Annual East Tennessee GPC Contest Winners for work published, broadcast or posted online in 2007
NEWSPAPERS
Deadline/Spot News Reporting
Division 1-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Ryan Harris, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Kimball tornado “
Judges’ comments – Excellent balance of color and context
Award of Merit Rebecca Ferrar, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Backroom deals”
Third Place: Lauren Gregory, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Brainerd plane crash”
Division 1-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Jessica Stith, The Daily Times, “Standoff ends after three women assaulted”
Judges’ comments – Good combination of facts and color
Award of Merit Marcus Fitzsimmons, The Daily Times, “Young players drawn to youthful bowers
Honorable Mention Jessica Stith, John Brice The Daily Times, “Summitt files for divorce”
Division 1-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Jason Davis, LaFollette Press, “Drama at the dog shelter”
Judges’ comments – Interesting without relying on titillation
General Reporting
Division 2-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Don Jacobs, Knoxville News Sentinel, “I was too afraid not to do it”
Judges’ comments – Excellent reporting and sourcing and written in a compelling and concise manner.
Award of Merit Andy Sher, Dave Flessner, Brian Lazenby, “Tennessee Waltz”
Third Place Lola Alapo, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Hard life for a child”
Honorable Mention Scott Barker, Rebecca Ferrar, Ansley Haman, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Knox County Chaos”
Division 2-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Mark Boxley, The Daily Times, “Hard day’s work”
Judges’ comments – Informative with a good, descriptive lede
Third Place Jessica Stith, The Daily Times, “APD nabs theft ring”
Division 2-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Third Place Susan Sharp, LaFollette Press, “Area leads in lab seizures”
Division 2-D. Organizational Communications
Award of Excellence Sarah Callahan, Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, “Girl Scouts buy tractor trailer”
Judges” comments – Touching, lede draws reader in
Feature Writing
Division 3-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Chandra Harris-McCray, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Faithful to the end”
Judges’ comments – Combination of compelling story, thorough reporting, and sometimes lyrical writing
Award of Merit Lesli Bales-Sherrod, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Protons and prayers”
Third Place Matt Lakin, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Big dog in the big house”
Honorable Mention Matt Lakin, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Waves of memories”
Division 3-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Mark Boxley, The Daily Times, “The cop and the addict”
Judges’ comments – Moving story pulls you in from the first line and keeps you reading with strong images, clear, compelling writing and a style that flows like a mountain’s stream – cool, crisp and refreshing.
Third Place Jessica Stith, The Daily Times, “Victims, know your rights”
Division 3-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Susan Sharp, LaFollette Press, “Act of vigilantism”
Judges’ comments – Fact-packed story about interesting case.
Division 3-D. Organizational Communications
Award of Excellence Sarah Callahan, Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, “Dolly Parton becomes a lifetime Girl Scout with Tanasi”
Judges’ comments – Nice use of quotes.
Award of Merit Christine Jessel, Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, “Girls fall in love with horses at Camp Tanasi”
Series/Package/Project Writing
Division 4-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence J. J. Stambaugh, The Knoxville News Sentinel, “Knoxville use of force”
Judges’ comments – compelling, complete and even-handed. Extremely well written.
Award of Merit Dave Flessner, Pam Sohn, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Faces of the homeless”
Third Place Kristi Nelson, Knoxville News Sentinel, “May we take your disorder?”
Honorable Mention Jason Reynolds, Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Foreclosures at home”
Division 4-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Anna Irwin, Iva Butler, Jessica Stith, Bonny Millard, The Daily Times, “Four children die in fire”
Judges’ comments – stories are full of detail that guides readers through from tragic beginning to hopeful end. (Sadly, reporter Anna Irwin passed away last summer.)
Award of Merit Mark Boxley, Iva Butler, Marcus Fitzsimmons, The Daily Times, “Shock and sadness”
Third Place Marcus Fitzsimmons, The Daily Times, “USA South football preview”
Division 4-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Shannon Carey, Shopper-News, “Goin’ to the chapel”
Judges’ comments – descriptive and informative
Award of Merit Susan Sharp, LaFollette Press, “Kenneth S. Bartley story”
Division 4-D. Organizational Communications
Excellence Christine Jessel, Mary Leidig, Sarah Callahan, Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, “Dolly Parton joins the Girl Scouts”
Judges’ comments – fun, engaging, heart-warming
Investigative Reporting
Division 5-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Rebecca Ferrar, Ansley Haman, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Knox County Chaos”
Judges’ comments – Investigative articles highlight the resourcefulness needed to shed light on the problems facing the county.”
Award of Merit Bob Fowler, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Affair no secret two say”
Third Place Angie Herrington, Dave Flessner, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “The gridiron vs. the classroom”
Division 5-B. Circulation under 25,000 (Judges said this was a very tough category to judge)
Award of Excellence Rick Laney, Jessica Stith, The Daily Times, “County tuition reimbursement”
Judges’ comments – The reporter had a great grasp of the facts and was able to explain them in a resourceful, enterprising way.”
Award of Merit Rick Laney, The Daily Times, “Immigrant: judge told me to go home”
Third Place Jessica Stith, The Daily Times, “FBI probes drug task force truck deal”
Division 5-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Natahsa Renee LaFayette, LaFollette Press, “Jellico finances affect crime fighting”
Judges’ comments – This entry deserves the award because LaFayette was able to see beyond what some would call a simple theft and ask questions about the police department, exposing troubles. A great investigative reporting article because LaFayette dug deeper than any reporter would. A simple theft was a result of a deeper issue and the reporter saw that.
Sports Reporting
Division 6-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Mike Strange, The Knoxville News Sentinel, “We’re all we’ve got”
Judges’ comments – The contrast between the two teams was a very resourceful way to explain what problems the Knoxville college is facing.
Award of Merit Team coverage, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “From big house to our house”
Division 6-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Marcus Fitzsimmons, The Daily Times, “Scots score GSAC title in 13-6 win”
Judges’ comments – Effective because it kept the reader in the moment of the victory.
Award of Merit Leonard Butts, The Daily Times, “Ann Baker Furrow Inducted”
Third Place John Brice, The Daily Times, “Steadying force”
Division 6-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Dwane Wilder, LaFollette Press, “Fortunate son”
Judges’ comments – The use of storytelling and description was very impressive. You were able to connect with Chris Honeycutt and understand why his mom is so important in his life and career.
Editorial Writing
Division 7-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Lee Anderson, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Editorials 11/18; 4/22; 6/24
Judges’ comments – A strong and clear expression of editorial opinion.
Award of Merit Henry Austin, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Denying handicapped access etc.”
Third Place Hoyt Canady, Knoxville News Sentinel, Editorials 1/17; 1/24; 2/1
Honorable Mention Jan Maxwell Avent, Knoxville News Sentinel, Editorials 3/20, 9/20, 10/10
Division 7-B. (no awards)
Division 7-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Editorial Staff, LaFollette Press
Judges’ comments – The series’ approach goes beyond making a statement and then going on to the next thing as though the first is over and done with
Personal Columns
Division 8-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Mark Kennedy, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Judges’ comments – Insightfully draws on personal experiences for well-written columns
Award of Merit Greg Johnson, Knoxville News Sentinel
Third Place Don Williams, Knoxville News Sentinel
Division 8-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Steve Wildsmith, The Daily Times
Judges’ comments – Columns draw you in an easy way not often found. You, as the reader, are with him in the moment. He makes you want to read more.
Award of Merit John Brice, The Daily times
Third Place Greg Johnson, The Mountain Press, Sevierville
Division 8-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Susan Sharp, LaFollette Press
Judges’ comments – an important topic to set before her readers
Award of Merit Don Williams, Knoxville Voice
Third Place Timothy Hankins, Blount Voice/The Daily Times
Reviews/Criticism
Division 9-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Casey Phillips, Chattanooga Free Press, “Star Struck, etc.”
Judges’ comments – Gives information and judgment backed by his own experience as a musician
Division 9-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Steve Wildsmith, The Daily Times
Judges’ comments – He certainly has a way with words with a critical quality that goes beyond a judgment of good or bad in the article
Division 9-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Emily Schoen, Shopper-News
Judges’ comments – readable and straight forward
RADIO AND TELEVISION
News Reporting
Division 10-A. Radio
Award of Excellence Ann Lloyd, WUOT-FM, “Internet censorship”
Judges’ comments – Well-written, evokes images, compelling
Award of Merit Catherine Howell, Channing Smith, Dave Foulk, Michael Grider, Andrew Shibley, Josh Blanchard, WNOX-FM, “News Reporting”
Third Place Ann Lloyd, WUOT-FM, “American contractors in Iraq”
Division 10-B. Television
Award of Excellence Channel 3 Eyewitness News Team, WRCB-TV, “Kimball tornado”
Judges’ comments – Very nice comfort level in opening line shot, good team coverage, overall excellent.
Award of Excellence Stacy McCloud, Nate McLaughlin, WVLT-TV, “Tennessee Ave. church destroyed by fire”
Judges’ comments – Nicely written, nice use of visuals, good emotional impact
Third Place Robin Murdoch, WBIR-TV, “News reporting – Murdoch composite”
Honorable Mention Josh West, WBIR-TV, “Women in black”
Feature Reporting
Division 11-A. Radio
Award of Excellence Chrissy Keuper, WUOT-FM, “Prison Children”
Judges’ comments – Interesting topic told well
Award of Merit Catherine Howell, WNOX-FM, “Race rally”
Third Place Matt Shafer Powell, WUOT-FM, Feature reporting 8/8
Division 11-B. Television (The Judges said this was the best and most competitive category and was very difficult to judge because there were so many excellent entries.)
Award of Excellence April Lamb, WBIR-TV, “Striking out ALS”
Judges’ comments – Beautiful story, beautifully told, emotional with great impact. You have to keep watching to see how it turned out.”
Award of Merit Jake Resler, Caroline Lamar, WBIR-TV, “Maleka’s story”
Third Place Jake Resler, Michele Silva, WBIR-TV, “Wheelchair rappeller”
Honorable Mention Stacy McCloud, Peter Simeone, WVLT-TV, “God is my shield: the story of Tommy McGouey”
Investigative Reporting
Division 12-B.Television
Award of Excellence Kay Watson, Jake Jost, Kevin Umberger, Tim Dale, Jerry Owens, WBIR-TV, “Mayor’s office misspending”
Judges’ comments – Impressive information gathering and commitment by the station to dedicate one hour to put it all together. Good reporting.
Award of Merit Don Dare, David Wignall, WATE-TV, “Dental dilemma”
Third Place David Carroll, Reggie Coleman, WRCB-TV, “School patrol”
Sports Reporting
Division 13-B.Television
Award of Excellence Dave Staley, WTVC-TV, “Dave’s diamond darlings”
Judges’ comments – Cute story – shows what is missing in most local sports.
Documentary/Public Affairs Programming
Division 14-A. Radio
Award of Excellence Catherine Howell, WNOX-FM, “Knox County chaos: a year in county government”
Judges’ comments – Artful compilation to encapsulate reporting over a long term.
Award of Merit Matt Shafer Powell, David Habercom, WUOT-FM, “The other side of the street”
Division 14-B. Television
Award of Excellence Brittany Bailey, Robin Wilhoit, Jerry Owens, WBIR-TV, “Remembering the Lillelids–10 years later”
Judges’ comments – Connected emotionally, well-told and well-written.
Award of Excellence 10 News Team, WBIR-TV, “Knox County files”
Judges’ comments – excellent information and aggressive in scope
Award of Merit Don Dare, WATE-TV, “Mental illness: the silent disorder”
Award of Merit Steve Dean, Sam Moore, Larry Essler, Doug Mills, Bill Landry, WBIR-TV, “The Heartland Series: a river free”
EDITING/DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND WORK FOR OTHER MEDIA
Headline
Division 15-A. Newspapers
Award of Excellence Donna A. Cruze, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Once mined now yours; Sweet smells; Campfield irritates”
Judges’ comments – creative and descriptive, the reader gets the point before reading the story.
Award of Merit Jamie Bumpus, Knoxville News Sentinel, “A fab fate; Deli’s tastes and prices…; Mission: inscrutable”
Third Place Jamie Bumpus, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Many happy returns; Recasting a spell; China patterns”
Page One Design, Newspapers
Division 16-A.Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Melanie Horton, Karen Knotts, Jennifer Dedman, Dan Proctor, Tracey Trumbull, Saul Young, Michael Apuan, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Various A1s”
Judges’ comments – the creativity and variety in approaches to the page make this entry stand out and attract the attention of the reader.
Award of Merit Jennifer Dedman, Knoxville News Sentinel, “President draws; Lasting legacy; Common cents”
Honorable Mention Lin C. Parker, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Reality of parenthood; America must not fail; A place in history”
Division 16-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Richard Dodson, The Daily Times, “Page A1s”
Judges’ comments – Designs make the reader want to continue to read below the fold. The details, such as graphics and headlines, create interest.
Award of Merit Amanda Greever, The Daily Times, “A1 for Daily Times”
Division 16-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence LaFollette Press
Judges’ comments – The organization is clear within the page design, aiding the reader in navigating the page
Award of Merit Shopper-News Art Department
Judges’ comments – This department definitely delivers more! They give a mix of graphics and print in a way that readers can enjoy
Inside Page Design
Division 17-A. Circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Lin C. Parker, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Back to school primer; No yawning matter; Year in review”
Judges’ comments – The creativity of these layouts, as well as the usage of illustration, really makes these pages stand out. There is great movement to these pages.
Award of Merit David Goddard, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Cart-load; Legend; Orange letter”
Third Place Sara Jackson, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Showcase of fine art; Rock on; One of a kind”
Honorable Mention Preview Section, Knoxville News Sentinel, Preview Section Covers
Division 17-B. Circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence no award
Award of Merit Amanda Greever, The Daily Times, “The wow of wicker; Maples leaves; Crushing defeat”
Third Place Frank “Buzz” Trexler, The Daily Times, “The cop and the addict”
Division 17-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Shopper-News Art Department, Shopper-News
Judges’ comments – This department definitely delivers more! They give a mix of graphics and print in a way that readers can enjoy.
Informational Graphic
Division 18-A. Newspapers
Award of Excellence Beck Towery, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Migration”
Judges’ comments – The use of illustration works well here and the clean and simple organization of the information makes for an easy to follow layout.
Award of Merit Don Wood, Fred Brown, John North, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Searching for Carmac McCarthy”
Third Place Laura E. Walker, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Movie Memories”
Art Illustration
Division 19-A. Newspapers
Award of Excellence Don Wood, Fred Brown, John North, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Searching for Carmac McCarthy”
Judges’ comments – The use of the black and white illustrations works well with the old photos, and all the muted colors help communicate the idea of times past and history.
Award of Merit Beck Towery, Chattanooga Times Free Press
Honorable Mention Laura E. Walker, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “It’s no yawning matter”
Photo Illustration
Division 20-A. Newspapers
Award of Excellence Rey Pineda, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Eric Ainge”
Judges’ comments – I like the attention to detail with the addition of the logos with appropriate shading, as well as the concept
Award of Merit Rey Pineda, Saul Young, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Prep xtra country”
Third Place Daryl Sullivan, The Daily Times, “The pain of pollen”
Honorable Mention Beck Towery, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Dueling video”
Division 20-B.Organizational Communication
Award of Excellence Christine Jessel, Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, “Girl Scout donates to reading rocks”
Deadline Photography
Division 21-A. Newspapers, circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Angela Lewis, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Welcome home!”
Judges’ comments – Absolutely wonderful moment of reunion – the perfect moment of soldier and wife with inclusion of spectators made this a winner. It’s great to find a positive image in such a difficult situation for the USA
Award of Merit Dan Henry, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Chambers funeral”
Third Place Tim Barber, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Falling water rescue”
Honorable Mention Angela Lewis, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Soccer header”
Division 21-B. Newspapers, circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Daryl Sullivan, The Daily Times, “Fatal crash”
Judges’ comments – The best picture is the front page image of mourners with an ambulance blurred as it rushes past them. Photographer has foresight to anticipate story-telling moment.
Award of Merit Joy Kimbrough, The Daily Times, “Tearful reunion”
Third Place Mark A. Large, The Daily Times, “Fiery struggle”
Division 21-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Jason Davis, LaFollette Press, “Commissioners spar”
Judges’ comments – Photographer was rewarded for being ready after a meeting adjourned with a telling moment. Right lens and right moment.
Award of Merit Natasha Renee LaFayette, LaFollette Press, “Clandestine meth lab”
Third Place Ruth White, Shopper-News, “Fulton boys take win at Carter”
Division 21-D. Television
Award of Excellence Kevin Umberger, WBIR-TV, “Pellissippi Parkway sinkhole”
Judges’ comments – well edited and shot for deadline situation
Feature Photography
Division 22-A. Newspapers, circulation over 25,000
Award of Excellence Kathleen Greeson, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Faces of the homeless”
Judges’ comments – Very tough call between first and second place. This entry won because of confidence the subjects had to have in photograph. The picture that stood out was man in the car.
Award of Merit Andy McFee, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Cancer twins”
Third Place D. Patrick Harding, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Races with children”
Honorable Mention Angela Lewis, Chattanooga Times Free Press, “Oak Ridge”
Division 22-B. Newspapers, circulation under 25,000
Award of Excellence Tom Sherlin, The Daily Times, “SEC champs”
Judges’ comments – Wonderful timing to catch emotion. Nice grouping of hands to add to the one jubilant face.
Award of Merit Mark A. Large, The Daily Times, “Run for the money”
Third Place Tom Sherlin, The Daily Times, “Teamwork”
Division 22-C. Non-Daily Newspapers
Award of Excellence Dwane Wilder, LaFollette Press, “Learning to fish”
Judges’ comments – Nice expression of a young angler and good use of telephoto lens
Award of Merit Natasha Renee LaFayette, LaFollette Press, “Girl at splash park”
Third Place Susan Sharp, LaFollette Press
Division 22-D. Television
Award of Excellence Jacob Nagel, WBIR-TV, “Nagel composite”
Judges’ Comment Good emotion shown through video; wonderful use of natural sound.
Award of Merit Jason Tighe, Stacy McCloud, WVLT-TV, Organic farmer”
Editorial Cartoon
Division 23-A. Newspapers
Award of Excellence R. Daniel Proctor, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Commission ethics”
Judges’ comments – Wow! Can’t help but get the point.
Work for Other Media
Division 24-A. Writing
Award of Excellence Sara C. Shoemaker, Business TN Magazine, “Dollywood Deluxe”
Judges’ comments – Offers a very interesting look into Dollywood.
Award of Merit Sara C. Shoemaker, Business TN Magazine, “Great expectations”
ONLINE
Overall Web site
Division 25-A. Overall Web site affiliated with newspaper, TV, radio or magazine
Award of Excellence Jack D. Lail, Jigsha Desai, Erin Chapin, Katie Kolt Hall, Lauren Spuhler, Talid Magdy, Knoxville News Sentinel, “knoxnews.com”
Judges’ comments – well organized, easy to navigate
Award of Merit Chattanooga Times Free Press, “www.timesfreepress.com”
Third Place Katie Granju, WBIR-TV, “WBIR.com”
Honorable Mention Mike Andrews and Channel 3 Eyewitness News Team, WRCB-TV, “WRCBTV.com”
Online Reporting – Overall Web site affiliated with newspaper, TV, radio or magazine
Division 26-A-2. Continuing Coverage
Award of Excellence Lauren Spuhler, knoxnews.com, “Bonnaroo 2007″
Judges’ comments – visually compelling, innovative, good mix of stories
Award of Merit Katie Granju, WBIR.com, “Knox County Files”
Division 26-A-3. Multimedia
Award of Excellence Erin Chapin, J. J. Stambaugh, knoxnews.com, “Use of force”
Judges’ comments – compelling stories, well-produced and layed out. Impressive effort.
Award of Merit Ashley White, Kathleen Greeson, www.timesfreepress.com, “Faces of the homeless”
Third Place Christian Bruce, www.timesfreepress.com, “Tribute to a fallen soldier”
Honorable Mention Jigsha Desai, knoxnews.com, “25th anniversary of 1982 World’s Fair”
ALL MEDIA – HORACE V. WELLS JR. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD (TIE)
Scott Barker, Rebecca Ferrar, Ansley Haman, Hayes Hickman, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Knox County Turmoil”
10 News Team, WBIR-TV, “Knox County Files”
The Judges said, “this is an ultimate public service with continuing commitment to follow through.”
THE OVERALL GOLDEN PRESS CARD AWARD CHOSEN FROM ALL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE (TIE)
10 News Team, WBIR-TV, “Knox County Files”
Rebecca Ferrar, Ansley Haman, Knoxville News Sentinel, “Knox County Chaos”
(Categories or divisions where there were no entries are not listed.)
