2023 S.C. Press Association Awards Presentation (Part A)

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ASSOCIATED PRESS S.C. PHOTO OF THE YEAR Grace Beahm Alford The Post and Courier

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of

Fame

Scott B. Hunter 1949-2018

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of

Fame

Louis Cody Sossamon 1921-2019

In Memory George W. Salsberry | 4/16/22 | Former Reporter, The Press & Standard Kenneth W. Baldwin, Jr. | 6/13/22 | Former Sports Editor, Index-Journal; Former Sports Reporter, The Columbia Record Ivy F. Moore | 6/26/22 | Former Features Editor and Writer, The Sumter Item Joseph William Sitarz Jr. | 6/28/22 | Former Features Editor and Sports Writer, Index-Journal Marc DeLane Brown | 7/13/22 | Co-Owner and Associate Publisher, Laurens County Advertiser Barbara Ann Hill | 9/10/22 | Former Features Editor, Summerville Journal Scene Dr. John William Click | 9/15/22 | Former Chair, Winthrop University Department of Mass Communication Cecile Holmes | 9/29/22 | Former Journalism Instructor, USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications Eddie Litaker | 10/9/22 | Sports Stringer and Former Sports Reporter, The Sumter Item; Former Editor, The Manning Times Donia Campbell Coward Malone | 10/19/22 | Former Co-Owner, Belton-Honea Path News-Chronicle James Harold Rogers | 11/4/22 | Former Sports Editor, Index-Journal; Former Editor, Easley Progress; Former Columnist, The Pickens Sentinel; Former Contributor, The Greenville News Margaret Ann Thomas | 11/22 | Former Owner, The News and Press; President, SCPA Women’s Division, 1952 Ed Scanlon | 12/26/22 | Columnist, The Aiken Leader Steve Robertson | 12/31/22 | Owner, President and Retired Publisher, My Horry News; SCPA President, 1998 Gregory Yee | 1/4/23 | Former Reporter, The Post and Courier Tommy Martin | 1/8/23 | Editor and Publisher, The Cherokee Chronicle; Former Reporter, Sports Editor & Editor, The Gaffney Ledger; Former Cherokee County Bureau Chief, Herald-Journal Bill R. Gibbons | 1/27/23 | Former Editor, Managing Editor, Sports Editor & Staff Writer, The Gaffney Ledger; SCPA President, 1980 Frank McComas | 2/13/23 | Former Publisher, The State William Light “Bill” Kinney, Jr. | 2/19/23 | Editor and Publisher Emeritus, Marlboro Herald-Advocate; SCPA President, 1972; Past President SCPA Foundation

Full Necrology on page 6 of program

JUDSON CHAPMAN AWARD

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Andrew Caplan & Gina Smith The State

David Slade The Post and Courier

JUDSON CHAPMAN AWARD

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE David Weissman The Sun News We will never sing along with the J.G. Wentworth jingle again. Cashed Out exposed the degree to which financial companies are exploiting vulnerable people, taking their financial security and plunging them into poverty. Better yet, it convinced judges and lawmakers to change the system. It was an effective act of public service deserving of the Judson Chapman Award.

CARTOON

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Steve Stegelin Charleston City Paper

Robert Ariail The State & Charleston City Paper

CARTOON

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Mike Beckom Index-Journal Eye-catching art makes cartoons pop off the page. At first glance, you get the point right away.

Entries show impact editorial cartoons can have. Proud these cartoons are produced in South Carolina.

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Brandon Lockett The Post and Courier

Brandon Lockett The Post and Courier

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE David Weissman The Sun News Used multiple informational graphics. The graphics also began when entering the screen. Very convenient.

INNOVATION

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper

The State

INNOVATION

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE The Post and Courier The S.C. Schools Explorer dashboard is an innovative, easy-to-use tool that features academic information, student demographics and data on teacher pay/retention. The simple design and snapshots allow parents and community members to explore the performance of local schools and districts, and compare programs across the state. This is a great tool that will become more useful as new annual data is added. One suggestion would be to include links to each school and perhaps a brief explanation of the types of specialty programs offered, as well as information on if schools/programs are open to choice/non-zoned students. The Post and Courier should be applauded for its efforts in helping change educational outcomes, especially for students of color and rural communities.

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper

The Gaffney Ledger

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE The News, Kingstree Excellent entries in this category. The Kingstree News stands out for the comprehensive nature of its coverage. It gave readers detailed, straightforward information on every local race, allowed candidates generous space for answers to questions and gave priority to a race between two Statehouse candidates who had to face off in a newly redrawn district.

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Riley Morningstar The Journal, Seneca

The Post and Courier

ELECTION/POLITICAL COVERAGE

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE State House & Politics Team

The State

All entries were highly informative but it was The State’s ability to weed through candidates’ political messaging to create a comprehensive perspective for voters to understand how the results occurred in these elections, and furthermore how the ideological shifts regarding some of these people post-Jan. 6 or other pivotal moments in South Carolina’s history.

EDITORIAL/COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI & OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper

Editorial Board Charleston City Paper

EDITORIAL/COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI & OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Sam Spence Charleston City Paper Among three excellent entries submitted by journalists affiliated with Charleston City Paper, Spence’s stands out. He lays out in laymen’s language exactly what the S.C. FOI law requires of law enforcement agencies in regard to disclosing certain information, how local agencies are failing to follow the law and cites Gov. McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson in support of full disclosure. Most of all, he explains how citizens are affected by such FOI infractions.

EDITORIAL/COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI & OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Richard Whiting Index-Journal

Cindi Ross Scoppe The Post and Courier

EDITORIAL/COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI & OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Cindi Ross Scoppe The Post and Courier Detailed explanation of how the Charleston County School Board continually abused the open meetings law in a number of cases. Unfortunately nothing will really change.

EDITORIAL WRITING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Charles Swenson Coastal Observer

Editorial Staff Chronicle-Independent

EDITORIAL WRITING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Vic MacDonald The Clinton Chronicle The editorials were local, researched and well reasoned. There was stiff competition, and South Carolina should be proud to have such vigorous local newspapers willing to take stands on issues important to their readers. This entry represents the best of this solid competition.

E.A. RAMSAUR AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Staff The Journal, Seneca

David Lauderdale The Island Packet

E.A. RAMSAUR AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Cindi Ross Scoppe The Post and Courier Complex issues laid out simply and logically, with the “but what about...” questions also answered along the way. Crisp, clean and important.

REVIEW PORTFOLIO

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Maura Hogan The Post and Courier

Alaysha Maple The Sumter Item

REVIEW PORTFOLIO

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Michael Stern Aiken Standard Well-written reviews with great details. You can tell you did your homework. Makes me hungry too.

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Samantha Winn The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

Scott Powell The Gaffney Ledger

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Anna Sharpe Moultrie News Good variety of interesting, well-written stories.

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Zak Koeske The State

Sarah Haselhorst The Island Packet

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Zharia Jeffries The Post and Courier Solid range of well-written healthcare-based stories. Well done.

FAITH REPORTING

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Todd Deaton The Baptist Courier

Rudy Gray The Baptist Courier

FAITH REPORTING

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Todd Deaton The Baptist Courier There were several outstanding entries in this contest but this one stands out for the timeliness and research into hybrid and digital church gatherings. Writer touches on potential lasting effects on in-person attendance, as well as the positives of reaching more people and providing the sick and home bound church members a way to connect.

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Brian Garner The News and Reporter

Samantha Winn The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer The story of the crosses was amazing. I loved the artwork to accompany it and the explanation behind what the different types of crosses meant to him.

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer

Alan Blondin Myrtle Beach Herald

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Ian Guerin Myrtle Beach Herald Ian is dedicated to his beat and gives readers the best coverage of local sports.

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Jon Blau The Post and Courier

Ben Portnoy The State

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE David Cloninger The Post and Courier Three wonderful stories. The Sir Big Spur drama is among the best stories I have read in the past five years.

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald

Zach Giroux Daniel Island News

RUNOFF SET FOR HORRY COUNTY COUNCIL CHAIR RACE, PAGE 3 MYRTLE BEACH CITY COUNCIL PASSES $292M BUDGET, PAGE 5

© 2021 Waccamaw Publishers, Inc.

Vol. 29, No. 23No. 2

POSTAL PATRON PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID CONWAY, S.C. PERMIT NO. 44

© 2021 Waccamaw Publishers, Inc.

FREE 2

June 17, 2022. 2

MYRTLE BEACH FIREFIGHTER RECEIVES HONOR AHEAD OF RETIREMENT, PAGE 6

FRY TRUMPS RICE State rep unseats five-term incumbent

Vol. 29, No. 24No. 2

PETA FILES SUIT AGAINST MYRTLE BEACH AREA ZOO, PAGE 10

© 2021 Waccamaw Publishers, Inc.

Vol. 29, No. 17No. 2

May 6, 2022. 2

MYRTLE BEACH AREA CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH, PAGE 8

MYRTLE BEACH ART MUSEUM MAKING PLANS FOR POTENTIAL MOVE DOWNTOWN, PAGE 7

POSTAL PATRON PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID CONWAY, S.C. PERMIT NO. 44

FREE 2

June 24, 2022. 2

POSTAL PATRON PRESORTED STANDARD U.S.POSTAGE PAID CONWAY, S.C. PERMIT NO. 44

FREE 2

PPride v. rejudice

Advocates urge Horry County Council to reverse position on Pride Month

ADIEU TO THE FOUNTAINBLEAU City prepares to demolish motel

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Brian Garner The News and Reporter “Outstanding in her field” made me laugh way harder than I should have. The accompanying photo and lede were brilliant.

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Lisa Justus The Post and Courier

Martha Rose Brown The Times and Democrat

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Beth Harrison The Post and Courier Three solid headlines here; good word choices.

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Mary Frances Hendrix The Twin-City News

Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Pamela Brownstein Daniel Island News Headline writer did a clever job of perfectly matching the headline to the content of the stories. Having great content never hurts either. Really well done.

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Zach Giroux Daniel Island News

Robert Howey The Lancaster News

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Travis Jenkins The News and Reporter Inspired use of names and situations to make interesting headlines.

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Dave Hale The Post and Courier

Travis Boland The Times and Democrat

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Lisa Justus The Post and Courier I love a great pun and all of these kept it entertaining. I looked forward to seeing how that title would relate to what the story was about and they were all perfectly correlated.

NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Newberry Observer

The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times

NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Charleston City Paper

Awesome design! The breakout boxes are eye-grabbing. The colors and fonts add to the clean design.

NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Greenville News Staff, Chuck Milteer -Editor, Marilyn Parnell - Art Director/Designer

The Times and Democrat

NEWS SECTION OR SPECIAL EDITION

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE The Times and Democrat

With a focus on hurricanes, each story in this series has a clear focus and does well to shape the entire edition.

SPORTS SECTION OR MAGAZINE

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Scott Chancey & Justin Driggers Morning News

Daniel Island News

SPORTS SECTION OR MAGAZINE

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Greenville Journal

I’m blown away, truly. From the font choices to the graphics, it was perfect. I don’t even play golf, but I want to check out McConnell.

FEATURE SECTION OR MAGAZINE

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Coastal Observer

Kasie Strickland & Melody Evans The Sentinel-Progress

FEATURE SECTION OR MAGAZINE

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Greenville Journal

Great looking, inviting design and content. After reading this, I’m putting Greenville high on my visit lit.

FEATURE SECTION OR MAGAZINE

ALL DAILY DIVISION

SECOND PLACE

Pamela Brownstein The Post and Courier

Karen Klock and Content That Works Staff Aiken Standard

AUGUST 2022

THIRD PLACE

Back to School AGES & STAGES School Transitions

Animal science program is one of a kind

Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May discuss ‘green time’

FEATURE SECTION OR MAGAZINE

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Gabe Whisnant, News Director; Jose Franco, Editor; Summer Stanley, Magazine Editor; Marilyn Parnell/Art Director-Designer

Herald-Journal

The quality of the magazine was outstanding, along with the mixture of stories from what to do list articles to more featured pieces.

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Scott Suchy Charleston City Paper

Scott Suchy Charleston City Paper

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

10.

FIRST PLACE

10.

10.

A Few Features Connectivity & Mobility 1. Spinks Family Bridge

10.

2. Auro Bridge 3. Hagins Family Bridge

Laura Allshouse Greenville Journal

P 10.

P

Open Space 4. Meadowbrook Green 5. Michelin Green

P

9.

7.

Recreation

1.

6. Picnic Shelters 7. Playgrounds & Splash Pad 8. Basketball Courts

8.

5.

2.

6.

Neighborhoods 9. Prisma Health Welcome Center 10. Planned Affordable Housing Projects

3.

4.

It’s difficult to fit so much detail in a map without it being too cluttered to read. This is definitely a great example of getting the important stuff in there without overdoing it.

illustration by Laura Allshouse

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Brandon Lockett The Post and Courier

Gabby McCall The Sun News

MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Rachel Handley, Sohail Al-Jamea and David Newcomb

The State Dramatic. High impact of the illustration matches the high impact of the story topic.

DIGITAL PROJECT

OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Brandon Lockett and Tony Bartelme The Post and Courier

Thad Moore and Andrew J. Whitaker The Post and Courier

DIGITAL PROJECT

OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE The State This compelling digital package had it all: great art, a compelling and disturbing story, data journalism, and, most of all, humanity. Especially notable was the database allowing readers to check on the number of amputations in their zip code. The package brought out the stories of the amputees and gave a sense of the life of the community where this is taking place.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Jonathan Vickery The People-Sentinel

Jordan Lawrence Lexington County Chronicle

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Kailee Kokes Lexington County Chronicle Solid story about an important issue.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Charles Swenson Coastal Observer

Travis Jenkins The News and Reporter

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Shellie Murdaugh Jasper County Sun Times The breadth of coverage focusing on the senseless death of this 5-year-old child and efforts to bring the alleged shooter to justice shows how much this paper cares about its subjects, its community and serving both.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper

Tony Kukulich & Mike McCombs The Island News

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Tony Kukulich, Bob Sofaly and Mike McCombs The Island News Multiple eyewitness accounts of the events surrounding this accident gave me the feeling as a reader as if I were there.

The drama built as each person was interviewed.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Martha Rose Brown The Times and Democrat

Cailyn Derickson The Herald

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Andrew Dys and John Monk The Herald Despite being written on deadline, this story provides readers with context showing the significance of the conviction of a man who had gained national attention during a long career in law enforcement.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Island Packet

Riley Morningstar The Journal, Seneca

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

d Best of the Best n a

Bob Montgomery & Chalmers Rogland Herald-Journal Excellent reporting. Subheads and breakouts make this story an exemplary example of informative coverage.

There is so much information for the reader but it is presented in a clear and concise package. Exceptional.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The State

Jocelyn Grzeszczak, Steve Garrison and Rickey Dennis

The Post and Courier

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Jocelyn Grzeszczak The Post and Courier So much hustle, detail and great information displayed here in a single breaking news story by one reporter.

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Alexandra Whitbeck The People-Sentinel

Travis Jenkins The News and Reporter

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Elizabeth Bush Daniel Island News Any article that explores historical perspectives is a treasure to those of us in the modern day.

Writer is to be congratulated on a beautifully illustrated and well written piece.

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Sarah Sheridan Independent Mail

Matthew Hensley Index-Journal

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE John Marks The Herald Very well-written story on an engaging topic.

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Eva Wen Herald-Journal

Jake Shore The Island Packet

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Sammy Fretwell and Sarah Haselhorst The Island Packet A treasure. Who would have thought oyster shells matter? This mix of hard research and personal stories, along with compelling photos and videos, explains why they’re important to individuals, businesses and states. Nice work!

ENTERPRISE REPORTING

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

Macon Atkinson and Clare Amari Greenville News

ENTERPRISE REPORTING DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

d n a Best of the Best

Olivia Diaz

The Post and Courier Sensitive retelling that exposes injustice.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Hanna Raskin

Rick Brundrett The Nerve, SC Policy Council

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

ASSOCIATE & INDIVIDUAL DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Rick Brundrett The Nerve, SC Policy Council It was difficult to select a First Place winner among the top two contenders – both published by The Nerve – but this nine-part series showcases the secrecy involved in the pay, perks and election of S.C. judges. Well-researched with solid writing and editing. Reporter shows enterprise and expert knowledge of state’s open government laws. His organization went so far as to hire attorneys to push for the release of records. Good job holding public officials accountable and shining a light on these important matters.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Elizabeth Hustad The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

Alexandra Whitbeck The People-Sentinel

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Abraham Kenmore, Michael M. DeWitt Jr. and Daniel J. Gross The Hampton County Guardian Excellent story made so by meticulous reporting and newsgathering. Clearly, no stone was left unturned to dig out information on this story.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Travis Jenkins, David Jenkins and Brian Garner The News and Reporter

Barbara Ball The Voice of Fairfield County

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Barbara Ball The Voice of Blythewood Meticulous reporting. Good code citations. Hold their feet to the fire!

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Samantha Connors and Herb Frazier Charleston City Paper

Tony Kukulich The Island News

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Tony Kukulich The Island News Well-written and researched. Prose was clear, concise and thorough. Masterful job providing suspense as the story unfolds.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Damian Dominguez Index-Journal

Matthew Hensley Index-Journal

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Matthew Hensley Index-Journal Newspaper is not afraid to ask the tough questions and courageous in its pursuit of facts. Strong use of public records.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Bob Montgomery Herald-Journal

Bob Montgomery and Chalmers Rogland Herald-Journal

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Jake Shore and Kacen Bayless The Island Packet In stories that seem to be covered by every national news outlet in the country, local stories can get buried. Not so with the reporting on the Murdaugh family by the Island Packet. Not only was the Island Packet series riveting, but also meticulous, well-researched and detailed. The Island Packet weaved together complicated court records and convoluted narrative, making for a fantastic investigative series.

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Post and Courier

Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE The Post and Courier This series looked at a large, persistent local issue from multiple angles. It quoted experts, victims and bystanders, providing context and perspective often missing from local reporting.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Christian Boschult Myrtle Beach Herald

Travis Jenkins The News and Reporter

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Abbie Sossamon The Gaffney Ledger Simply a great read that effectively mixes the pertinent information/research within a top-notch narrative framework. Gripping work.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 & 7,500-20,000 DIVISIONS COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Bob Montgomery Herald-Journal

David Weissman The Sun News

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 & 7,500-20,000 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE Alexandra Koch Aiken Standard Timely and impressive work!

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Thad Moore and Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

Briah Lumpkins and Doug Pardue The Post and Courier

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Andrew Caplan and Gina Smith The State Out of a competitive pool of entries, this longform piece stands out for the level of investigative journalism demonstrated as well as excellent storytelling. Cut Off is a powerful, impactful investigative report detailing the health care inequities plaguing 29203, a community lacking healthy food options, health insurance coverage and basic services. For two years, journalists thoroughly investigated why Black residents in a metropolitan Zip code near the state’s largest hospital were receiving amputations from Type 2 diabetes at the highest rate in the nation. Reporters dug through thousands of records from across the Deep South, built a team of medical insiders and even went into the operating room to accurately tell this story. Most importantly, journalists carefully told the stories of the amputees with dignity and respect. It is encouraging to hear that Cut Off is leading to change in education and preventative care.

SERIES OF ARTICLES

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Samantha Winn The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

Garrett Mitchell The Woodruff Times

SERIES OF ARTICLES

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Elizabeth Hustad

The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star Important, timely topic addressing a gap in affordable housing and possible solutions.

SERIES OF ARTICLES

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 & OVER 6,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Elizabeth Bush Daniel Island News

Charles Swenson Coastal Observer

SERIES OF ARTICLES

WEEKLY 3,000-6,500 & OVER 6,500 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE Brian Garner The News and Reporter As our WWII and Korean War veterans pass away and their numbers shrink, it is beyond important that we document their stories before they are lost to the ages. Thank you for telling the story of brothers from two wars.

SERIES OF ARTICLES

ALL DAILY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

David Slade The Post and Courier

Chiara Eisner The State

SERIES OF ARTICLES ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

d n a Best of the Best

Cailyn Derickson The Herald

In this three-part series, The Herald reporter tells a story on what happens when a person goes to the police and campus officials to inform them of a sexual assault with extraordinary care, due diligence and curiosity. The reporter doesn’t just cite police reports, she speaks with victims at-length about terrible things that occurred to them, and the injustices they faced in the wake of such terrible incidents. It’s simply a series where you can tell the reporter sat with the victims at-length more than one time and was endlessly curious about the subject matter.

BEAT REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Hannah Wade The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times

Christian Boschult Myrtle Beach Herald

BEAT REPORTING

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Kenna Coe Moultrie News Great storytelling that gives readers a perspective of military and veteran life from first-hand viewpoints.

BEAT REPORTING

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THIRD PLACE

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Martha Rose Brown The Times and Democrat

Matthew Christian Aiken Standard

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FIRST PLACE Bianca Moorman Aiken Standard Excellently written.

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THIRD PLACE

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Riley Morningstar The Journal, Seneca

Sarah Haselhorst The Island Packet

BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Maya Brown The Sun News Good example of topics within your beat to show range. Well done!

BEAT REPORTING

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SECOND PLACE

Kalyn Oyer The Post and Courier

Avery G. Wilks The Post and Courier

BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Lillia Callum-Penso Greenville News Engaging human interest writing.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

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Nicole Ziege The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times

Jordan Lawrence Lexington County Chronicle

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

WEEKLY UNDER 3,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Jonathan Vickery The People-Sentinel Your stories epitomize the life of small towns that we all know so well. Your writing stands apart because of the space you take to explain why these events are newsworthy and gives the public the history and current information they need to know about their local government! Very well done!

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

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THIRD PLACE

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Brian Garner The News and Reporter

Barbara Ball The Voice of Fairfield County

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Barbara Ball The Voice of Blythewood Good synopsis of what happened during the meeting. Thorough writing. Easy to understand.

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THIRD PLACE

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Tony Kukulich The Island News

Jay King Greenville Journal

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Skylar Laird The Post and Courier Columbia/Free Times Thoroughly reported and elegantly written. These stories deal with an important issue and explain that issue in a way that any reader can understand.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 & 7,500-20,000 DIVISIONS COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

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Sam Ogozalek The Island Packet

Karl Puckett The Island Packet

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DAILY UNDER 7,500 & 7,500-20,000 DIVISIONS COMBINED

FIRST PLACE Damian Dominguez Index-Journal These articles are entertaining and informative at the same time. Each story has a clear narrative that guides the reader through a key local government issue, whether it be a very late audit, questions swirling over the influx of federal funds, or a how local landfill works. The stories engage the reader and, at the same time, explain and inform about a problem in local government.

Exemplary government reporting!

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

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SECOND PLACE

David Slade The Post and Courier

Emma Whalen The Post and Courier

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Zak Koeske The State Immaculately researched stories about situations that need to be investigated. They’re important, and the writing makes it clear.

BUSINESS REPORTING

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THIRD PLACE

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Christina Lee Knauss Columbia Regional Business Report

Christina Lee Knauss Columbia Regional Business Report

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FIRST PLACE Ross Norton GSA Business The nostalgic look back through photos and telling the story of the rise of this chain of stores drew me in.

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Alexandra Whitbeck The People-Sentinel

Tonya Rodgers The Twin-City News

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Richard Caines The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times Nice story telling. And the also the contrasting view of what happened with a failed venture.

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

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THIRD PLACE

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Don Kausler Jr. The News, Kingstree

Chris Sokoloski Coastal Observer

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Tony Kukulich The Island News The piece on the future of the Innovation District – growing startups, recruiting highly skilled workers – was extremely well done and timely. Many areas struggle with industry-specific workforce needs, especially in health careadjacent fields, and this was a great focus. The piece on the future of industrial development in a thriving area with finite expansion potential and infrastructure concerns was beautifully put together and relevant. I think the megachurch piece is a great example of creativity in writing about the practical, business side of organized religion. Overall, extremely well-structured and researched articles written for a wide audience. Great job!

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

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Adam Benson The Sun News

Gene Zaleski The Times and Democrat

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FIRST PLACE Damian Dominguez Index-Journal “Managing Millions” was a very thorough article. The interview with Bateman hit nearly all the key points I as a reader was interested in. Written very sharply. It’s also clear research went into it.

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

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Emily Williams The Post and Courier

Mike Fitts The Post and Courier

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Avery G. Wilks The Post and Courier Comprehensive reporting. Clear writing on a dense topic makes this entry standout in the category.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

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THIRD PLACE

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Charles Swenson Coastal Observer

Mac Banks The Lancaster News

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Elizabeth Hustad

The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star Planning stories can be dull, but these actually are quite lively and held my interest. The writing is impressive in its use of detail, and the reporting in its use of multiple sources.

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THIRD PLACE

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Ruben Lowman North Myrtle Beach Times

Evan Peter Smith Greenville Journal

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FIRST PLACE Rachel Hartdegen Bluffton Today Nice job making sometimes dry subjects easy to read and understand. Really impressed with the New Riverside Barn Park story and the reporting on the The Tax Increment Finance District.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

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Blake Douglas The Island Packet

Matthew Christian Aiken Standard

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FIRST PLACE Gene Zaleski The Times and Democrat Great combination of multiple business stories.

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THIRD PLACE

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Macon Atkinson Greenville News

Morgan Hughes The State

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Conor Hughes The Post and Courier In a category absolutely brimming with stellar reporting and beat authority, Hughes’ dedication to storytelling and enterprise reporting makes him shine amongst a talented bunch.

He helps make the impact of growth and development real for readers by finding human-focused stories backed up with solid reporting. It is journalistic storytelling at its finest.

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Kenna Coe Moultrie News

Samantha Winn The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Shellie Murdaugh Jasper County Sun Times It can sometimes be difficult to make hard news interesting, but all of these stories were very captivating. Despite not having a kid at that school, I wanted to continue reading and know what would happen with all these kids not being picked up or dropped off.

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

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Chris Day Morning News

Ashley Miller The Sumter Item

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FIRST PLACE Andrea Kelley The Journal, Seneca Kelley’s reporting on complex and controversial topics is balanced, clear, and vital to transparency within local school districts. Her piece on the “segregated school” lunch was superbly done.

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Zak Koeske The State

Devna Bose The Post and Courier

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Sara Gregory The Post and Courier Great job taking readers into schools to learn more about the education process.

“Play Day” lede was fantastic and hooked us from the start.

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Elizabeth Bush Daniel Island News

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper

14 | FEATURE thedanielislandnews.com

The Daniel Island News ■ February 3 - 9, 2022

February 3 - 9, 2022 ■ The Daniel Island News

A TIME FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

Black History Month offers opportunities for reflection, education on Daniel Island and around the Charleston area ELIZABETH BUSH

beth@thedanielislandnews.com

T

o know – is to begin to understand.

The inspiration behind the establishment of Black History Month some 50 years ago, and its precursor Negro History Week in 1926, was to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and to recognize their important role in shaping U.S. history. The timing — in February — is intentional. It coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two key figures in the African American story.

In 1976, during the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, then President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month for the first time as a federal commemoration, urging Americans “to seize the opportunity to honor the too often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Today, as the race conversation takes center stage in our nation, the meaning behind Black History Month has taken on added significance.

“It really is an opportunity to dispel myths about African Americans and also about our shared legacy in this country,” said Dr. Bernard Powers, director of the Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston and professor emeritus in the History Department at the College of Charleston. “... It is not a separate subject. It is a part of American history — and it shows the way in which the Black experience has also shaped other experiences in our country. And unfortunately, many people really do not have an understanding of that, because they simply haven’t been taught that, and certain things have been misrepresented that we still struggle to correct today.”

The Daniel Island Historical Society is hoping island residents and other visitors will take time during Black History Month to reflect on the important history

ELIZABETH BUSH

Septima Clark, an African American civil rights leader and educator, was born at 105 Wentworth St. in 1898 (it is now a College of Charleston fraternity house).

ELIZABETH BUSH

G.C. Coxswain is among several buried in Simmons Cemetery, an African American burial ground located just off the boardwalk from Barfield Park on Daniel Island.

Coxswain was a member of Company K, 103rd Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry.

ELIZABETH BUSH

here by visiting the island’s three African American burial grounds — Grove Cemetery and Simmons Cemetery on the island’s south side, and Alston Cemetery in Daniel Island Park.

“These cemeteries tell so much of the story of Daniel Island,” said DIHS co-founder Mike Dahlman, co-author of the book “Daniel Island.” “Folks buried here were born on Daniel Island, lived here and now are laid to rest here. A walk through any of the talks of those who served as Blacks in the Civil War and World War I. Four of the standing markers belong to those who were born into slavery. Visitors will also see many sunken graves, most likely marking those who lived as slaves working the plantations on Daniel Island. These sacred burial grounds are a part of our legacy, our history that can only be appreciated by a slow solemn walk through them.”

To learn more about these sites, and other African American history on Daniel Island, visit the DIHS website at dihistoricalsociety.com/island-history/ daniel-island-african-american-history/.

To truly capture the big picture history of the region, one must venture off Daniel Island to downtown Charleston and surrounding areas — where many

Mother Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street is a place steeped in African American history. Tragically, it is remembered most recently as the site of a racially charged massacre of nine church members in 2015.

African American landmarks are “hidden in plain sight,” Powers noted.

“As you move about Charleston, there are so many sites of African American history that are unrecognized, that are not marked,” he said. “People walk past them every day and they have no idea of what they are.”

One example is the current Embassy Suites Hotel, the original Citadel campus, on Marion Square. On the south side of the building is a very small plaque featuring a timeline for the history of the site. The plaque includes mention of Denmark Vesey — who is credited with plotting a slave rebellion in 1822. Vesey was later hanged for his actions, days before the insurrection was set to take place.

“You’d never know that the building itself has a very important connection with African American history,” Powers said. “…They began to fortify that area after the discovery of the Vesey

conspiracy. And it created the Citadel, so that White men could have military training — so that in the case of another effort at rebellion they would be militarily prepared.”

Powers also noted that there is an exhibit about Vesey on the first floor of Charleston City Hall, where some of the accused rebellion participants were confined. A statue of Vesey erected in Hampton Park in 2014 was recently removed from the site for repairs.

There are several churches downtown that also made Powers’ list of places to visit during Black History Month. Mother Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street is connected to Vesey, as he was a member there and used the site to stage his rebellion. It was also the site of a Martin Luther King speech in 1962, and an example of an independent Black church created during the period of slavery.

“When you think about it, it was a revolutionary act for Black people to create their own church not connected to any White church,” added Powers. “... And then to affiliate it with a Black abolitionist church, right in downtown Charleston during the height of slavery.”

Additionally, Calvary Episcopal Church, which was created for Episcopal slaves in the late 1840s, still exists on Line Street today. Also on Calhoun Street are two Methodist churches with interesting histories — Bethel United Methodist Church and Old Bethel

United Methodist Church.

“Bethel is the White church and Old Bethel is the Black church,” noted Powers. “And they are located directly across the street from each other. Old Bethel was the original White church and it was given to the members of the Black congregation and after the Civil War it became a completely separate congregation from Bethel Methodist.”

Powers also made note of another site — the old Bennett Rice Mill façade on State Ports Authority property off East Bay Street on Charleston Harbor.

“It’s been there since the 1840s,” said Powers. “Slave labor was used to build that place and it’s an example of industrial slavery. People think slavery and then they think of cotton and rice, and rightly so, but enslaved people were also used in industry, too.”

Other spots recommended by Powers include the Avery Institute building on Bull Street, which is part of the Avery Research Center affiliated with the College of Charleston. The site served as one of the area’s earliest schools for Black Charlestonians in the 1800s. There is also the Septima Clark House on Wentworth Street, where African American civil rights leader and educator Septima Clark was born in 1898; the Old Slave Mart on Chalmers Street; and the AikenRhett House on Elizabeth Street, where visitors can explore the home’s former slave quarters, one of the few that still exist today. He also suggested visiting the early 19th century architecture of skilled carpenter and craftsman Richard Holloway at 221 Calhoun St., 96 Smith St., and 72 Pitt St. “The Holloway family was a very well-known family of free Blacks before the Civil War,” added Powers. “And a number of the men were carpenters.”

Additionally, Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Magnolia Gardens and other local plantations are also poignant places of reflection during Black History Month (as well as other times of the year), as most offer exhibits and/or tours about

the slave experience. “(The plantations along Highway 61) were settled by migrants from Barbados or otherwise had a connection to Barbados,” noted Powers. “Many of South Carolina’s early settlers were from Barbados, and when they came, they brought enslaved people.”

When the new, much anticipated International African American Museum opens later this year on Gadsden’s Wharf, it will give both local residents and visitors from all over the world an opportunity to learn more about Charleston’s pivotal role in shaping not only African American history, but U.S. history as a whole.

“When you think about the new museum, when you look out through the eastern block of windows ... you are looking out onto a route by which enslaved people were brought to peninsular Charleston,” added Powers, who is a member of the museum's board of directors. “But also, when you look out, you're looking towards something else, too ... Fort Sumter, where the Civil War begins. And so here are two iconic and organically related experiences that explain a lot about American history, that you can see right out in Charleston harbor ... the history that unfolded here shaped dramatically other aspects of the larger country's history — and that's the story we will be telling at the International African American Museum.”

For more information on local African American history, and places of interest, visit africanamericancharleston.com/.

ELIZABETH BUSH

The International African American Museum is under construction at Gadsden’s Wharf in downtown Charleston.

thedanielislandnews.com

PLACES TO VISIT DANIEL ISLAND • Grove Cemetery: Behind CreditOne Stadium on the walking trail, ancestors of the late Master Blacksmith Philip Simmons are buried here.

• Simmons Cemetery: Off the walking trail between the Barfield Park boardwalk and The Waterfront development. Named for Maurice Simmons, who owned the land where the cemetery is located prior to the Civil War. • Alston Cemetery: Daniel Island Park, Ralston Creek Street.

DOWNTOWN AND SURROUNDING AREAS • A statue honoring Denmark Vesey, who was executed for planning a slave rebellion in the 1822, has been taken down in Hampton Park for repairs, but you can visit a plaque mentioning Vesey on the side of the Embassy Suites Hotel (pictured at left), the Citadel’s original campus.

ELIZABETH BUSH • Old Bennett Rice Mill façade: Union Pier Terminal of the State Ports Authority off East Bay Street in downtown Charleston. Industrial slave labor built the original structure.

• There are several African American churches in downtown Charleston with significant ties to Black history in the region, including Mother Emanuel AME at 110 Calhoun Street, an independent Black church and the site of Denmark Vesey’s slave rebellion planning; Calvary Episcopal Church on Line Street, created for Episcopal slaves in the late 1840s; Bethel ME and Old Bethel ME on Calhoun Street; and Morris Street Baptist Church on Bull Street.

• Avery Research Center (part of the College of Charleston): Formerly the Avery Institute, one of the earliest schools for Black children in Charleston.

• Burke High School: 244 President St. First high school for Black students in Charleston, established just before World War I. • Septima Clark home: Located at 105 Wentworth St. Birthplace of Septima Clark (1898-1987), an educator and civil rights leader.

• Gadsden’s Wharf: Site of soon-to-be completed new International African American Museum, overlooking Charleston Harbor. Africanborn slaves that were part of the transatlantic slave trade entered peninsular Charleston at this location.

• Old Slave Mart: 6 Chalmers St. Constructed in 1859, this site once housed an antebellum slave auction gallery.

• Aiken-Rhett House: 48 Elizabeth St. One of few remaining former slave quarters that still exists for visitors to see today.

• Ashley River Plantations: Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, and Drayton Hall are all located on Highway 61 and feature exhibits on plantation life, including slavery exhibits and tours. There are also a number of other plantation sites to visit in other areas of the region, including McLeod Plantation on James Island and Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant.

• Philip Simmons House & Museum: 30 ½ Blake St. Simmons, an artisan and master blacksmith, was born on Daniel Island in 1912. This site served as his home and blacksmith shop for close to 50 years, before his death in 2009.

• Chuma Gallery: 188 Meeting St. Features a number of Gullah artists, including the acclaimed Jonathan Green.

The list above is not a complete list of all the area Black History Month sites to visit. For additional places of interest, visit africanamericancharleston.com/ and charlestoncvb.com/blog/ african-american-sites-to-visit-in-charleston.

FEATURE | 15

BLACK HISTORY MONTH HAPPENINGS & SPECIAL PROGRAMS Below is a list of some of the Black History Month events taking place locally.

“Reconstruction Era Presentation” Feb. 5, 3 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Town Council Chambers 100 Ann Edwards Lane tompsc.com/1125/Black-History-Month “Lest We Forget: A Story of the African American Experience Through Story and Song” Feb. 5 & 12, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Middleton Place 4300 Ashley River Road Several other BHM programs are being offered at Middleton Place this month. Visit middletonplace.org/news-and-events/event/ february-programs-and-events/.

“Power and Powerlessness in the Plantation System” Speaker: Shannon Eaves, assistant professor of history at the College of Charleston Feb. 10, 5 p.m. (Webinar/virtual) draytonhall.org “Gullah Spirituals Concert” The Plantation Singers Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

Christ Church 2304 Hwy 17 N, Mount Pleasant tompsc.com/1125/Black-History-Month “Living History Through the Eyes of the Enslaved” Feb. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Magnolia Plantation & Gardens tinyurl.com/2p9ykmep (843) 571-1266 “History of Education for African Americans in Mount Pleasant” Feb. 19, 3 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Town Council Chambers 100 Ann Edwards Lane tompsc.com/1125/Black-History-Month “Early Furniture: A Closer Look at Enslaved Craftsmanship” Feb. 24, 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The Heyward-Washington House 87 Church St. charlestonmuseum.org Some of the above programs are offered free of charge, and others have a fee. Visit website links for additional information.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

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FIRST PLACE Andy Brack Charleston City Paper Important story that I suspect most weren’t aware of. Good reporting and suggestions to help.

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The Post and Courier

David Lauderdale The Island Packet

COMMUNITY SERVICE

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FIRST PLACE Bruce Mills & Item Newsroom Staff The Sumter Item Over the course of eight months, The Sumter Item orchestrated a tireless effort at laying bare both the internal issues plaguing the local school board, as well as the impacts of the board’s actions have had on the community, including FOIA violations, committee decisions and ultimately, election results. With an impressive package, including testimonials heralding the paper’s work as “democracy at work,” The Sumter Item has presented a true case study in community service journalism.

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SECOND PLACE Hanna Raskin

NEWS REPORTING

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FIRST PLACE Molly Hulsey GSA Business It’s hard to write an interesting article on a park opening, but this writer ropes you in with a clever lede and well-sourced, clean writing.

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Nicole Ziege The Post and Courier Myrtle Beach/Georgetown Times

Elizabeth Hustad The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

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FIRST PLACE Michael M. DeWitt Jr. The Hampton County Guardian Such thorough, comprehensive detail and research made this a most interesting read. A gruesome subject, to be sure, but very well done.

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Anna Brown Union County News

Anna Brown Union County News

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FIRST PLACE

d n a Best of the Best

Charles D. Perry

Myrtle Beach Herald Really enjoyable story done well. Great subject, great details. Just fun and well-written!

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John Jeter Greenville Journal

Ruben Lowman North Myrtle Beach Times

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FIRST PLACE Joan Yates The Link Loved the way this was written. Short, sweet, to the point and humorous. Great job.

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Bianca Moorman Aiken Standard

Bill Bengtson Aiken Standard

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FIRST PLACE Bill Bengtson Aiken Standard Very informative article. Facts are given in subtle ways to keep interest.

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Sofia Sanchez The Island Packet

Adam Benson The Sun News

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

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FIRST PLACE Karl Puckett The Island Packet Descriptive writing and thorough interviews made this an enjoyable and informative read.

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

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Morgan Hughes The State

Shamira McCray The Post and Courier

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

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FIRST PLACE Caitlin Byrd The Post and Courier Good, strong story. It pulls the reader in with description and action.

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Aida Rogers

Hanna Raskin

FEATURE WRITING

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FIRST PLACE Hanna Raskin Story is very clever, an interesting mix of investigation and a look into the future.

It gave me something to think about the next time I visit a mall, especially the food court.

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Samantha Winn The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star

Donna-Maria Conzalina The People-Sentinel

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

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FIRST PLACE Tonya Rodgers The Twin-City News Nicely done. This is a sweet story of a little girl who wants to give back, and readers always love those.

Good job blending multiple sources together to produce a cohesive, readable piece.

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Elizabeth Bush Daniel Island News

Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald

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FIRST PLACE Charles D. Perry Myrtle Beach Herald Well written.

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Evan Peter Smith Greenville Journal

Tony Kukulich The Island News

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FIRST PLACE Samantha Connors Charleston City Paper This story brings everything together – history, statistics, confronting the stigma around not only tattoos in general but around women in the tattoo industry and the art behind it all. I loved all the perspectives and thought the sourced etiquette tips were a fantastic addition. Very well done!

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Dionne Gleaton The Times and Democrat

Dede Biles Aiken Standard

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FIRST PLACE Greg K. Deal Index-Journal Loved how the story was written from the point of view of the dog and the sub-headings made it easy to follow the story.

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Sarah Claire McDonald The Island Packet

Mary Dimitrov The Island Packet

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FIRST PLACE Sarah Claire McDonald The Island Packet This article does a nice job not only of telling a story, but painting a picture of a seventh-generation basket-sewer who sews baskets – an art that is rarely written about.

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Morgan Hughes The State

Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

LIFESTYLE FEATURE WRITING

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FIRST PLACE Maura Hogan The Post and Courier Colorful and descriptive writing. It really opens the readers eyes to this culture.

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

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Taylor Ford The Hartsville Messenger

Jonathan Vickery The People-Sentinel

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

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FIRST PLACE Elizabeth Hustad

The Post and Courier North Augusta/The Star Great lede. It pulls you into a story that might otherwise have been overlooked.

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

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Mandy Catoe The Lancaster News

Brian Garner The News and Reporter

PROFILE FEATURE WRITING OR STORY

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FIRST PLACE Greg Summers The Lancaster News The amount of detail that went into this story is simply amazing. Although long, I could’ve read it for pages and pages.

You have a real gift for storytelling and painting a detailed picture.

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THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Leigh Savage Greenville Journal

Andy Brack Charleston City Paper

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WEEKLY OVER 6,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Evan Peter Smith Greenville Journal Attention grabbing from lede to the end, with so much vivid detail throughout. Excellent piece. Great storytelling.

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DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Sarah Sheridan Independent Mail

Tracy Kimball The Herald

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DAILY UNDER 7,500 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Greg K. Deal Index-Journal Tightly and actively written. The voices of the sources shine through the page and make the story an exuberant celebration of a community grocer.

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DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Taylor Ford Morning News

Bob Montgomery Herald-Journal

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DAILY 7,500-20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Sofia Sanchez The Island Packet The foster mom’s heart really shines through in this story.

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THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Jennifer Berry Hawes The Post and Courier

Avery G. Wilks The Post and Courier

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DAILY OVER 20,000 DIVISION

FIRST PLACE Chiara Eisner The State Gripping. Expert use of a rare get; a richly detailed perspective on the execution doctor himself, but also on the death penalty and South Carolina.