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(Raleigh, NC) — North Carolina Press Association members were honored for excellence in news, photojournalism, and advertising coverage, during the 150th annual convention held in Raleigh on Thursday, Aug. 24.

NCPA’s contest continues to be one of the largest in the country with over  3,500 entries from  over 125 newspapers and news organizations. This year Alabama Press Association members judged the contest.
The Washington Daily News was the recipient of 13 awards in the annual contest, including first place for Best Community Coverage. The newspaper is judged in the NCPA’s Division B, along with other newspapers of similar size and frequency of print publication across the state.

“It’s always rewarding to see the efforts of our hard-working staff recognized for excellence among the state’s top journalists and marketing consultants,” said Washington Daily News publisher Ashley Vansant. “But there is no greater honor than serving our community. We recognize this each time a local business partners with us for marketing expertise or someone in our community subscribes to our products in print or online.”

In addition to the top award for Community Coverage, the Washington Daily News also claimed first-place honors for Best Magazine or Niche Publication and Best Editorial Page, as well as a third-place recognition for Best Advertising Special Section.

Five Washington Daily News staffers were recognized with individual awards. They include:

• David Singleton – First place, Motor Vehicle Ad; second place, Motor Vehicle Ad; and second place, Sports Columns.

• Kristen Smith: First place, Online Advertising and third place, Online Advertising.

• Holly Jackson – Third place, Profile Feature.

• Steve Barnes – Third place, Sports Feature Writing.

• Ashley Vansant – Third place, Photo Page or Essay.