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Photo courtesy of Paul J. Spetrini Photography
Staff members from Providence Media, which produces So Rhode Island, Providence Monthly, East Side Monthly and the Bay, show off their awards following the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Awards Banquet, held April 29, 2016 at the Quonset 'O' Club in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.
2016 Rhode Island Press Association Contest Winners
Results for the 2015 Rhode Island Press Association Editorial Award Competition. Presented April 29, 2016
The Rhode Island Press Association is pleased to provide comments from judges for the 2015 Editorial Contest. The contest was judged by the Idaho Press Club. The winners and comments, when provided by judges, are provided in place order. To skip sections, please click one of the links below.
Writing
1. News Story (Short)
* First place: Karen Lee Ziner, The Providence Journal, “Survivor steps from the shadows”
Judge’s comments: "Well written and engaging story that humanizes the Catholic sex abuse scandal. Excellent use of quotes and story pacing."
* Second place: Tom Mooney, The Providence Journal, “Fox actions uncovered almost by accident”
* Third place: Barry Fain, East Side Monthly, “Brown to ban alcohol at on-campus spring parties”
2. NEWS STORY (IN-DEPTH)
* First place: Tom Mooney, The Providence Journal, "Both sides of the law"
Judge’s comments: “A compelling against-all-odds story with an admixture of pathos and good reporting.”
* Second place: Ted Hayes, East Bay Newspapers, "She stole her life"
* Third place: Amanda Milkovits, The Providence Journal, "Pressure leads to closure
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
Tom Mooney, of the Providence Journal, far right, won first place in the News Story (In-Depth) category for ”Both sides of the law” during the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Awards Banquet.
of local 'spas' "
* Honorable Mention: Tony Pacitti, East Side Monthly, "The Bigger Picture"
3. SPOT NEWS STORY
* First place: Staff, The Providence Journal, "The secret start to state's 38 Studios loan deal"
Judge’s Comments: “Great digging on an important use of state funds people wouldn't have known otherwise.”
* Second place: Staff, The Providence Journal, "PawSox Stadium proposal"
* Third place: Russ Olivo, Woonsocket Call, "Building manager saves residents"
* Honorable Mention: Matt Sheley, The Newport Daily News, “I choked her; she’s dead.”
4. INVESTIGATIVE/ANALYTICAL NEWS STORY OR SERIES
* First place: Tom Mooney, The Providence Journal, "Fire Empires"
* Second place: Alisha A. Pina, The Providence Journal, "The N-Word: Language unites, divides"
* Third place: Dale P. Faulkner, The Westerly Sun, "Many conflicts seen in town solicitor’s service"
5. SINGLE-TOPIC SERIES
* First place: Amanda Milkovits and Timothy C. Barmann, The Providence Journal, "Tracing guns"
* Second place: Staff, The Providence Journal, "Race in RI"
* Third place: G. Wayne Miller, The Providence Journal, "The deteriorating state of mental health care in R.I."
* Honorable mention: Dale P. Faulkner, The Westerly Sun, "Conflicts of interest"
The judge complimented the work in this category: “These series show tremendous enterprise and dedication.”
6. BUSINESS STORY
* First place: Mary MacDonald, Providence Business News, "City no field of dreams for developers"
Judge’s Comments: “Very deep, layered coverage with wide interest and impact not just in the business community but the entire community.”
* Second place: Eli Sherman, Providence Business News, "Back from the brink"
* Third place: Grace Lentini, SO Rhode Island, "Living Greener"
* Honorable mention: Kate Groetzinger, Rhode Island Monthly, "Soil Sisters"
7. EDUCATION STORY
* First place: Lynn Arditi, The Providence Journal, "RI’s cut-rate professors"
* Second place: Linda Borg, Patrick Anderson and Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, "Separate and Unequal"
* Third place: Alisha A. Pina, The Providence Journal, "Life-altering decisions"
* Honorable mention: Patricia Daddona, Providence Business News, "Missing job-training link?"
8. RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY STORY
* First place: James Bessette, The Independent, "Clergy abuse inquiry reopens painful wounds"
* Second place: Joseph Fitzgerald, Woonsocket Call, "Holy Scene: Whether he’s a ‘maverick’ or ‘a man of the times,’ this Pope gets people talking"
* Third place: Katie Mulvaney, The Providence Journal, "A duel over who owns Touro Synagogue."
9. REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT
* First place: Tom Mooney, The Providence Journal, "Where have the ice smelt gone?"
* Second place: Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal, "Deepwater Wind: R.I. pioneers ocean energy"
* Third place: Jamie Coelho, Rhode Island Monthly, "The World is Their Oyster"
* Honorable Mention: Paul Bubluski, Mercury, "Wings and Prayers"
10. SCIENCE/HEALTH CARE
STORY
* First place: Jen McCaffery, Rhode Island Monthly, "Sex Matters"
* Second place: Eli Sherman, Providence Business News, "Reshaping health care?"
* Third place: Tracie Seed, Newport Life Magazine, "Toke of the Town"
* Honorable Mention: Lynn Arditi, "The Providence Journal, Heroin’s terrible toll"
11. PROFILE OR PERSONALITY STORY
* First place: Philip Eil, Rhode Island Monthly, "The Max Factor"
Judge's comments: “Very nicely done. Really captures personality.”
* Second place: John Taraborelli and Julie Tremaine, Providence Monthly, "The Superlatives Club"
* Third place: Tom Mooney, "The Providence Journal, Raimondo’s rise"
* Honorable Mention: John Larrabee and Russ Olivo, Rhode Island Monthly, "Hey everyone, it's Audrey here!"
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
Jen McCaffery, of Rhode Island Monthly, shown above on the far left, won first place in the Science/Health Care Story category for “Sex Matters” during the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Awards Banquet.
12. FEATURE STORY (SHORT)
* First place: Joseph B. Nadeau, Woonsocket Call, "D-Day veteran keeping friends' memories alive"
* Second place: Jenna Pelletier, The Providence Journal, "RI couple hope to revolutionize dog rescues"
* Third place: Olga Enger, Newport This Week, "Girls of the Road-Newport's Female Pedicab Drivers"
13. FEATURE STORY (IN-DEPTH)
* First place: Casey Nilsson, Rhode Island Monthly, "The Tyranny of Low Expectations"
* Second place: Mike Freeman, Newport Life Magazine, "The Invisibles"
* Third place: Rebecca Remillard, SO Rhode Island, "The Ocean Deep"
* Honorable Mention: Amanda Milkovits, The Providence Journal, "Bridging the Divide"
14. ARTS REVIEW OR CRITICISM
* First place: Alexander Castro, Mercury.
Judges Comments: “Good word choice with a nice flow to the entire piece. Makes the reader think without going over the top.”
* Second place: Channing Gray, The Providence Journal.
* Third place: Brad Hevenor, The Independent.
* Honorable Mention: James Merolla, Newport This Week.
15. ARTS OR ENTERTAINMENT STORY
* First place: Bill Van Siclen, The Providence Journal; "The ‘Golden Age’ of the Dutch Masters"
Judge's comments: “Accessible and well-written pieces that open the world of these paintings to readers. The best of a very strong category reflecting much good reporting on a diverse arts scene.”
* Second place: Casey Nilsson, Rhode Island Monthly, "Cinder-Block Stories"
* Third place: Jamie Coelho, Rhode Island Monthly, "Kristen Minsky in 'Gal About Town’ "
* Honorable mention: John Taraborelli, SO Rhode Island, "Real Rap Radio"
16. FOOD & DINING STORY
* First place: Elyena "Nellie" de Goguel, SO Rhode Island, "Ocean to Plate"
* Second place: Gail Ciampa, The Providence Journal, "Best Brunches"
* Third place: Mary MacDonald, Providence Business News, "Rhody Food: Tasty, but are the portions big enough?"
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
Alexander Castro, of Mercury, third from right, won first place in the Arts Review or Criticism category.
* Honorable mention: Staff Rhode Island Monthly, "Rhode Island State Food Guide"
17. UNIQUE/MOST UNEXPECTED STORY
* First place: Russ Olivo, Woonsocket Call, "House of Hassles"
Judge's comments: “Horror story for unsuspecting homeowners. Didn't see that one coming. Unique.”
* Second place: Jim McGaw, East Bay Newspapers, "Privacy eludes Abbey monk — even at 175 feet"
* Third place: Jenna Pelletier, The Providence Journal, "Miss Kitty sheds celebrity persona"
* Honorable mention: Gerry Goldstein, Rhode Island Monthly, "The Mystery of Michael Murphy"
18. SPORTS STORY
* First place: Kevin McNamara, The Providence Journal, "Courage in the Face of Adversity"
* Second place: Brian MacPherson, The Providence Journal, "Minor-league baseball pay"
* Third place: Joe Berkeley, Newport This Week, "Peter Shope Takes Laser World Championships"
* Honorable mention: Brendan McGair, Woonsocket Call, "Profile in Courage"
19. SPORTS FEATURE STORY
* First place: Larry Kelley, The Westerly Sun, "Living for the game"
Judge's comments: “Kelley won this category because of his ability to interweave multiple sources to tell an interesting story, the type of story that doesn’t get written if he doesn’t know his beat well.“
* Second place: Kevin McNamara, The Providence Journal, "On the Rebound"
* Third place: Josh Krueger, The Newport Daily News, "Walking the Walk"
* Honorable mention: William Geoghegan, South County Life, "The Basketball Builder"
20. SPORTS COLUMNIST
* First place: Mark Daniels, The Providence Journal.
Judge's comments: “Daniels covers national stories of interest with the reporting skills and knowledge of a local reporter."
* Second place: Jim Donaldson, The Providence Journal.
* Third place: Brendan McGair, Woonsocket Call.
21. EDITORIAL WRITER
* First place: Edward Achorn, The Providence Journal.
* Second place: Sheila Mullowney, The Newport Daily News.
* Third place: Randal Edgar, The Providence Journal.
* Honorable Mention: Tom Walsh, Newport This Week.
On this category, the judge said: “Very competitive category. All excellent in presenting opinion, attention to concerns of community, creating call to action where appropriate. Readers well served.”
22. NEWS/FEATURES COLUMNIST
* First place: Edward Fitzpatrick, The Providence Journal.
* Second place: Donita Naylor, The Providence Journal.
* Third place: Mark Patinkin, The Providence Journal.
* Honorable Mention: Laurence J. Sasso Jr., The Smithfield Times.
23. ARTS/NICHE COLUMNIST
* First place:M.J. Andersen, The Providence Journal.
* Second place: Alex Kuffner, The Providence Journal.
* Third place: Gary Ruff, The Newport Daily News.
* Honorable Mention: G.T. Cranston, The Independent.
24. HEADLINE WRITING
* First place: Providence Monthly Staff.
* Second place: Peter Donahue, The Providence Journal.
* Third place: Janine Weisman, Mercury.
Photography
25. GENERAL NEWS PHOTO
* First place: David DelPoio, The Providence Journal, "St. Landing"
* Second place: Michael Derr, The Independent, "Come together"
* Third place: Harold Hanka, The Westerly Sun, "Chariho prepares for the worst"
* Honorable Mention: Richard W. Dionne Jr, East Bay newspapers, "Safe but not sound"
26. SPOT NEWS PHOTO
* First place: Bob Thayer, The Providence Journal, "Supreme react"
Judge’s comments: “ ‘Supreme React’ tells an entire story without words; it captures the moment perfectly."
* Second place: John Howell, Beacon Communications, "Eerie scene"
* Third place: Harold Hanka, The Westerly Sun, "Going the Hard Way"
27. FEATURE PHOTO
* First place: Ernest A. Brown, Woonsocket
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
Ernest A. Brown, of The Woonsocket Call, right, won first place in the Feature Photo category for "Crossing Over” during the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Awards Banquet.
Call, "Crossing over"
Judge’s comments: “Solid use of framing from the photographer and the caption writing helped justify the use of the cross as a foreground element.”
* Second place: Richard W Dionne Jr, East Bay newspapers, "Class warfare"
* Third place: Harold Hanka, The Westerly Sun, "Flight of the Heron"
* Honorable Mention: Richard W Dionne Jr, East Bay newspapers, "Alvimedica bids farewell"
28. PERSONALITY PHOTO OR PORTRAIT
* First place: Bob Thayer, The Providence Journal, "Little Lamb"
Judge's comments: Thayer “caught a wonderful moment and the joy on her face. Unusual perspective, good balance of light and depth.”
* Second place: Kris Craig, The Providence Journal, "Spiderman"
* Third place: Richard W. Dionne Jr., East Bay newspapers, "The sounds of a century"
29. SPORTS PHOTO
* First place: Bob Breidenbach, The Providence Journal, "Super Bowl Joy"
Judge's comments: “clean, simple composition with emotion.”
* Second place: Richard W Dionne Jr., East Bay Newspapers, "Return of the 'Beast' "
* Third place: Richard W Dionne Jr,, East Bay Newspapers, "Sacked"
30. PHOTO SERIES/PICTURE STORY
* First place: Ryan T. Conaty, Rhode Island Monthly, "Overnight in the E.D."
* Second place: Jason Evans, Rhode Island Monthly, "Horsing Around in the Sunshine"
* Third place: Michael Cevoli, The Bay, "The Ocean Deep"
* Honorable Mention: Hilary Block, SO Rhode Island, "The Art of Food"
Design
31. BEST NEWSPAPER FRONT PAGE
* First place: Staff, The Providence Journal, "One gun's deadly path"
Judge’s comments: "Eye-catching, strong and informative.”
* Second place: Staff, The Providence Journal, "Standing Tall: R.I. pioneers ocean energy"
* Third place: Lisa Lagreca, Providence Business News, "New governor. New plan. Different result?"
* Honorable mention: Staff, The Providence Journal, "Race in RI, The color of Justice"
32. BEST COVER
* First place: Meghan H. Follett, SO Rhode Island, "October cover"
Judge's comments: ”clean and enticing.”
* Second place: Meghan H. Follett, The Bay, "January cover"
* Third place: Staff, South County Life, "Get Outside"
* Honorable mention: Doreen Chisnell, Rhode Island Monthly, "Engaged"
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
William Geoghegan, of the Independent Newspaper, at right, won first place in the Best Sports Front Page category during the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Awards Banquet.
33. BEST FEATURE FRONT PAGE
* First place: Anne Ewing and Tracie Seed, Newport Life magazine, "Best of Newport County"
* Second place: Meghan H. Follett, Providence Monthly, "The All American Guide to the Flavor"
* Third place: Meghan H. Follett, The Bay, "Cocktails 101"
* Honorable mention: Carolyn Marsden, Rhode Island Monthly, "Gal About Town"
34. BEST SPORTS FRONT PAGE
* First place: William Geoghegan, The Independent.
* Second place: Seth Bromley, Woonsocket Call.
Distinction
35. SPECIAL SECTION
* First place: The Newport Daily News, "Volvo Ocean Race Round the World"
Judge's comments: “Fascinating stories and infographics, as well as useful information for those who wanted to attend race events. Tight writing. The whole special section is well-coordinated.”
* Second place: The Providence Journal, "Lighthouse Guide"
* Third place: The Providence Journal, "Guide to Super Bowl XLIX"
* Honorable Mention: Newport Life Magainze, "Top 10 Groundbreakers"
36. BEST DIGITAL PRESENTATION
Category received less than three entries and was not judged.
37. COMMUNITY
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
Kris Craig of the Providence Journal, third from left, was named Photographer of the Year during the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Awards Banquet.
NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR (DAILY)
Category received less than three entries and was not judged.
38. COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR (WEEKLY)
Category received less than three entries and was not judged.
39. DISTINGUISHED REPORTER OF THE YEAR
Category received less than three entries and was not judged.
40. NOTABLE NEW REPORTER OF THE YEAR
Category received less than three entries and was not judged.
41. PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR
* First place: Kris Craig, The Providence Journal.
* Second place: Harold Hanka, The Westerly Sun.
* Third place: Ernest A. Brown, The Woonsocket Call.
* Honorable Mention: Michael Derr, The Independent.
42. COMMUNITY OUTREACH AWARD
Category received less than three entries and was not judged.
Photo: Paul J. Spetrini
Journalists representing Sherman Publishing at the 2016 Rhode Island Press Association Editorial Awards Banquet pose for a photo with the awards won for their publications: Mercury, South County Life Magazine, The Newport Daily News and The Independent Newspaper.