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Oklahoma SPJ Annual Awards - 2008 winners

Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists - Professional Chapter announces annual award winners

You may notice a few award winners have links with the awards. You are welcome to send links to your award winning work here. This will greatly expedite your link showing up on this page.

After all, this is a lengthy list. To expedite your viewing, click on any of the following categories to jump to those award winners.

Newspaper Division A | B | C | Television | Radio | Magazines | Public Relations | Web | Videography

Division A Newspapers

Investigative Reporting/Individual: first, Omer Gillham, Tulsa World; second, Curtis Killman, Tulsa World; third, Ziva Branstetter, Tulsa World.

Investigative Reporting/Team: first, Nolan Clay, Randy Ellis, Augie Frost and Chad Previch, The Oklahoman; second, Randy Krehbiel, Mick Hinton, Curtis Killman, Barbara Hoberock and Angel Riggs, Tulsa World; third, Tony Thornton, Nolan Clay, Chris Casteel and Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman

In-Depth Enterprise Reporting/Individual: first, Rob Collins, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman; third, Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World

In-Depth Enterprise Reporting/Team: first, Ben Fenwick and Scott Cooper, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Bryan Dean and Ryan McNeill, The Oklahoman; third, Bobby Ross Jr. and Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle

Political/Government Reporting:first, Randy Ellis and John Estus; second, Liz McMahon, Muskogee Phoenix; third, Bryan Dean and Jay Marks, The Oklahoman

Spot News Reporting: first, Michael Overall and Tom Droege, Tulsa World; second, Bryan Dean and Berry Tramel, The Oklahoman; third, Ken Raymond, The Oklahoman

Feature Writing: first, Emily Jerman, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle; third, Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Gazette

Personal Column: first, Richard Mize, The Oklahoman; second, David Gerard, Muskogee Phoenix; third , Michael Overall, Tulsa World; honorable mention (tie) Tamie Ross, The Christian Chronicle; honorable mention, Leif Wright, Muskogee Phoenix

Editorial/Commentary: first, Stephen Prescott, Tulsa World; second, Robin Meyers, Oklahoma Gazette; third, David Gerard, Muskogee Phoenix

General News Reporting: first, Nolan Clay, The Oklahoman; second, David R. Million, Tulsa World/Community World; third, Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Gazette

Special Projects: first, Tulsa World; second, Tulsa World; third, The Oklahoman

Criminal Justice Reporting: first, Nicole Marshall, Tulsa World; second, Nolan Clay, The Oklahoman; third, Bryan Dean and Ken Raymond, The Oklahoman; honorable mention, Scott Cooper, Oklahoma Gazette

Minority Issues: first, Judy Gibbs Robinson, The Oklahoman; second Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle; third, April Marciszewski, Tulsa World; honorable mention, S.E. Ruckman and Jim Myers, Tulsa World

Education Reporting: first, Kim Brown, Tulsa World; second Emily Jerman, Oklahoma Gazette; third, April Marciszewski, Tulsa World

Health Reporting: first, Rod Lott, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Deborah Benjamin, Oklahoma Gazette; third, Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World; honorable mention, Kim Archer, Tulsa World

Science and Technology Reporting: first, Robert Evatt, Tulsa World; second, Rob Collins, Oklahoma Gazette; third, Scott Cooper, Oklahoma Gazette

Business Reporting: first, Paul Monies, The Oklahoman; second, Robert Evatt, Tulsa World; third, Paul Monies, The Oklahoman; honorable mention, Rhonda Clark, Tulsa World

Business Feature: first, Steve Lackmeyer, The Oklahoman; second, Brianna Bailey, Oklahoma Gazette; third, Laurie Winslow, Tulsa World; honorable mention, Ja�Rena Lunsford, The Oklahoman

Entertainment Feature: first, George Lang, The Oklahoman; second, Michael Smith, Tulsa World; third, Rod Lott, Oklahoma Gazette; honorable mention, Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle

Arts Criticism: first, Michael Smith, Tulsa World; second, Kathryn Jenson White, Oklahoma Gazette; third, Karen Shade, Tulsa World; honorable mention, George Lang, The Oklahoman

Sports Reporting: first, Jenni Carlson, The Oklahoman; second, John Hoover, Tulsa World; third, John Helsley and George Schroeder, The Oklahoman

Sports Feature: first, Berry Tramel, The Oklahoman; second, Lynn Jacobsen, Tulsa World; third, Jenni Carlson, The Oklahoman.

Sports Column: first, Bryan Painter, The Oklahoman; second, Jenni Carlson, The Oklahoman; third, Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle; honorable mention, Jenni Carlson, The Oklahoman

Best Page 1 Layout and Design: first, Steve Byerly, The Oklahoman; second, Joan Cuccio and Moran Elwell, The Oklahoman; third, Felicia Murray, The Oklahoman

Feature Page Layout and Design: first, Chris Street, Oklahoma Gazette; second, James Royal, Tulsa World; third, Matt Clayton, The Oklahoman

News Headlines: first, Russell LaCour, Tulsa World; second, Karen Welch, Tulsa World; third, Jerry Willis, Muskogee Phoenix; honorable mention, Joan Cuccio, The Oklahoman

Feature Headlines: first, Rod Lott, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Moran Elwell, The Oklahoman; third, Terry Groover, The Oklahoman

Best Use of Graphic Illustration: first, Bruce Eagle, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Brad Thompson, Tulsa World; third, Susan Cyrus, Tulsa World

Feature Photography: first, Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman; second, Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman; third, Kelly Kerr, Tulsa World

Sports Photography: first, Stephen Holman, Tulsa World; second, Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman; third, Matt Strasen, The Oklahoman; honorable mention, Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

General Photography: first, Sherry Brown, Tulsa World; second, Stephen Holman, Tulsa World; third, Stephen Holman, Tulsa World; honorable mention, Stephen Pingry, Tulsa World

Story/Photo Essay: first, Kelly Kerr, Tulsa World; second, Mike Simons, Tulsa World; third, Mark Hancock, Oklahoma Gazette

Spot News Photography: first, James Gibbard, Tulsa World; second, Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman; third, Steve Gooch, The Oklahoman; honorable mention, Mike Simons, Tulsa World

Best Photographic Portfolio: first, Mike Simons, Tulsa World; second, Tom Gilbert, Tulsa World; third, Kelly Kerr, Tulsa World

Best Reporting Portfolio: first, Emily Jerman, Oklahoma Gazette; second, Scott Cooper, Oklahoma Gazette; third, Ben Fenwick, Oklahoma Gazette; honorable mention, Randy Ellis, The Oklahoman

Best Newspaper: first, Tulsa World; second, Oklahoma Gazette; third, Muskogee Phoenix; honorable mention, The Christian Chronicle

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Division B Newspaper



Investigative Reporting/Individual: first, M. Scott Carter, Norman Transcript; second, Shannon Muchmore, Daily O'Collegian; third, James Beaty, McAlester News-Capital

Team Investigative Reporting: first, William W Savage III and Breanca Thomas, Oklahoma Daily

In-Depth Enterprise Reporting/Individual: first, Amanda Gire, Shawnee News-Star

In-Depth Enterprise Reporting/Team: first, Oklahoma Daily staff; second, Lisa Janssen, Zhe Zhang, Annie Gasparro and Kris Akin, News to Know special edition; third, Baxter Holmes and Breanca Thomas, Oklahoma Daily; honorable mention, Becca Baker and Jaclyn Cosgrove, Daily O'Collegian

Political/Government Reporting: first, Amanda Gire, Shawnee News-Star; second, Shannon Muchmore, The Daily O'Collegian; third, Carol Cole-Frowe, Norman Transcript; honorable mention, Julianna Parker, Norman Transcript

Spot News Reporting: first, Meredith Simons, The Oklahoma Daily; second, Julianna Parker, Norman Transcript; third, Jarrel Wade and Elise Johnston, The Oklahoma Daily

Feature Writing: first, Althea Peterson, Norman Transcript; second, M. Scott Carter, Norman Transcript; third, Jerry Wofford, The Oklahoma Daily; honorable mention, Michael Kinney, Norman Transcript

Personal Column: first, Andy Rieger, Norman Transcript; second, Greg Gotcher, Daily O�Collegian; third, Vicky Misa, Oklahoma Daily; honorable mention, Mike McCormick, Shawnee News-Star

Editorial/Commentary: first, Matt Lane, McAlester News-Capital; second, Mike McCormick, Shawnee News-Star; third, William W. Savage III, Oklahoma Daily

General News Reporting: first, Maria Prato-Gaines, Oklahoma Daily; second, M. Scott Carter, Norman Transcript; third, Nijim Dabbour, Oklahoma Daily; honorable mention, Julianna Parker, Norman Transcript

Special Projects: first, The Oklahoma Daily

Criminal Justice Reporting: first, Kim Morava, Shawnee News-Star: second, Carol Cole-Frowe, Norman Transcript; third, Matt Barnard and Jenny Redden, Daily O�Collegian

Minority Issues: first, Tiara Etheridge, Oklahoma Daily; second, Kristin Hale, Oklahoma Daily

Education Reporting: first, Althea Peterson, Norman Transcript; second, Meghan McCormick, Norman Transcript; third, Becca Baker, Daily O� Collegian

Health Reporting: first, Jerry Wofford, Oklahoma Daily; second, Patti Marshall, Shawnee News-Star

Business Reporting: first, Jarrel Wade, Oklahoma Daily

Business Feature: first, Matt Crider, Shawnee News-Star

Entertainment Feature: first, April Wilkerson, Shawnee News-Star; second, Ryan Daly, Oklahoma Daily; third, Carol Cole-Frowe, Norman Transcript

Arts Criticism: first, Ryan Daly, Oklahoma Daily; second and third, James Beaty, McAlester News-Capital

Sports Reporting: first, Michael Harris, Daily O� Collegian; second and third, Kelly Hines, Daily O� Collegian

Sports Feature: first, Kelly Hines, Daily O� Collegian; second, Michael Kinney, Norman Transcript; third, Fred Fehr, Shawnee News-Star

Sports Column: first, Baxter Holmes, Oklahoma Daily; second, Fred Fehr, Shawnee News-Star; third, Jeremy Higgins, McAlester News-Capital

Best Page 1 Layout and Design: first, Shana Adkisson, Norman Transcript; second, Josh McBee, Oklahoma Daily

Feature Page Layout and Design: first, Amanda Gire, Shawnee News-Star

News Headlines: first, Shana Adkisson, Norman Transcript

Best Use of Graphic Illustration: first, Keisha Whaley, Oklahoma Daily

Sport Photography: first, Ed Blochowiak, Shawnee News-Star

Story/Photo Essay: first, Ed Blochowiak, Shawnee News-Star

Spot News Photography: first, Ed Blochowiak, Shawnee News-Star; second, Ashley Heider, Oklahoma Daily

Best Photography Portfolio: first, Ed Blochowiak, Shawnee News-Star

Best Newspaper Reporter Portfolio: first, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Daily O�Collegian, second, Kelly Hines, Daily O� Collegian

Best Newspaper: first, Norman Transcript; second, Oklahoma Daily; third, The Shawnee News-Star; honorable mention, Daily O� Collegian

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Division C Newspaper



In-Depth Enterprise Reporting/Individual: first, Korina Schneider, The North Central Reporter; second, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer; third, Drew Hampton, OCCC Pioneer

Political/Government Reporting: first, Carolyn Cole, Mustang News; second, Victoria Middleton, Newcastle Pacer; third, Matt Caban and Eric Nguyen, OCCC Pioneer

Spot News Reporting: first, John Small, Johnston County Capital-Democrat; second, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer; third, John Small, Johnston County Capital-Democrat

Feature Writing: first, Fawn Porter, Mustang News; second, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer; third, John Small, Johnston County Capital-Democrat; honorable mention, Korina Schneider, The North Central Reporter

Personal Column: first, Patti Marshall, Shawnee Sun; second, Barb Walter, Hennessey Clipper; third, Gloria Trotter, Tecumseh Countywide News; honorable mention, Barb Walter, Hennessey Clipper

Editorial/Commentary: first, Brett Jones, El Reno Tribune; second, Brett Jones, Mustang News; third, Karen Maple, The Southeastern

General News Reporting: first, John Savage and Jamie Jackman, OCCC Pioneer; second, John Small, Johnston County Capital-Democrat; third, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer

Special Projects: first, Staff of The Campus at Oklahoma City University; second, Newcastle Pacer staff; third, Brett Jones, Mustang News; honorable mention, Staff of The Campus at Oklahoma City University

Criminal Justice Reporting: first, Matt Caban and Eric Nguyen, OCCC Pioneer; second, Victoria Middleton, Newcastle Pacer; third, John Small, Johnston County Capital-Democrat

Education Reporting: first, Nathan Altadonna, The Campus, Oklahoma City University; second, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer

Health Reporting: first, Amanda Bittle and Kinber Roberts, OCCC Pioneer

Business Reporting: first, Heidi Rambo Centrella, OKC Business; second, Patrick McGuigan, Mid City Advocate

Business Feature: first, Pamela A. Grady, OKC Business; second, Heidi Rambo Centrella, OKC Business

Entertainment Feature: first, Normal Bean, Johnston County Capital-Democrat; second, Karen Maple, The Southeastern

Arts Criticism: first, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer; second, Patrick McGuigan, MidCity Advocate; third, Steven Reckinger, The Vista, University of Central Oklahoma

Sports Reporting: first, Glen Miller, Mustang News

Sports Feature: first, Glen Miller, Mustang News

Sports Column: first, Andrew Maloney, The Collegian, Tulsa University; second, Glen Miller, Mustang News

Best Page 1 Layout and Design: first, Chris Street, OKC Business; second, Nathan Altadonna, The Campus at Oklahoma City University; third, Jeff Leyerle, Newcastle Pacer

News Headlines: first, Heidi Rambo Centrella, OKC Business

Feature Headlines: first, Heidi Rambo Centrella, OKC Business

Best Use of Graphic Illustration: first, Jeff Leyerle, Newcastle Pacer

Feature Photography: first, Valarie Case, Northwestern Okla. State University; second, Darla A. Welchel, Newscastle Pacer

Sports Photography: first, Valarie Case, Northwestern Okla. State University; second, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer

General Photography: first, Shannon Cornman, OKC Business/Tierra Media; second and third, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer

Spot News Photography: first, Carrie Cronk, OCCC Pioneer; second and third, Darla A. Welchel, Newcastle Pacer

Best Photographic Portfolio: first, Valarie Case, Northwestern Oklahoma State University; second, Shannon Cornman, OKC Business

Best Newspaper Reporter Portfolio: first, Heidi Rambo Centrella, OKC Business; second, Patrick McGuigan, MidCity Advocate; third, Ashley Sonnenburg, The Collegian, University of Tulsa

Best Newspaper: first, Mustang News; second, OKC Business; third, Wayne and Gloria Trotter, Tecumseh Countywide News

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Public Relations



Newsletter: first, Oklahoma Zoological Society; second, Sheree L. Powell, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Developmental Disabilities Services; third, Diana Rogers, Oklahoma Housing Finance Authority; honorable mention, Laura Knoll, KGOU

Promotional Material: first, Langdon Publishing; second, University of Oklahoma Outreach; third, Stephanie Bond, Oklahoma Department of Human Services

Press Release Writing: first, Adam Cohen, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; second, Emily Lang, Oklahoma Attorney General�s Office; third, Valarie Case, Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Best Public Relations Magazine: first, Nancy C Hermann, Nancy Bizjack, Amanda Bullock, Tulsa Performing Arts Center: second, Susan Grossman, Christine Hughes and Brock Wynn, University of Oklahoma Outreach; third, Kathryn Jenson White

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Magazines



Feature Writing: first, Jay Upchurch, Sooner Magazine; second, Jane Zemel and Missy Kruse, Tulsa People; third, George Earl Johnson Jr., Oklahoma Department of Human Services; honorable mention, Steffie Corcoran, Oklahoma Today

News Writing: first, Scott Wigton, Kayte Spillman and Joy Jenkins, Tulsa People; second, Joy Jenkins, Tulsa People; third, Scott Wigton, Tulsa People; honorable mention, Gretchen Collins, Ballet-Dance.com

Column Writing: first, Gordon Grice, Oklahoma Today; second, Mary Logan Wolf, Oklahoma Today; third, Michael Wallis, Oklahoma Today; honorable mention, Teresa Miller, Oklahoma Today

Photo Story/Essay: first, John Jernigan, Oklahoma Today; second, M.J. Alexander, Oklahoma Today; third, Michelle Weeks, Tulsa People; honorable mention, Michelle Weeks, Tulsa People

General Photography: first, Terri Angier, Oklahoma Department of Transportation; second, Phil Shockley, Oklahoma State University; third, Michelle Weeks, Tulsa People; honorable mention, Phil Shockley, Oklahoma State University

Page Design: first, Jenny Lee, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; second, Oklahoma Today; third, Oklahoma Today; honorable mention, Oklahoma Today

Illustration/Graphic: first, Tim Jessell, Oklahoma Today; second, Debby Cotter Kaspari, Oklahoma Today; third, Adam Cohen, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; honorable mention, Amanda Bullock, Tulsa People

Best Magazine Reporting Portfolio: first, Joy Jenkins, Tulsa People; second, Chad Love, Oklahoma Today; third, Steffie Corcoran, Oklahoma Today; honorable mention, Gretchen Collins, Intermission/Ballet-Dance.com

Best Magazine: first, Oklahoma Today; second, Kendall Martin, Lauren Zeligson and Michelle Weeks, Tulsa People/Weddings magazine; third, Sooner Spectator/Redzone Publishing; honorable mention, Tulsa People

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Radio

General News Reporting: first, Scott Gurian, KGOU; second, Rachel Hubbard, KOSU: third, Scott Gurian, KGOU

Series/Documentary: first, Scott Gurian, KGOU; second, Scott Gurian, KGOU; third, Brian Hardzinski, KGOU

Sports Reporting: first, John McGuire, KOSU; second, Brian George, K-101

Sports Play-by-Play: first, Brian George, K-101; second, Brian George, K-101; third, Steve Adams and Brad Cooksey, KMGZ

Feature: first, Scott Gurian, KGOU; second, Gail Banzet, KOSU; third, Gail Banzet, KOSU

Investigative: first, Scott Gurian, KGOU

Best News Talk Show: first, Scott Gurian, KGOU; second, Kurt Gwartney, KGOU; third, Keith Gaddie, KGOU

Best Radio Newscast: first, Brian George, K-101

Best Radio Reporting Portfolio: first, Scott Gurian, KGOU; second, Rachel Hubbard, KOSU

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Television

General News Reporting: first, Meg Alexander and Travis Schutten, KFOR; second, Marcus Washington, KOKI; third, Amy Lester and Matthew Wells, KWTV

Spot News Reporting: first, Anne Bassett, KOKI; second, Marc Dillard and Grant Johnson, KFOR; third, Mary Joseph, Travis Doussette, Scott Buechner, KWTV

Special Program, Documentary or Series: first, Stateline staff, OETA; second and third, OETA Gallery staff

Feature: first, Mason Dunn, Stacey Cameron, Greg Ward, Mark McBride, KWTV; second, Daniel T. Gotera, KXII; third, Linda Cavanaugh and Tony Stizza, KFOR

Investigative Reporting: first, Emily Sinovic, KOKI; second, Cathy Tatom, OETA; third, Dave Jordan, Matthew Wells, David Young, Darrin Johnson, KWTV

Sport Reporting: first, Lance West and Walt Cox, KFOR; second, David Crow and Sean Bilodeau, OETA; third, Al Jerkens, KJRH

Best Weathercast: first, Dan Threlkeld, KJRH; second, Paul Heggen, KOKI

Best Television Newscast: first, Phil Berman, Ben Fisher, Russ McCaskey, Karen Larsen, Dan Threlkeld, Casey Roebuck, Steve Weinstein and Lori Dukelow, KJRH; second, Phil Berman, Ben Fisher, Russ McCaskey, Karen Larsen, Dan Threlkeld, Al Jerkens, Casey Roebuck, Steve Weinstein and Lori Dukelow, KJRH; third, Sean Saied and Dean Travinski, KWTV

Best Television Reporting Portfolio: first, Amy Lester, KWTV; second, Meg Alexander, KFOR; third, Emily Sinovic, KOKI

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Videography

Series/Documentary: first, OETA Gallery staff: Dave Tamez, Randy Hayes, Boots Kennedye; second, OETA Stateline staff; third, Rogers State University Public Television

Feature/General News: first, Mark McBride, KWTV; second, John Clanton, The Oklahoman; third, Darren Brown, KWTV

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Web sites

Best Web-exclusive content: first, Dave Sittler, Tulsa World; second, Tarek Dina, KGOU

Best Web site: first, Tulsaworld.com; second, NewsOk.com; third, Okgazette.com

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To view other award winners from last year, click here