As part of their 2009 Better Newspaper Contest, The Georgia Press Association recognized two Coastal Courier reporters for their contributions to the field of journalism.
The GPA also recognized the efforts of the entire Courier news team.
Sports editor and photographer, Patty Leon received the first place award for Best Web Photo Gallery for a Web site.
As the internet continues to impact how news is delivered and received, Courier Publisher Mark Griffin said he’s proud to excel in this area.
“We’re really proud to win best in Georgia for our online photo gallery. Patty Leon does a great job posting local photos of people and events in and around Liberty County. Our Web site is very popular and the photo gallery is a popular feature with viewers,” Griffin said.
Leon, an employee for two and a half years, said she was surprised to hear the news of her award.
“The gallery they chose was from last year’s Liberty Fest activities. It was a fun assignment,” she said. “I got to see everyone out having a wonderful time and the pictures just posed themselves. To receive an award for them is just an added plus and I’m grateful for it.”
Additionally, reporter Alena Parker, got third place for excellence in education reporting.
“We were also placed among the state’s best in education reporting. Alena Parker does a good job covering Liberty County schools and we are very proud of her accomplishments,” Griffin said.
Parker said she was also surprised and that she’ll continue to help the Courier produce award-winning news stories.
“It’s nice to be recognized, but it’s partly shared with my editors and other writers I’ve worked with,” she said. “I still think I have a ways to go to be the kind of journalist I want to be. But this award lets me know I’m at least going in the right direction.”
Rounding out the list of awards, the GPA awarded the entire news staff with second place in local news coverage. The Courier’s sister publication, Bryan County News, also received many awards including second place Best Sports Section. Reporter Ross Blair won second place Best Sports Writing, first and third places Best Online Project.
The GPA also recognized the efforts of the entire Courier news team.
Sports editor and photographer, Patty Leon received the first place award for Best Web Photo Gallery for a Web site.
As the internet continues to impact how news is delivered and received, Courier Publisher Mark Griffin said he’s proud to excel in this area.
“We’re really proud to win best in Georgia for our online photo gallery. Patty Leon does a great job posting local photos of people and events in and around Liberty County. Our Web site is very popular and the photo gallery is a popular feature with viewers,” Griffin said.
Leon, an employee for two and a half years, said she was surprised to hear the news of her award.
“The gallery they chose was from last year’s Liberty Fest activities. It was a fun assignment,” she said. “I got to see everyone out having a wonderful time and the pictures just posed themselves. To receive an award for them is just an added plus and I’m grateful for it.”
Additionally, reporter Alena Parker, got third place for excellence in education reporting.
“We were also placed among the state’s best in education reporting. Alena Parker does a good job covering Liberty County schools and we are very proud of her accomplishments,” Griffin said.
Parker said she was also surprised and that she’ll continue to help the Courier produce award-winning news stories.
“It’s nice to be recognized, but it’s partly shared with my editors and other writers I’ve worked with,” she said. “I still think I have a ways to go to be the kind of journalist I want to be. But this award lets me know I’m at least going in the right direction.”
Rounding out the list of awards, the GPA awarded the entire news staff with second place in local news coverage. The Courier’s sister publication, Bryan County News, also received many awards including second place Best Sports Section. Reporter Ross Blair won second place Best Sports Writing, first and third places Best Online Project.