrest Greenville Journal Greenville, SC
Mae Giorgi
S.C. Press Association
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Dionne Gleaton
The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC
Jane Godiner
The Post and Courier Columbia, SC
Kayla Green
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Chelsea Grinstead
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Win Hammond Aiken Standard Aiken, SC
Larry Hardy The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC
Lee Harter The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC
Pam Harter Orangeburg, SC
Bernie Heller The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Mary Frances Hendrix The Twin-City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Grant Hermanns Myrtle Beach, SC
Nickolas Hill School of Journalism and Mass Communications University of South Carolina
Jessica Holdman SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC
Zac Hooks The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Alan Hovorka The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Cary Howard Lexington County Chronicle The Sumter Item
Robert Howey The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC
Morgan Hughes The State Columbia, SC
Katherine Hutchinson The Manning Times Manning, SC
ATTENDEES
Thomas Hyslip Tega Cay Sun Tega Cay, SC
Marybeth Jacoby WIS TV Columbia, SC
Ashley Jenkins Chester, SC
Mary Jenkins Chester, SC
Travis Jenkins
The News & Reporter Chester, SC
Robert Jordan Index-Journal Greenwood, SC
Austin Joyce Greer, SC
Li Khan
The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC
Zak Koeske
The State Columbia, SC
Skylar Laird SC Daily Gazette Columbia, SC
SUBSCRIBE
WEEKLY EBULLETIN
Your connection to industry and SCPA member news
James Lamphier Bethune, SC
Kimberly Lamphier The Link Cheraw, SC
Chris Lavender The Post and Courier Spartanburg, SC
Clif LeBlanc
The State, Retired Columbia, SC
Jason Lee The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC
South Carolina’s future journalism professionals
Tim Leible
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Simeon Little
Pageland Progressive Journal Pageland, SC
Hongyu Liu
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Harry Logan
SCPA Foundation President Morning News, Retired
Michael Lollis
The Journal Williamston, SC
Allen Lowrimore
The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC
Ashley Lowrimore
The Lancaster News Lancaster, SC
Kalen Lumpkins
The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Cal Lundmark
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Vic MacDonald
The Clinton Chronicle Clinton, SC
ATTENDEES ATTENDEES
Jen Madden
S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC
Jeremi Madden Columbia, SC
Kenton Makin
Makin’ A Difference North Augusta, SC
Alaysha Maple
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Bristow Marchant
The State Columbia, SC
SMART OPERATIONS, STRONGER PAPERS
At CherryRoad, we understand the challenges publishers face in oday’s fast-paced, digital-first world Balancing tradition with modernization can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone
where we come in.
END-TO-END OPS MANAGEMENT
CherryRoad manages all aspects of your paper’s operations, from content production to printing and distribution We take care of everything, so you can focus on serving your community
STRATEGIC EXPERTISE
With over 90 publications under our management, we have the know-how and experienced staff to support your paper’s growth and evolution From editorial to technical, we’ve got the right people in place to ensure success
MODERNIZATION W/O OVERHEAD
By partnering with us, you gain access to the latest technology and expertise without the cost and complexity of maintaining it in-house
INFRASTRUCTURE & TECH SUPPORT
Benefit from our robust on-premise and cloud infrastructure, including web hosting, security, data storage, and more We provide the digital backbone to keep your operations running smoothly and securely
MANAGED SERVICES BUNDLES
Only need help with a few things? We offer stand alone commercial printing and managed services bundles tailored specifically to your needs. We’re here to help you work smarter, not harder
See CherryRoad’s David Clark at the 2025 SCPA meeting or contact us at:
Phone: 973-400-2511
Email: media inquiries@cherryroad com
ATTENDEES
John Marks
The Herald Rock Hill, SC
Kelly Mason Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC
Leigh Ann Maynard
The Manning Times Manning, SC
Mike McCombs
The Island News Beaufort, SC
Evan McKenna
The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC
Robert Miller The Journal Seneca, SC
Randy Mitchell Aiken Standard
The Post and Courier
North Augusta/The Star Aiken, SC
John Monk
The State Columbia, SC
Bianca Moorman
The Post and Courier
North Augusta/The Star
North Augusta, SC
Janet Morgan
The Post and Courier
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, SC
Ben Morse
The Sun News
Myrtle Beach, SC
Neal Murdaugh Ridgeland, SC
South Carolina Press, Thank you for keeping us informed and connected.
Community Assessment
Crisis Management
Social Media
Event Management
Media Relations
Media Training
Message Development
Public Affairs
Stakeholder Management
Video Production
ATTENDEES
Shellie Murdaugh
Jasper County Sun Times Ridgeland, SC
Emalyn Muzzy The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC
Valerie Nava The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Jimmy Nesbitt The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Zoe Nicholson The Post and Courier Columbia, SC
Bru Nimmons
Pickens County Courier Pickens, SC
Rocky Nimmons
Pickens County Courier Pickens, SC
Andrew O’Byrne The Aiken Leader Wagener, SC
Linda O’Neil Paxton Media Group Lancaster, SC
Celina Ortiz Dominion Energy Columbia, SC
Dylan Ortuno The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, SC
Hannah Oskin myhorrynews.com Conway, SC
Graham Osteen Osteen Media Group Osteen Publishing Co. Georgetown, SC
Jack Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Jackie Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
John Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Kyle Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Susan Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Susan D. Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Wells Osteen
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Kalyn Oyer
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Christopher Patterson
The Clinton Chronicle Clinton, SC
Charles Perry
The Post and Courier
Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, SC
Jacob Phillips
Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC
Lauren Pierce
The Journal Seneca, SC
Tom Poland
A Southern Writer Columbia, SC
Mundy Price Index-Journal Greenwood, SC
Janel Przybyla
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
ATTENDEES
Dean Tom Reichert
USC College of Information and Communications Columbia, SC
Katy Renfroe South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Columbia, SC
Emmy Ribero
S.C. Press Association
USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Terri Richardson The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC
Brandon Roberts Summerville Communications Summerville, SC
Adrian Robertson myhorrynews.com Conway, SC
Matthew Robertson Morning News Florence, SC
Stephen Robertson myhorrynews.com Conway, SC
Eric Robinson School of Journalism and Mass Communications University of South Carolina
Tonya Rodgers The Twin-City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Bill Rogers
S.C. Press Association, Retired Columbia, SC
April Santana
The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Leigh Savage Greenville Journal Greenville, SC
Randall Savely
S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC
There’s no better way to notify the public than through the combination of S.C. newspapers and SCPublicNotices.com... the permanency of print paired with the accessibility of a statewide, searchable site.
Notices from all S.C. newspapers – accessible 24 hours a day and in one convenient location. This service is provided by the Palmetto State’s newspapers at no cost to taxpayers.
ATTENDEES
Maria Elena Scott
The Sun News
Myrtle Beach, SC
Chris Segal
The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC
Ray Sharpe
S.C. Press Association Columbia, SC
Ralph Shealy
The Twin-City News
Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Ken Sherod
Professional Printers
West Columbia, SC
Conveniently
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•8-person
Free
Emma Slaven
The Daniel Island News
Daniel Island, SC
Gina Smith
SC Investigates
The State, The Island Packet & The Sun News
Glenn Smith
The Post and Courier Charleston, SC
Sean Smith
The Journal Seneca, SC
Taylor Smith
S.C. Press Association
Meriwether Law
Evan Smoak
The Journal Seneca, SC
Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC
Sophia Sousa Lexington County Chronicle Lexington, SC
Trey Stewart Greer Citizen/Greer Sports Star Greer, SC
Lana Stover Lancaster, SC
ATTENDEES
Kasie Strickland
The Newberry Observer Newberry, SC
Charles Swenson Coastal Observer Pawleys Island, SC
Tiffany Tan
The Post and Courier Columbia / Free Times Columbia, SC
Judy Tarleton Charleston, SC
Larry Tarleton
The Post and Courier, Retired Charleston, SC
Cissy Terlizzi
The Twin-City News Batesburg-Leesville, SC
Brian Tolley
The State, The Island Packet & The Sun News
Hilton Head Island, SC
Chris Trainor
The State Columbia, SC
Allison Trussell
South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Columbia, SC
Deborah Tucker News-Chronicle Belton, SC
Jonathan Vickery
The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC
Hannah Wade The State Columbia, SC
Maya Ward NP Strategy Columbia, SC
Sammy Way
The Sumter Item Sumter, SC
Dr. Damion Waymer USC College of Information and Communications Columbia, SC
Joe Wedra myhorrynews.com Conway, SC
David Weissman
The Sun News Myrtle Beach, SC
Hal Welch
The Journal Seneca, SC
Thomas Werner The Daniel Island News Daniel Island, SC
Alexandra Whitbeck
The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC
Richard Whiting Index-Journal Greenwood, SC
Wendy Whiting Index-Journal Greenwood, SC
ATTENDEES ATTENDEES
Andrew Wigger
The Newberry Observer Newberry, SC
Brian Wilmer The News & Reporter Chester, SC
Robert York
The Island Packet Hilton Head, SC
Gene Zaleski The Times and Democrat Orangeburg, SC
Nicole Ziege
The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach, SC
NOMINATIONS FOR 2025-26
SCPA OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of officers and Executive Committee members for consideration by the full membership at the 2025 Annual Business Meeting. (All have agreed to serve if elected.)
OFFICERS:
• President: Hal Welch, The Journal, Seneca
• Vice President – Weeklies: Barbara Ball, The Voice of Blythewood and Fairfield County
• Vice President – Dailies: Kyle Osteen, The Sumter Item
• Treasurer: Jonathan Vickery, The People-Sentinel, Barnwell
• Immediate Past President: Nathaniel Abraham Jr., Carolina Panorama, Columbia NEW MEMBERS:
For Executive Committee, weekly representatives:
• Jeff Evans, The Island News and Lowcountry Weekly
• Ryan Gilchrest, Greenville Journal
• Rocky Nimmons, Pickens County Courier
For Executive Committee, daily representative:
• Jason Cato, The Post and Courier
RETURNING MEMBERS:
For Executive Committee, daily representatives:
• John Boyette, Aiken Standard
• Gina Smith, The State, The Island Packet, The Beaufort Gazette and The Sun News
Communities
