Three Times-News journalists earned awards from the North Carolina Press Association during a ceremony streamed virtually on Friday.
The NCPA awards journalists across the state each year for exemplary reporting. This year, the Times-News received two first-place finishes and one second-place award. The awards were given to stories published between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020.
Trending topics reporter Elizabeth Pattman won first-place in the beat feature reporting category for her article, "Family Abuse Services, police talk hope, help for domestic violence victims." In the story, Pattman described what domestic violence looks like in Alamance County and told the story of one local woman, Yamilet Padilla.
"I'm excited and grateful to have won this award," Pattman said. "I've written stories about domestic violence survivors and resources annually during Domestic Violence Awareness month for a few years now, and these are projects I am especially passionate about. Not only did Hope Dealers and Yamilet's story have an impact on me, but it shed a light on a stigmatized topic that I hope was impactful for our community as well."
Government reporter Isaac Groves won first place in the education reporting category for his article, "Alamance-Burlington Schools see limits, potential in remote schooling." The article was published following the first day of the 2020-2021 school year, detailing what the remote learning experience was like for teachers.
“It’s really satisfying to see this story recognized," Groves said. "I thought it helped readers see what remote learning would look like in Alamance-Burlington Schools. And that will be an important issue here, and all over the country, long after kids are back in schools.”
In the sports feature writing category, sports reporter Adam Smith finished in second place for a profile of Elon University basketball player Marcus Sheffield. The article, titled "Grad transfer's quiet nature resonates with Elon," describes Sheffield's only season for Elon as he was a graduate transfer to the team.
Donnie Fetter, news director for the Times-News, said the award-winning stories are indicative of the quality of journalism being produced by Times-News journalists.
"I'm very proud of Elizabeth, Isaac and Adam and the work they produce beyond these award-winning stories," Fetter said. "Their work and that of our recent staff additions are indicative of the more substantial reporting we have embarked upon at the Times-News and serve as a harbinger of better things to come."
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— Breaking news reporter Rachel Berry can be reached at rberry@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @racheldberry.
