Staff reaps awards in annual contest
The staff of Star-Herald claimed four awards for journalism excellence recently in the 2016 Better Newspaper Contest, sponsored by the Maine Press Association.
The awards were presented Oct. 29 during the MPA’s annual awards banquet, held this year in South Portland.
Reporter Anthony Brino earned second-place honors in two categories — court reporting and health care coverage. His January 2016 court report entitled “Paroled convict from 1974 murder sent back to prison” was favored by the judges, all members of the Massachusetts Press Association, who said the article “was well written with lots of historical context about this career criminal. It’s all here for readers to get the full picture.”
Brino also took runner-up honors for his health story entitled ”Breathing free: boot camp helps smoker quit” which ran in December, 2015. Judges said “The story of a successful smoking cessation program told through the participants and the community health educator. Good statistics and background, giving perspective on the scope of the issue.”
Graphic Artist Yvonne Tardie and Community Editor Paula Brewer teamed up to earn second-place honors in the business section category. Judges said “Lots of entry points and strong active headlines, along with good use of color. Strong focus on local business news.”
Also, graphic artist Ben Cyr earned a third-place award in the self promotion advertising division for his “Letters to Santa” promotion.
