2023 S.C. Press Association Annual Meeting & Awards Program

SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 9

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

5:30 – 8 p.m.

Friday, March 10

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

10 – 11 a.m.

Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open Gallery-Reception

Family-Owned Newspaper Retreat

Classroom 1-2

Executive Committee Meeting

Classroom 1-2

Kick-off Cookout Party

Ballroom Salon C and Outdoor Patio

Registration, Sponsor Tables and News Contest Winners’ Exhibits Open Gallery-Reception

Counselors Off The Cuff

Classroom 1-2

Join attorneys Taylor Smith, Jay Bender, Dr. Eric Robinson and Carl Muller for a discussion on the legal, First Amendment and open government issues you’re facing.

11 – 11:45 a.m.

SCPA Business Meeting, Election of Officers & Forum to discuss digital membership

Classroom 1-2

Noon – 2:15 p.m.

Awards Luncheon and Hall of Fame Induction

Ballroom Salon A-B

Honoring winners of the 2022 Daily, Weekly & Associate/Individual Member Contests

S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame Induction

• Scott Hunter | 1949-2018 | Aiken Standard

• Louis C. Sossamon | 1921-2019 | The Gaffney Ledger

2:15 – 4:30 p.m.

President’s Reception and Toast to the Winners

Ballroom Salon A-B and Outdoor Patio

Following the Awards Presentation, SCPA will toast the winners during a beer, wine and soft drink reception on the patio! Each registrant has a drink ticket in the back of your nametag. Additional drinks can be purchased for $4 (cash only). Stick around to reconnect with old friends and make new connections with your newspaper peers!

2:15 – 3 p.m. How did they do it? Show & Tell of the winners

Classroom 1-2

Want to learn more about the 2022 News Contest winners or give background on the work you’re most proud of? Join us for an informal “Show and Tell” discussion of the winning writing, photography, design and digital winners. This is a great space if you’re looking for tricks of the trade, new ideas or ways to master your craft!

In memory of those we’ve lost over the past year:

George W. Salsberry | April 16, 2022 | Former Reporter, The Press & Standard

Kenneth W. Baldwin, Jr. | June 13, 2022 | Former Sports Editor, Index-Journal; Former Sports Reporter, The Columbia Record

Ivy F. Moore | June 26, 2022 | Former Features Editor and Writer, The Sumter Item

Joseph William Sitarz Jr. | June 28, 2022 | Former Features Editor and Sports Writer, Index-Journal

Marc DeLane Brown | July 13, 2022 | Co-Owner and Associate Publisher, Laurens County Advertiser

Barbara Ann Hill | Sept. 10, 2022 | Former Features Editor, Summerville Journal Scene

Dr. John William Click | Sept. 15, 2022 | Former Chair, Winthrop University Department of Mass Communication

Cecile Holmes | Sept. 29, 2022 | Former Journalism Instructor, University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications; Former Religion Reporter and Editor

Eddie Litaker | Oct. 9, 2022 | Sports Stringer and Former Sports Reporter, The Sumter Item; Former Editor, The Manning Times

Donia Campbell Coward Malone | Oct. 19, 2022 | Former Co-Owner, Belton-Honea Path News-Chronicle

James Harold Rogers | Nov. 4, 2022 | Former Sports Editor, Index-Journal; Former Editor, Easley Progress; Former Columnist, The Pickens Sentinel; Former Contributor, The Greenville News

Margaret Ann Thomas | Nov. 2022 | Former Owner, The News and Press; President, S.C. Press Association Women's Division, 1952

Ed Scanlon | Dec. 26, 2022 | Columnist, The Aiken Leader

Steve Robertson | Dec. 31, 2022 | Owner, President and Retired Publisher, The Horry Independent, Myrtle Beach Herald, Carolina Forest Chronicle and The Loris Scene; President, S.C. Press Association, 1998

Gregory Yee | Jan. 4, 2023 | Former Reporter, The Post and Courier

Tommy Martin | Jan. 8, 2023 | Editor and Publisher, The Cherokee Chronicle; Former Reporter, Sports Editor and Editor, The Gaffney Ledger; Former Cherokee County Bureau Chief, Herald-Journal

Bill R. Gibbons | Jan. 27, 2023 | Former Editor, Managing Editor, Sports Editor and Staff Writer, The Gaffney Ledger; President, S.C. Press Association, 1980

Frank McComas | Feb. 13, 2023 | Former Publisher, The State; Retired Chief Operating Officer, Knight Ridder Newspapers

William Light "Bill" Kinney, Jr. | Feb. 19, 2023 | Editor and Publisher Emeritus, Marlboro Herald-Advocate, McColl Messenger and The Marlboro Shopper; Former President, Marlboro Publishing Co. Inc.; President, S.C. Press Association, 1972; Past President and Board Member, S.C. Press Association Foundation; Founder of the S.C. Press Association Journalism Hall of Fame

VISIT THE REGISTRATION DESK:

• Pick up a program, your nametag and other goodies!

• Find out where to go... Most sessions are in Classroom 1-2 and the Awards Celebration Luncheon is in Ballroom A-B.

• Ask questions about SCPA services like press IDs, SLED Checks, how to sign up for the weekly eBulletin newsletter and more!

IN THE GALLERY-RECEPTION:

• 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:

The coffee and water station is in Classroom 1-2, the location of our training sessions and business meetings.

THANKS to the SCPA Foundation Smoak Fund for sponsoring this

We've already hosted some great training events in 2023 but would love your ideas for upcoming news and advertising sessions (in person and virtual). Please email jmadden@scpress.org to let us know what topics and speakers interest you!

event!

100 CELEBRATING YEARS

OF EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM EDUCATION

Learn more about our programs at sc.edu/cic

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. Roughly 80 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 Secretary-Manager 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

If you have a Hall of Fame nominee, contact SCPA for eligibility and citation requirements. Deadline to submit a 2024 Hall of Fame nomination: Dec. 1, 2023

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of Fame

Scott B. Hunter 1949-2018

40-Year Career at the Aiken Standard (1973-2013)

Scott Beale Hunter began his journalism career in 1973 as a sports writer for the Aiken Standard and rose through the ranks to become one of the longest serving daily newspaper publishers in South Carolina.

A native of Rockville, Maryland, Hunter graduated from the University of South Carolina and earned his Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina’s School of Journalism.

From sports writer, he was promoted to sports editor for the Standard, working hard to ensure that all the local high schools received coverage. Publisher Sam Cothran took note of Hunter’s ambition and work ethic, naming him news editor.

Hunter quickly rose to the positions of managing editor, editor and then general manager. During his time in those leadership positions, the Aiken Standard went from a five-day-a-week to a six-day publication.

During his tenure, he helped lead the Aiken Standard from the days of typewriters and paste-up to computers and pagination. He was heavily involved in the newspaper’s installation of computer systems and helped teach staff how to use the new technology.

Following Cothran’s retirement in 1989, Hunter was elevated to publisher of the newspaper, a title he held until his retirement in December 2013.

Early in his role as publisher, the newspaper became a seven-daya-week enterprise.

Hunter was also president of Aiken Communications Inc., which owned the local newspaper. As publisher he was instrumental in the company’s acquisition of North Augusta’s weekly newspaper, The Star, from its longtime owners Sam and Mim Woodring.

Hunter served as President of the South Carolina Press Association in 1995. He also served as President of the S.C. Press Association Foundation and was a Foundation Board Member from 2012-2018.

He was known throughout the state as a mentor who offered insight, wisdom and encouragement to generations of news industry employees.

“Scott was a wonderful publisher and community leader,” said

Ellen Priest who worked with Hunter for more than 20 years and succeeded him as publisher of the Aiken Standard. “He never forgot our obligation to the community to hold our elected officials accountable, and he always provided fair and balanced coverage.”

Hunter was also involved in a variety of civic organizations. He was an active member and elder at Aiken’s First Presbyterian Church. He served on and chaired the boards of the United Way of Aiken County, the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, First Steps and the Etherredge Center Orchestra. He also chaired the Child Advocacy Center board and served as co-chair of Stand Up for the Children, the capital campaign for Children’s Place. Hunter served as president of the Rotary Club of Aiken and the Aiken Kiwanis Club. He chaired the City of Aiken’s Arts and Culture Committee during the 1993 strategic planning process, and was a member of Aiken’s All-America City Committee in 1997.

In 1997 Hunter was named Volunteer of the Year by the United Way of Aiken County. In 1998 he was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award from USC Aiken, and in 2011 he was named the Man of the Year by the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce. He was also presented with the South Carolina Order of the Silver Crescent during his retirement ceremony.

Hunter was married to Lois McFadden-Hunter until her passing in 2009, and together they raised their daughter Eleanor Hunter.

“Scott was, above all, the quintessential gentleman,” said Pierre Manigault, chairman of the Board of Evening Post Industries. “He was also one of the best all-around newspaper publishers I’ve known. Behind the impeccable manners and gentle ways was a journalist and businessman with great instincts and the amazing ability to seemingly always make the right decision.”

Hunter never failed to give back to his community or to those in need. The S.C. Press Association recognizes Hunter for his lasting legacy, leadership and service to the Aiken community, the Palmetto State and the newspaper industry.

South Carolina Press Association

Hall of Fame

Louis Cody Sossamon 1921-2019

Publisher of The Gaffney Ledger (1969-1999)

Louis Sossamon began his journalism career in 1949 when he joined his father at The Gaffney Ledger as advertising manager.

He graduated from Gaffney High School in 1938 and from the University of South Carolina in 1943, where he was president of the student body, a member of the Blue Key Honor Society and USC’s first AP All-American football player. He served in the United States Navy from 1943-1945 and played professional football for the New York Yankees (All-America Football Conference – later merged with NFL) for three years before returning to Gaffney in 1949.

Although his title was “advertising manager,” Sossamon wrote numerous front page editorials excoriating public officials for underhanded activities ranging from deal making by school officials to selective enforcement of laws and criminal activity by law enforcement officials.

Sossamon purchased the newspaper from his father in 1969. In 1974, he built a facility on W. Floyd Baker Boulevard to house The Ledger offices and printing plant.

In 1962, Sossamon received the first ever South Carolina Press Association and Associated Press News Council Freedom of Information Award. A press release at that time read in part: “Mr. Sossamon’s recognition resulted from his determined public discussion of the Cherokee County Grand Jury’s involvement in a local school issue, even though he had been subpoenaed by the jury and threatened with indictment. He writes a front page column for the Gaffney newspaper.”

In another example, the Cherokee County Sheriff threatened to sue Sossamon for an editorial accusing the sheriff of tipping off owners of slot machines about an upcoming SLED raid. The threatened lawsuit never materialized.

Sossamon led The Gaffney Ledger to numerous national and state awards for reporting, including coverage of the infamous “Gaffney

Strangler” case, which brought national attention to the small city. Rumor has it that Sossamon threw Dan Rather of CBS fame out of The Ledger office when he was in town covering the serial killings.

During Sossamon’s tenure as publisher, the newspaper uncovered an illegal dumping scheme that led to a Superfund cleanup in the county.

Both his grandfather, Edward Hope DeCamp, who founded The Gaffney Ledger in 1894 and was publisher until 1927, and his father, F.W. Sossamon, publisher of The Gaffney Ledger from 1927-1969, are previous inductees into the S.C. Journalism Hall of Fame.

Sossamon served as President of the S.C. Press Association in 1968.

Highlights of his resume include: Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, elder at Limestone Presbyterian Church, director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Limestone College trustee, USC trustee where he was chairman of the Intercollegiate Activities committee when USC joined the SEC, past member of the State Development Board, USC Athletic Hall of Fame and State of SC Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1998, he was named a Diamond Circle Honoree by the USC College of Journalism for outstanding contributions to print journalism.

Sossamon retired in 1999 and his son Cody became publisher of The Gaffney Ledger.

In 2015, Sossamon’s granddaughter, Abbie, joined the newspaper staff, becoming the fifth generation of the Sossamon family to be associated with the newspaper.

At a reception in 2010 honoring Sossamon, USC President Harris Pastides praised him and his accomplishments before toasting him saying, “This is just a snapshot of a long, productive, wonderful life, but I believe it’s enough to earn status as THE Carolina Man. Ladies and gentleman, please join me in toasting The Honorable Louis C. Sossamon, THE Carolina Man.”

ATTENDEES

Nathaniel Abraham Jr.

Carolina Panorama

Columbia, SC

Cam Adams

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Jane Alford

The Lancaster News & Carolina Gateway

Lancaster, SC

Macon Atkinson

Greenville News

Greenville, SC

Barbara Ball

The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County

Blythewood, SC

Jim Baltzelle

The Associated Press

St. Augustine, FL

Mac Banks

The Lancaster News & Carolina Gateway

Lancaster, SC

Blair Barna

SceneThink

Charleston, SC

Tony Bartelme

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Angie Beckom

Greewood, SC

Mike Beckom

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Jay Bender

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

ATTENDEES

RJ Benner

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Dede Biles

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Greg Booras

Creative Circle

Media Solutions

Dahlonega, GA

Josh Boucher

The State

Columbia, SC

John Boyette

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Kathy Boyette

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Andy Brack

Charleston City Paper

Charleston, SC

Maya Brown

The Sun News

Myrtle Beach, SC

PJ Browning

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Elizabeth Bush

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Joe Bustos

The State

Columbia, SC

Richard Caines

The Post and Courier

Myrtle Beach, SC

Ken Campell

AdCellerant

Clemson, SC

Kelli Carroll

University of South Carolina

College of Communications

Columbia, SC

Proudly Honors

Charles Swenson S.C. Press Association

for His Service to the Palmetto State's Newspapers

2022-2023 SCPA PRESIDENT

Mandy Catoe

The Lancaster News

Lancaster, SC

Scott Chancey

Morning News

Florence, SC

Kristin Coker

The Times and Democrat

Orangeburg, SC

Jeffrey Collins

Associated Press

Columbia, SC

Samantha Connors

Charleston City Paper

Charleston, SC

Russell Cox Municipal Association of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

Anne Cushman

Columbia, SC

Rechelle Dallas Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Diane Daniell

Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Catherine Davenport Columbia, SC

Debra Davenport Columbia, SC

Gwinn Davis

Gwinn Davis Media Simpsonville, SC

Sandi Davis

Gwinn Davis Media

Simpsonville, SC

ATTENDEES

Greg Deal

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Suzanne Detar

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Damian Dominguez

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

St. Claire Donaghy

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Gary Dotson

The Island Packet

Hilton Head, SC

Chase Duncan

My Horry News

Conway, SC

Kelly Duncan

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Sydney Dunlap

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Bryn Eddy

My Horry News

Conway, SC

Cody Estremera

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Jeff Evans

Island News/ Lowcountry Weekly

Beaufort, SC

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor

Thank you, boss

As we celebrate our team’s awards today, we do so without our strongest supporter. Steve Robertson built Waccamaw Publishers. We remain grateful for his impact on this company and our lives.

—The staff

First Place

2022 President ’ s CuP for e

The Staff of The Post and Courier

Innovation: Education Lab Dashboard

Reporting-in-Depth: Safety Off, a gun violence in the Lowcountry Newspaper’s Use of Social Media

Second Place

The Staff of The Post and Courier

Election/Political Coverage

Website: www.postandcourier.com

News Section or Special Edition: Power List

Third Place

The Staff of The Post and Courier

Reporting-in-Depth: Mold U: Across the state and nation, mold is making college students miserable

Community Service: Uncovered

Congratulations

to the s.c. press association award-winning journalists of e xCellenCe

Individual First Place winners:

Tracy Burlison

Caitlin Byrd

Richard Caines

David Cloninger

Olivia Diaz

Sara Gregory

Jocelyn Grzeszczak

Dave Hale

Beth Harrison

Maura Hogan

Conor Hughes

Elizabeth Hustad

Individual Second Place winners:

Devna Bose

David Clarey

Rickey Dennis

Mike Fitts

Jocelyn Grzeszczak, Steve Garrison and Ricky Dennis

Jeff Hartsell

Jennifer Berry Hawes

Elizabeth Hustad

Brandon Lockett

Briah Lumpkins and Doug Pardue

Individual Third Place winners:

Grace Beahm Alford

Jon Blau

Pamela Brownstein

Tracy Burlison

David Clarey

Adrienne Fry

Dave Hale

Jennifer Berry Hawes

Maura Hogan

Elizabeth Hustad

Lisa Justus

Brandon Lockett

Brandon Lockett and Tony Bartelme

Zharia Jeffries

Lisa Justus

Skylar Laird

Gavin McIntyre

Parker Milner

Cindi Ross Scoppe

David Slade

Henry Taylor

Andrew J. Whitaker

Avery G. Wilks

Samantha Winn

Shamira McCray

Gavin McIntyre

Thad Moore and Andrew J. Whitaker

Kalyn Oyer

Gene Sapakoff

Cindi Ross Scoppe

David Slade

Emma Whalen

Andrew J. Whitaker

Avery G. Wilks

Samantha Winn

Shamira McCray

Gavin McIntyre

Thad Moore and Jennifer Berry Hawes

Kalyn Oyer

Gene Sapakoff

Cindi Ross Scoppe

David Slade

Henry Taylor

Maura Turcotte

Hannah Wade

Andrew J. Whitaker

Emily Williams

Samantha Winn

Nicole Ziege

ATTENDEES

Margaret Evans

Island News/ Lowcountry Weekly

Beaufort, SC

Jeannie Everett

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Doug Fisher

USC School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Retired

Columbia, SC

Herb Frazier

Charleston City Paper

Charleston, SC

Sammy Fretwell

The State

Columbia, SC

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

Jenny Garner

Chester, SC

Ashley Ghere

The Voice of Blythewood & Fairfield County

Blythewood, SC

Caleb Gilbert

The Journal

Seneca, SC

Zach Giroux

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Tracy Glantz

The State

Columbia, SC

Mary Gooch

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

Shelbie Goulding-Morin

The Sumter Item

Sumter, SC

Dr. Tom Hallman

Chancellor emeritus, USC Aiken

Aiken, SC

Susan Hallman

Aiken, SC

Win Hammond

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Geoffrey Hardee

Blythewood, SC

Cliff Harrington

The Herald

Rock Hill, SC

Rachel Hartdegen

Bluffton Today

Bluffton, SC

ATTENDEES

Jeff Hughes

My Horry News

Conway, SC

Eleanor Hunter

Aiken, SC

Elizabeth Hustad

The Post and Courier

North Augusta

Aiken, SC

Zharia Jeffries

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Ashley Jenkins

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

Yana Johnson

Heathwood Hall

Episcopal School

Columbia, SC

Haley Jones

The Lancaster News & Carolina Gateway

Lancaster, SC

Kathy Kausler

Florence, SC

Don Kausler Jr.

The Kingstree News

Florence, SC

Andrea Kelley

The Journal

Seneca, SC

Meg Kinnard

Associated Press

Columbia, SC

Ron Kline

Illinois Press Association

Springfield, IL

Christina Knauss

SC Biz News

Columbia, SC

Nathanial Knowles

Williston, SC

Zak Koeske

The State

Columbia, SC

Kailee Kokes

The Lexington

County Chronicle

Lexington, SC

ATTENDEES

Skylar Laird

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Jordan Lawrence

The Lexington County Chronicle

Lexington, SC

Diane Leclaire

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Jason Lee

The Sun News

Myrtle Beach, SC

Michael Lollis

The Journal

Williamston, SC

Ruben Lowman

North Myrtle Beach Times

N. Myrtle Beach, SC

Hank Lunn

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Jen Madden

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Jeremi Madden

Columbia, SC

Andrea Maestre

North Myrtle Beach Times

N. Myrtle Beach, SC

Bill Marion

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

James McBee

The News & Reporter

Chester, SC

ATTENDEES

Mike McCombs

Island News/ Lowcountry Weekly

Beaufort, SC

Sarah Claire McDonald

The Island Packet

Hilton Head, SC

Andy McKenna

OnPremise Networks

Newton, IA

Dwayne McLemore

The State

Columbia, SC

Danielle McNaughton

University of South Carolina

College of Communications

Columbia, SC

Bruce Mills

The Sumter Item

Sumter, SC

Garrett Mitchell

The Woodruff Times

Woodruff, SC

Vanessa Mitchell

The Woodruff Times

Woodruff, SC

John Monk

The State

Columbia, SC

Bob Montgomery

Herald-Journal

Spartanburg, SC

Bianca Moorman

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Dale Morefield

The Lancaster News/News & Reporter/Carolina Gateway

Lancaster, SC

Charles Perry

My Horry News

Conway, SC

Autumn Phillips

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Tom Poland

A Southern Writer

Columbia, SC

James Pollard

Associated Press

Columbia, SC

Charles Price

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Mundy Price

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Ellen Priest

Aiken Standard, Retired

Summerville, SC

Jeff Priest

Summerville, SC

Hanna Raskin

The Food Section

North Charleston, SC

Tom Reichert

University of South Carolina

College of Communications

Columbia, SC

Mary Elizabeth Roberson

AT&T

Atlanta, GA

Adrian Robertson

My Horry News

Conway, SC

TAKE YOUR BEST OF / READERS' CHOICE

TAKE YOUR BEST OF / READERS' CHOICE BALLOT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH BALLOT TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH

LET US SHOW YOU HOW TO MAKE MORE REVENUE AS WE DID FOR THESE PUBLISHERS

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Cheryl Robertson

My Horry News

Conway, SC

Stephen Robertson

My Horry News

Conway, SC

Eric P. Robinson

School of Journalism and Mass Communications

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC

Marie Rocha-Tygh

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Karen Rodman

Columbia, SC

Bill Rogers

S.C. Press Association, Retired

Columbia, SC

Chalmers Rogland

Herald-Journal

Spartanburg, SC

Ken Ruinard

Independent Mail

Anderson, SC

Sofia Sanchez

The Island Packet

Hilton Head, SC

Randall Savely

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

Maayan Schechter

The State

Columbia, SC

Drake Scott

Gaffney, SC

Chris Segal

The Sun News

Myrtle Beach, SC

Anna Sharpe

Moultrie News

Mt. Pleasant, SC

Ray Sharpe

S.C. Press Association

Columbia, SC

ATTENDEES

Bob Simmonds

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Gina Smith

The State

Columbia, SC

Glenn Smith

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Joel Smith

The Gaffney Ledger

Columbia, SC

Kit Smith

The Gaffney Ledger

Columbia, SC

Taylor Smith

S.C. Press Association

Harrison, Radeker & Smith P.A.

Columbia, SC

Chris Sokoloski

Coastal Observer

Pawleys Island, SC

Abbie Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney, SC

Cody Sossamon

The Gaffney Ledger

Gaffney, SC

Lou Sossamon

Mt. Pleasant, SC

Sherry Sossamon

Gaffney, SC

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Steve

Charleston City

Charleston, SC

Michael Stern

Aiken Standard

Aiken, SC

Lana Stover

Lancaster, SC

Christian Stutts

Aiken, SC

Samantha Swann

Herald-Journal

Spartanburg, SC

Charles Swenson

Coastal Observer

SCPA President

Pawleys Island, SC

Larry Taylor

Aiken, SC

Natalie Taylor

Aiken, SC

Brian Tolley

The State

Columbia, SC

Chris Trainor

Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Deborah Tucker

News-Chronicle

Belton, SC

Steve Tygh

The Daniel Island News

Daniel Island, SC

Dawn Vickery

The People-Sentinel

Barnwell, SC

We're so proud to call you our members!

Jonathan Vickery

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Hannah Wade Free Times

Columbia, SC It’s

Jeff Wallace Aiken Standard Aiken, SC

Richie Weber

The Sumter Item Sumter, SC

David Weissman

The Sun News

Myrtle Beach, SC

Lucy Weissman

Myrtle Beach, SC

Hal Welch

The Journal

Seneca, SC

Gabe Whisnant

Greenville News

Greenville, SC

Andrew Whitaker

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Alexandra Whitbeck

The People-Sentinel Barnwell, SC

Richard Whiting Index-Journal

Greenwood, SC

Avery Wilks

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC

Samantha Winn

The Post and Courier

North Augusta

Aiken, SC

Nicole Ziege

The Post and Courier

Charleston, SC PROUDLY

Visit scpress.org to download a winner's badge that you can use in your newspaper, online or on social media.

Plaque Bases

SCPA has a limited number of plaque bases for your 2nd and 3rd place awards today for only $15. Visit the registration desk to purchase. After today, the cost will be $25, which includes shipping. Reach out to SCPA if you'd like to order duplicate certificates or engraved plaques.

Building Community

Whether writing the first draft of history or standing as the watchdog for truth and integrity, journalists invest their lives to make a difference for others and their communities.

We feel you.

At AT&T, we’re dedicated to doing our part to connect America. That’s why we’re investing in and expanding the reach of our high-speed internet service while also working to provide more affordable and accessible internet services to help close the digital divide.

Congratulations to all the winners of the SCPA 2022 News Contest. Your professionalism and commitment to excellence make South Carolina an even better place in which to live and work.