The Yazoo Herald brings home ten awards, including three first-place honors, in the recent Mississippi Press Association’s 2022 Better Newspaper Media Contest.
Herald Editor and Publisher Jamie Patterson earned two first place awards for Best Editorial and Best Feature Story.
Jamie Patterson placed first in Editorials for her commentary on the much-needed repairs to the local Triangle Cultural Center, in which she criticized the former city administration for failing to repair the historic landmark in a timely manner.
“Local, local, local editorial writing with a punch, sometimes biting,” judges commented. “Local leaders will have to watch what they do with a watchdog like this. Yazoo City can be proud of this staff.”
Patterson also won first place in Feature Story for her story on the Hogue family from Bentonia, following their military history from humble beginnings.
“This wonderful story about the Hogue family, a father and son who are military heroes, provides a deep and personal look at their lives, highlighting the sacrifices they made and the impact their service has had on their families and communities,” judges commented. “It is well-researched, well-written and emotionally impactful, leaving readers with a sense of appreciation and respect for these miliary heroes.”
Jason Patterson also won first place in Best Sports Feature Photograph for his photograph of Philadelphia Eagle and Yazoo native Kenneth Gainwell speaking with young athletes at his annual football youth camp.
“As soon as I saw Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell with that vintage Yazoo County scoreboard in the background, I got chill bumps,” judges commented. “Already knew the article was about without reading it. Professional athletes not forgetting where they came from and giving back to the community is great, and this photo captures it.”
Sportswriter Joffre Washington won second place in Best Sports Feature Photograph for his coverage of back-to-back Manchester Academy state championships. He also won two third place awards in Best Game Story, covering rivals Benton Academy and Manchester Academy, and Best Sports Feature Photograph on a victorious Yazoo County Panther game.
Washington also brings home a third-place award in Best Sports Column.
Jason Patterson also earned two third place awards in Best Feature Photograph and Best Photograph Series.
The Herald earned third place in its category for General Excellence.
“We are competitive people, and we enjoy it when we are successful in these competitions,” said Publisher Jamie Patterson. “But nothing matters more than providing good content to the people who read your newspaper every week. That is one winning streak we intend to keep going.”
