Several Greater Media Newspapers staff members were recognized for excellence in the annual New Jersey Press Association Better Newspaper Contest.
Employees in the newspaper division’s Editorial, Photo, Advertising and Production departments were among the winners.
Publisher and General Manager Ben Cannizzaro said, “Once again we have been honored to receive numerous awards in the annual New Jersey Press Association contest.
“In fact our staff won an amazing 13 awards! Please join me in congratulating those who made this possible. My thanks for the recognition you have brought to Greater Media Newspapers!”
Cannizzaro serves on the NJPA Board of Directors.
The honors were spread throughout categories in the statewide contest.
“Once again the staff at Greater Media Newspapers has proven its dedication to excellence in journalism. Thank you to the New Jersey Press Association for recognizing that good work,” said Greater Media Newspapers Executive Editor Donna Kenyon.
Staff Photographer Eric Sucar won three awards, including second place for his portfolio, third place for a portrait of a vet and second place for a sports feature for “goalie light.”
Reporters Christine Barcia, Kenny Walter, Andrew Martins and Michael Nunes all took honors in the reporting, writing and illustration categories.
Martins won first place in the Business and Economic Writing category for his story about beekeeping.
Nunes won second place for his best lede on a township council story about EMS services in the Reporting, Writing and Illustration category.
Walter won second place for interpretive writing in the Reporting category for a story about demographic shifts in central New Jersey.
Barcia won third place in the Fresh Approach to Routine Reporting category for a story about how libraries are taking new approaches in the digital age.
Advertising Manager Lauren Simons and ad representatives Maryann Karpel, Anthony Naturale, Bob Noppe, and the Classified Advertising Team and Art Department all won NJPA awards.
Production Department staffers Harvey Hersh and Joan Fruchter also won awards in the press association contest.
The awards included first place for best classified pages, second place for best food ad, second place for best external promotion piece or media kit, third place for best ad for retail business, first place for best use of humor, and second place for best ad professional and technology services.
Among the advertising award winners were those for Fords Jewelers, Dolce and Clemente, Breast Cancer Awareness, and a children’s fashion show.