By Brian Boyd/Zip06.com • 06/07/2022 10:55 AM EST
Shore Publishing/Zip06’s team of journalists has once again been recognized for excellence by our peers. Our reporters, photographers and columnists won 19 honors at the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists’ 2021 Excellence in Journalism Awards, winning nine first-place trophies along with eight second- and two third-place finishes.
Recognition like this is all the more gratifying given the challenges our communities face in 2021. When times were tough, our dedicated team were there to tell, in words and pictures, so many stories that were meant to be told. It’s not something every community can count on, and I’m grateful that this news team continues to be there for our readers.
Unlike many media that choose to specialize in a particular topic, such as sports, politics or crime, our continued choice to specialize solely in this community is reflected in the variety of categories for which our work has been awarded. We were honored for everything from capturing a fun sledding moment to sharing the terror felt during a community tragedy to fulfilling our most fundamental role of shedding light on the government process.
These awards reflect the day-to-day efforts of a truly dedicated and talented press team, but they are also a reflection of a broader community engagement. None of this happens without the skills of our production and sales staff, or without the access and support provided by readers and advertisers. It is a remarkable achievement.
Please join me in congratulating:
First place
COVID picture: A demonstration of remote support; Kelley Fryer
COVID Series: COVID Creativity; Pem McNerney and Kelley Fryer
Education: Living the American Dream, with the help of SAE; Pam Johnson
Feature photo: Snowy day; Source; Kelley Fryer
Government: Citizen’s complaint sparks heated debate over police records in Old Saybrook; Eric O’Connell
Titles: titles of The sound; Pam Johnson
News photo: A day to remember: Guilford celebrates the 20th anniversary of 9/11; Wesley Bunnell
Sporty characteristic: she just wanted to play; Pem McNerney
Sports pictures: A dish; Kelley Fryer
The second place
Arts and entertainment: cultivating well-being, belonging, curiosity and empathy through art; Pem McNerney
Business: DeLauro visits downtown Branford merchants to assess recovery efforts; Pam Johnson
Feature: Megan Leubner: Crisis Hero Award winner; Jason J. Marchi
Humorous column: It’s weird to be normal; Julianna Gribbins
In-depth reports: they helped us, now we can help them; Pem McNerney
Local Report: A tough day for Branford; Pam Johnson, Kelley Fryer
Religion: what it takes to get through the darkest times; Pem McNerney
Series of reports: Make music; Rita Christopher
Third place
Feature photo: A grand finale at Guilford; Wesley Bunnell
Sports News: Hand beats Guilford 43-18, advances to Playoffs; Dean Biben