Sun Herald staff captures nine first-place awards at statewide journalism competition

The Sun Herald captured nine first-place awards and 28 overall awards in the Mississippi Press Association’s annual contest, the results of which were announced Saturday at the Golden Nugget.

Earning multiple first-place awards were Mississippi journalism Hall of Famer Anita Lee, with three, and visual journalist Hannah Ruhoff, with two. Lee and Ruhoff also combined to win an additional award on work they produced together.

Also winning first-place awards were staff writer Mary Perez, former Senior Editor Justin Mitchell and the Sun Herald’s design team.

Overall, the Sun Herald captured nine first-place awards, eight second-place honors, ten third-place honors and one honorable mention.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the Sun Herald newsroom,” executive editor Blake Kaplan said. “The journalists here always rise to the occasion.”

The work that received first-place awards included:

General News Story: Anita Lee’s story about Moss Point mayor Billy Knight Sr., and why he says he had to work harder for his success. Judges praised Lee’s work in profiling how Knight’s character was developed and how he came to be mayor.

Spot News Story: Lee’s story about Dixie Mafia kingpin Kirksey McCord Nix Jr.’s bid to get out of prison early after his conviction for ordering the killing of a judge and his wife. Judges praised Lee for her “excellent use of wording,” saying the “first sentence sets the stage better than another could have.”

Planned Series: Lee’s work highlighting Ocean Springs’ bid to redevelop a number of homes owned by Black residents in a proposed Urban Renewal Plan. Many residents said they were surprised to find their properties on the list and outraged that they learned only recently about the city’s plans. The stories:

• Black residents question Ocean Springs development plans that single out their homes

• Residents oppose Ocean Springs development plan that would threaten historic Black community

• Ocean Springs residents file civil rights suit, say urban renewal vote ‘blindsided’ them

• Black Ocean Springs residents fight to save ancestral homes in area city declares ‘blighted’

• Ocean Springs aldermen vote down plan to redevelop ‘blighted’ area downtown

Judges praised Lee’s ability to “look at different viewpoints in a historical context.” They also said it was “nice to give voices to people who often go unheard.”

Business News: Perez’s story about the closing of Georgia’s Corner Market in Vancleave. The restaurant, known for family recipes, was forced out of operation by an inability to find and keep employees. Judges praised Perez’s ability to “tie in what’s happening overall, but then personalize that with one business highlight.”

Lede: Mitchell’s story, which began with the question “The slogan for a tiny Hancock County town north of Interstate 10 is, ‘Where the hell is Kiln, Mississippi?,’ ” was judged to have the best lede, or introduction. Judges credited Mitchell for his use of a question to attract readers.

Front page: The Sun Herald design team was honored for its work. Judges praised designers’ ability to capture the audience’s attention right away.

Sports Feature Photography: Ruhoff’s photo of the aftermath of Southern Miss’ loss to Tennessee in the Hattiesburg Super Regional. The game was the final one of manager Scott Berry’s career. Judges praised Ruhoff, saying “You can feel the emotion that is pictured.”

Feature Photograph: Ruhoff’s photo of a spider monkey. Judges called it “First place in a very tough category,” praising Ruhoff for her technical skill in capturing the moment.

Use of Online Video: Lee and Ruhoff shared honors for their work sharing the story of Vanessa Owens, who shared her story of being bullied as a student. Judges called the video “Very moving” and credited its “very effective message.” They also gave a hat tip to the professional production involved.