Record staff earns 11 awards at annual newspaper contest

The South Whidbey Record staff was recognized at the Washington Newspaper Publisher Association’s annual awards contest last week. In all, the paper took home 11 awards in news, sports and features reporting, editorial writing, photography and page and advertising design. The Record competed in category two, which includes newspapers around the state with circulations between 2,501-5,000 readers.

October 13, 2015 5:30 pm
South Whidbey Record reporter Ben Watanabe won second place in general news photos at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association's annual contest for his shot of Greg and Elizabeth Osenbach at the 2014 Soup Box Derby.
South Whidbey Record reporter Ben Watanabe won second place in general news photos at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association's annual contest for his shot of Greg and Elizabeth Osenbach at the 2014 Soup Box Derby.

The South Whidbey Record staff was recognized at the Washington Newspaper Publisher Association’s annual awards contest last week.

In all, the paper took home 11 awards in news, sports and features reporting, editorial writing, photography and page and advertising design. The Record competed in category two, which includes newspapers around the state with circulations between 2,501-5,000 readers.

Reporter Ben Watanabe took first place in best short news for his piece, “Rabbit Wars;” second place in best sports news for his soccer write up, “Overtime goal kicks Falcons out of state;” third place for best general feature for the story “Clinton’s smallest Samaritan;” and second place in general news photos for his Soup Box Derby shot of Greg and Elizabeth Osenbach.

Marketing artist Rebecca Collins took first place for her full-page color ad of “Summer Fun 2014.”

Finally, Editor Justin Burnett earned awards in news reporting, comprehensive coverage of public records policies at the South Whidbey School District, editorial writing, photography and page design.