first place second place third place best campus news story

SPECIAL COMPETITIONS
Table of Contents
Best Environmental Writing 2-3
Excellence in Rural Reporting4
Best Business Writing Award 5-6
Best Agricultural Edition 7-8
Best Agricultural Story 9
Outstanding Campus Newspaper10
Best Campus News Story 11
Best Campus Feature Story 12
Best Campus Photography13
Best Environmental Writing
Class 3011
Circulation up to 9,999
Judge: Kimberley Noble
first place
Second place
Third place
Tina Comeau
Vanguard
Yarmouth, NS
Pat Peckover, Keri Dalman and Keith Solomon
Journal
Humboldt, SK
All of the stories that made the short list in this category were about very complicated topics. They ranged from
valuable work on the impact of provincial waste management policies on communities in Nunavut, Newfoundland and
Labrador, to a series of stories about efforts to beat back invasive plants in Nanton, Alberta. Community papers in the
Northwest Territories did important work by seeking out local and First Nations voices for stories about the oilsands
and pipeline controversies, months before the national and international press started paying attention to what people
affected by these industrial developments knew and felt about their impact. The Yukon News produced an excellent
series in which the paper made use of David Suzuki’s family vacation as the means to educate one of the world’s most
influential environmentalists on the importance of preserving the Peel Watershed and then followed up on this story
with a commendable series exploring the way in which a proposed land-use plan became a political football in last
year’s provincial election.
Three reporters from the Humboldt Journal showed incredible dedication in documenting the impact the province
of Saskatchewan’s flood management decision-making processes and watershed management policies had on local
residents.
Shawn Bell, Meagan Wohlberg and Don Jaque
Northern Journal
Fort Smith/Fort Chipewyan, AB
Ranked slightly ahead of this, largely on the strength of its wonderful writing, is a series from Yarmouth County
Vanguard reporter Tina Comeau, who singlehandedly tells the story of how people in her community banded together
to build a scientific case that would provide them with the information they needed to combat environmental damage
linked to the unregulated fur farming operations in southwestern Nova Scotia.
In this category, however, the winning entry jumps right off the page. The Slave River Journal left no stone unturned
in its effort to discover and document the effect that the Athabaska oilsands development in northwestern Alberta is
having on the ecosystems in the downstream community of Fort Chipewyan and the Slave River Delta.
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Best Environmental Writing
Class 3012
Circulation 10,000 and over
Judge: Gail Sjuberg
first place
Second place
Third place
Kevin Ma
Gazette
St. Albert, AB
Charlotte Prong Parkhill
Waterloo Chronicle
Waterloo, ON
This was an extremely difficult category to judge because it contained so many well-written and researched
stories. There were a number of cases where papers had really gone beyond the ordinary to give their readers firstrate environmental issues coverage.
As well, entries ranged from coverage of evolving hard news stories over a multi-month period to detailed nature
science features to an entire edition devoted to environmental matters.
First place goes to Kyle Slavin of the Saanich News for his series of stories related to a home heating fuel leak into
a salmon-bearing stream. It stood out for combining both news and feature angles, since he had been researching
a positive story about the stream’’s rehabilitation when the leak occurred. As such, the articles benefited from the
immediacy of a hard news event, but went far beyond transmitting the details of and reactions to an unfolding story.
The writing was also superb.
Kevin Ma of the St. Albert Gazette wrote a beautiful piece about the life forms found in what is considered a dead
riverin his community. You’’d never look at the Sturgeon River in the same way again. The ’impact of the full-page
story was enhanced by strong photos and layout.
Kyle Slavin
Saanich News
Saanich, BC
The third place winner is Charlotte Prong Parkhill of the Waterloo Chronicle. She researched and wrote a solid
three-part series dissecting regional landfill issues.
Several of the 39 entries merited an honourable mention.
Unfortunately, some interesting and essentially well-written stories were marred by poor editing and
proofreading.
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Excellence in Rural Reporting
Class 3021
Circulation open
Judge: Rob Vogt
first place
Second place
Third place
Ashley Thompson
Hants Journal
Windsor, NS
Susan Quinlan
Prairie Post
Swift Current, SK
The entries in the rural reporting category were quite strong, covering a cross section of issues. The best entries
rose to the top quickly based on the depth and breadth of reporting.
The first place winner did an in-depth job of exploring the changing face of their county, talking to a lot of
different sources and using graphs and statistics in chart form to add to the presentation of the story.
The second place winner put a human face on the challenges of health care in rural areas and what one
community is trying to do to meet those challenges.
Third place was awarded for a detailed look at a special population, southern Alberta Mennonites, and their
struggle to learn English in a rural area. The strength of this piece was in showing what impact this group has had on
the area.
Joel Wiebe
Peterborough This Week
Peterborough, ON
There are several areas that can be improved. Writers and editors can improve their stories by proofreading them
once more. At least three quarters of entries contained typos, missed words, incorrect words, and/or grammatical
errors. Some of the entries could be written more tightly and concisely. Those journalists have to resist putting
everything into a story. Some entries could also benefit from better presentation. Large blocks of text could be
broken up by subheads, photos, or pull quotes.
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Best Business Writing Award
Class 3031
Circulation up to 9,999
Judge: Jim Barber
first place
Second place
Third place
Zoey Duncan
Fort Frances Times
Fort Frances, ON
Rob Learn
Almaguin News
Burks Falls, ON
In general terms, it is nice to see small communities’ publications letting their readers know about what is going on
in their business communities, through profiles of business and business leaders, as well as doing stories on issues
affecting business in their community.
But, awards are meant to recognize and honour excellence in business writing. Doing one’s job as a a reporter or
editor or community newspaper does not, in and of itself, constitute excellence. The majority of the entries in this class
I would deem to be ones where the paper was doing a solid job of doing what it is mandated to do: cover different
aspects of the community.
The top three placings in this class went above and beyond “doing their job” and crafted pieces that were above and
beyond in terms of content, quality and comprehensiveness.
The work of The Lacombe Globe is outstanding because the folks who put this work together have decided that
business stories are very important to the community and run them with great regularity; covering a broad spectrum
of profiles, boldly presented and accompanied by very good writing. I would have liked to have seen more stories
about issues affecting local business, but there were enough to make the overall approach to business writing by The
Globe, quite comprehensive.
Lisa Joy
Globe
Lacombe, AB
The second place winner, the Fort Frances Times, was an excellent example of out-of-the-box thinking in terms of
business story, with an excellent visual presentation.
The third place winner, the Almaguin News demonstrated how business writing can highlight flaws in the
government bureaucracy and provide a cautionary tale to other business who may also be experiencing the delays
and frustrations surrounding red tape.
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Best Business Writing Award
Class 3032
Circulation 10,000 and over
Judge: Elodie Adams
first place
Second place
Third place
Doug Hallett
Tribune
Guelph, ON
Krista Siefken
Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
Duncan, BC
I had to give first prize to Tyler Olsen of the Chilliwack Times for his 15-part series of the demise of that city’’s
hockey team. Olsen honed in on the business aspect of a hockey team, taking the story out of the sports section and
making it front page news. He also took his readers along every step of the way as developments occurred.
The article was spot on as far as local interest goes, and I felt that all the other attributes (quality of writing,
uniqueness, approach, and clarity) were of equal value.
In second place is the entry by Doug Hallett in the Guelph Tribune. Again, this is a series of three articles, and has
the advantage of allowing the reporter to develop the story as events occur. The subject of the local tourist train that
is privately owned but struggling without some basic needs that they feel the municipality should provide made for
a unique story. It was a well-written, well-balanced story that incorporated both points of view.
Tyler Olsen
Chilliwack Times
Chilliwack, BC
In third place is the entry by Krista Siefken of the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial. Siefken’’s article about a fish
spa that had to shut down its tank of therapeutic Garra rufa fish because of VIHA really clinched the uniqueness
category, and the whole story was well-presented in only one article (as opposed to a series). The subject matter
encapsulates local interest, and Siefken presented both sides of the conflict as well as bringing in other local
residents’’ points of view.
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Best Agricultural Edition
Class 3041
Circulation up to 9,999
Judge: Mario Bartel
first place
Second place
Third place
The Eastern Graphic
Montague, PE
World-Spectator
Moosomin, SK
As a lifelong city slicker, I looked for a range of interesting local stories that piqued my curiosity about the food in
my fridge and pantry. I looked for clean, easy-on-the-eyes presentation, good use of photos and simple, uncluttered
ads that complemented the content rather than assaulted it.
The three winners succeeded very well on all these fronts.
The New Hamburg Independent overcame a rather weak cover with interesting human interest stories about a
cattle farm recovering from a devastating fire, an organic community farm and the pressures changing consumer
demand is putting on local farmers. The addition of recipes was a creative alternative to filler copy.
The Eastern Graphic’s Salute to Agricultural had an impressive breadth of stories that showed how farming in PEI is
about much more than potatoes.
The World Spectator lost points for its generic clip-art front, but gained for its mix of interesting, unexpected
stories, like farmers using laser therapy to treat stiff muscles, the challenges faced in Saskatchewan by farmers
recently immigrated from South Africa and Chrstalee Froese’s gripping tale of one farmer’s brush with death by
combine.
Independent
New Hamburg, ON
Click here to view scoresheet
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Best Agricultural Edition
Class 3042
Circulation 10,000 and over
Judge: John MacNeil
first place
Second place
Third place
Cowichan Valley Citizen
Duncan, BC
Embassy
Ottawa, ON
Great job to all entrants and congratulations to the winners!
Prairie Post
Swift Current, SK
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Best Agricultural Story
Class 3051
Circulation open
Judge: Steve Bonspiel
first place
Second place
Third place
HALL OF FAME
TRAVEL
MOTORING
KELOWNA siblings Dan
and Aundrea Bertoia
were among the five
new inductees into
the Central Okanagan
Sports Hall of Fame.
RIVER CRUISE is one
of the most relaxing and
picturesque ways to tour
across Central Europe.
THE 2013 Infiniti JX will be
a seven-passenger, threerow crossover addition to the
automaker’s line up.
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FRIDAY
November 25, 2011
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Best-Read Newspaper
www.kelownacapnews.com
GROWING
LAND
on
the
Judie Steeves
STAFF REPORTER
I
JUDIE STEEVES/CAPITAL NEWS
t was probably when they learned
that they weren’t permitted to
grow vegetables on their apartment
balcony—only flowers—that they
realized they were not destined to be
apartment dwellers.
But, if you’d talked to them at the
end of 2007—exhausted from their first
experience growing vegetables in their
‘spare’ time and trying to sell them—
they’d have said they were done farming.
Today, Matt and Molly Thurston have
taken the plunge and purchased their
own farm, supported by their two fulltime jobs and with the mentorship of Bob
and Sharon McCoubrey, whose organic
orchard in Winfield they bought and
cropped this year and moved onto this fall.
See story on A3.
MENTORING, from an experienced farmer to young ones, is one way the next generation may be able to get onto the land,
although land prices are a deterrent. But it’s been helpful for Molly Thurston, pruning one of her peach trees with
Bob McCoubrey on her new orchard in Lake Country.
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Judie Steeves
Capital News
Kelowna, BC
This category was a delight to judge. A disturbing trend I noticed in most articles submitted is that many farmers
across the country are dealing with a variety of issues.
This was a tough category to judge, but after reviewing the entries twice and applying more scrutiny a second
time, it became clear whom the winners would be.
With every agricultural article, it is important to have an interesting story and multiple sources; the more in-depth
and wide-ranging the coverage, the better.
At least a couple of submissions were only a few hundred words and could have used further development,
especially when competing with a piece that featured in depth interviews with three farmers and gave the reader a
deep view into a local agricultural issue that affects the whole country.
Robert Mangelsdorf
The News
Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, BC
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Outstanding Campus Newspaper
Class 4011
Circulation open
Judge: Marney Beck
first place
Second place
Third place
The Varsity
University of Toronto, ON
The Reflector
Mount Royal College, AB
Overall, the campus papers were fresh, thought-provoking and relevant to students; bodes well for the future of
journalism. Very few points separated the winners from the remaining entries.
Humber’s Et Cetera presented a strong package of campus news: thoughtful and informative stories, a mix of
campus and city entertainment, plus quality photos and neat layout. Also healthy opinion section (but at back of
issue?).
The University of Toronto’s The Varsity had provocative articles on a wide range of subjects, both serious and fun.
Strong front pages and clean layout, The Varsity had the best layout of all submissions.
Great job to The Reflector.
et cetera
Humber College, ON
Click here to view scoresheet
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Best Campus News Story
Class 4021
Circulation open
Judge: Jessica Murdy
first place
Second place
Third place
Alexandria Eldridge
The Gateway
University of Alberta, AB
Justin Smirlies
The Cord
Wilfrid Laurier University, ON
The winning entry, written by Jason Winders, grabs your attention with stunning graphic design, and the article
was worthy of the prominent feature space, with interesting subject matter, thoughtful insight and good story
structure. The story has offered the readers a glimpse into the university president’s life, through his family history,
thoughts and feelings. But more importantly, it illustrates the ever-changing mandate of multicultural Canadian
universities. This piece would be equally interesting outside of the school environment, placing it at the top of the
class.
Alexandria Eldridge’s story about a human rights complaint within the University of Alberta was written with an
unbiased voice. The thorough investigation of this story from all sides is evident, and the result is a clear, easy-toread story that informs without taking sides. Well done.
A campus newspaper’s job is to delve into the issues of its school, even if the news is negative. And while stories
about numbers can be tedious to read, Justin Smirlies found a way to break down the statistics to properly tell the
story.
Jason Winders
Western News
University of Western Ontario, ON
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Best Campus Feature Story
Class 4031
Circulation open
Judge: Erika Engel
first place
Second place
Third place
Sean Mackay
The Varsity
University of Toronto, ON
Mariana Ionova and Vidya Kauri
The Eyeopener
Ryerson University, ON
Entries in this category each needed to be more creative and the writers should remember that a feature story
needs a strong, punchy lede to really draw the readers in.
Overall, some good work submitted, but remember, a feature is a lot more than just a long news story.
The top three entries showed a strong connection to the school while exploring issues with national significance.
The first place story was unique, well-written and an important story for the university.
The first place winner demonstrated a strong understanding of some very technical matters and was able to
answer questions in a simple manner - this is the mark of good newspaper writing. Be careful not to use too much
jargon, instead try to connect and explain technical terms with creative phrases. For example, before going into
“isotope analysis” try connecting to it with something like “It was Private Lawless’ distinctive smile that eventually led
scientists to his true identity.”
Paul Mayne
Western News
University of Western Ontario, ON
Second and third place entries were strong, but could have used more work on the lede and more creative writing
to make things interesting. They were important stories, but a bit dry. It’s up to the writers to apply the stories to
everyday students.
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Best Campus Photography
Class 4041
Circulation open
Judge: Ruth Bonneville
first place
Second place
Third place
Paul Wayne
Western News
University of Western Ontario, ON
Nick Lachance
The Cord
Wilfrid Laurier University, ON
Bernarda Gospic’s photo of the veteran saluting a wall of names of lost comrades during a Remembrance Day
Service is simply, stunning! This photo could easily appear on the cover of major newspapers and magazines across
the world.
The moment you set eyes on it you begin to ask yourself questions and the photo answers them for you in its
subtle details. The slight curvature of his back, the tilt of his red beret that sits neatly on his grey head, the stark black
coat with shiny black gloves speaks volumes about this man. A photo like this is proof that you don’t always need to
see a person’s face (tears in their eyes or lines of sorrow), to betray their character full of respect and honor.
The photographer’s use of shallow depth of field keeps your attention on the veteran, not the names of the lost,
for he is the one still alive and living with the loss. Cropping the subject to the left side of the frame is also very
compelling. Diagonal lines always create tension in the viewer because they connote action. His saluting arm
creates a diagonal line that extends down into the right hand corner of the photo, allowing room for movement and
extension.
As a viewer I am also drawn to the simplicity of colors in the photo: grey, white, black and bright red
(grey-complexity, white-surrender, black-death and red-blood) emphasize the colors of war.
Bernarda Gospic
The Varsity
University of Toronto, ON
This photo is a true winner in all categories and I commend the artist for their foresight and intuition. Bravo!
Click here to view scoresheet
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