My 2020 stories on topics such as the Oklahoma City bombing anniversary, racial justice protests and faith-based disaster relief have earned recognition in three regional and national journalism contests.
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Great Plains Journalism Awards, an eight-state regional contest sponsored by the Tulsa Press Club
Finalist, Great Plains Writer of the Year, for a portfolio of stories for The Oklahoman, The Associated Press and The Christian Chronicle:
1. “‘The world doesn’t stop’: Her 15-month-old daughter died in the bombing but she lived on” (reporting from Moore, Okla.).
2. “25 years ago, a prayer service gave hope to a shaken America” (reporting from Oklahoma City).
5. “Volunteer State: After Tennessee’s deadly tornadoes, churches play a leading role in the disaster relief effort” (reporting from Cookeville, Tenn.).
Finalist, Feature Writing, for “‘The world doesn’t stop’: Her 15-month-old daughter died in the bombing but she lived on” (reporting from Moore, Okla.).
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Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press” Contest
First Place (with Cheryl Mann Bacon, Erik Tryggestad, Chellie Ison and Hamil R. Harris), In-Depth Coverage, for “Protests and Prayers” and related coverage, including my stories “History repeats: Civil rights hero’s great-grandson shows courage” and “Why the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement is so controversial to many Christians.”
Third Place, Feature Article, for “Forgiving Carla’s killers: After a Harding University junior was raped and murdered, her parents found peace by sharing their faith with the men responsible.”
Third Place, News Story, for “An emotional return: At site of Texas church shooting, a new beginning.”
Third Place (with Erik Tryggestad, Chellie Ison, Cheryl Mann Bacon, Laura Akins, Erin Floyd and Hamil R. Harris), In-Depth Coverage, for “Faith and COVID-19.”
Third Place, Theme Issue, Section or Series, for “Trump vs. Biden.”
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Evangelical Press Association National Contest
My entries placed in six categories (including two stories in the reporting category):
Personality Article, for “Ousted by Democrats, anti-abortion preacher runs as independent in Tennessee.”
Reporting, for “Volunteer State: After Tennessee’s deadly tornadoes, churches play a leading role in the disaster relief effort” (reporting from Cookeville, Tenn.).
Reporting, for “Protests and prayers: Christians respond to George Floyd’s death with outrage, rallies and calls for justice.”
Standing Column, for “Inside Story.”
Article Series, for “Trump vs. Biden.”
Cause of the Year Article, Christian Citizenship, for “Why these 21st century David Lipscombs won’t vote for Trump or Biden.”
E-newsletter, for “Weekend Plug-in.”
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 