NPPA Honors & Recognition & Best of Photojournalism Awards Presented

NPPA's annual Best of Photojournalism awards and additional individual honors were presented during a dinner and recognition program at The Poynter Institute for Media Studies in St. Petersburg, FL. The awards program followed NPPA's board of directors meeting.

Separate awards programs were held simultaneously for still photography & editing, television, and Web winners following a Saturday evening dinner. (A complete list of winners in all photojournalism categories is online at www.nppa.org.) Here are the NPPA awards for this year as announced by John Cornell, chair of the NPPA Honors and Recognition Committee:

JOSEPH A. SPRAGUE AWARDS

• Dirck Halstead. "In recognition of his brilliant photography, personal bravery, innovation, and unselfish dedication to sharing his knowledge with younger photojournalists for almost half a century."
• William Pekala. "In recognition of his dedication to the NPPA and its many educational activities. When the need existed to support the NPPA, Pekala and Nikon were always first to step forward."

JOSEPH A. COSTA AWARD

Bob Lynn. "In recognition of his leadership and his many years of promoting photojournalism through education, and for his picture editing and design excellence during 17 years of leadership at The Virginian-Pilot."

JOHN DURNIAK MENTOR CITATION

Shelly Katz. "Katz is renowned among his colleagues for his passionate, selfless nurturing and mentoring of students, young photojournalists, as well as his peers, to further their knowledge and improve their skills and careers."

JIM GORDON EDITOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Colin Crawford, Los Angeles Times. "Colin has taken one of the largest newspapers in the country and, in one year, successfully convinced not only his peers, but the entire photojournalism community, that large newspapers can provide strong documentary photojournalism. His hard work and dedication have moved the industry forward."

ROBIN F. GARLAND EDUCATOR AWARD

Julianne H. Newton. "Newton's scholarship explores the impact of the visual culture on society. She serves as editor of Visual Communication Quarterly, a research journal inserted in News Photographer magazine."

CLIFTON C. EDOM AWARD

Thomas Richards. "He is energetic, challenging, and always available for the students at Syracuse University. He assisted with the Navy photojournalism program, worked with graduate students, and helped all undergraduates who sought his aid, even outside the classroom."

KENNETH P. MCLAUGHLIN AWARD OF MERIT

Monte LaOrange. "Monte has been volunteering for more than a decade as Region 9 Clip Contest Chair. Service such as his cannot go unrecognized. He's well-organized and always quick to address members' questions and concerns."

SAMUEL MELLOR AWARD

Alicia Wagner Calzada. "During a turbulent time in the NPPA, Alicia has made the most of her first year on the NPPA board, active as the Region 8 Associate Director and also on the new Advocacy Committee."

J. WINTON LEMEN FELLOWSHIP AWARD

Dennis Walker. "In recognition of computer programming and continuing to improve the editing software, Photo Mechanic, made by his company, Camera Bits, and other digital imaging programs which allow journalists to work more effectively."

HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Keith Johnson & Mark Reece. "For their quick response, with courage and clarity, helping critically injured Deseret News coworkers Gary McKellar and Chuck Wing when they were hit by a vehicle and pinned against a building in Salt Lake City."

OUTSTANDING PUBLICATION AWARD

Region 11 Electronic Newsletter. "It features the latest NPPA news, regional and national, monthly clip contest results, contact information and eMail links to the regional officers, and Web site links to related information."

OUTSTANDING STUDENT CHAPTER

Rochester Institute of Technology. "For upholding the moral and ethical responsibilities of the profession while properly preparing students to become competitive photojournalists. The chapter works closely with their colleagues and classmates, allowing them to grow in a nurturing, learning environment."

MORRIS BERMAN CITATION

Deni & Paul (Lester) Elliott. "In recognition of their leadership in promoting the study of ethics in photojournalism. Their column in News Photographer magazine set the standard for defining ethical issues and leading the debate on ethics. Their leadership and participation on the Ethics and Standards Committee to create a revised Code of Ethics has allowed the NPPA to remain the voice of ethics in the profession."

NPPA SPECIAL CITATIONS

• Mark Dolejs. "In recognition of his major role in guiding the oldest continuously-running photojournalism seminar in the States, the Southern Short Course in News Photography, selflessly committed to the endeavor for more than ten years."
• Robert Hanashiro & Brad Mangin. "Their love of photography is evident in their dedication to Sportsshooter.com, which they founded, and which is a treasure trove of valuable information for photographers."
• John Sale. "In recognition of his tireless work as the co-chairman of the NPPA's Flying Short Course."
• Mike Thomas. "In recognition for his work producing award certificates for the Quarterly TV Clip Contest, making more than 150 per quarter while also working for WXIA, Atlanta, GA."
• Brett Alles. "In recognition of his labors as Region 9 TV Clip Contest Chair for the past several years. He's also responsible for the Quarterly Contest national judging and the Quarterly Clip tape."

© 2004 The National Press Photographers Association, Inc.

NPPA Marketplace

Join the NPPA

NPPA members receive a wide range of benefits, from educational opportunities to mentoring, exclusive discounts, insurance options, business tips, and much more.