Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio was the recipient of three awards in the Michigan Press Association’s 2003 “Better Newspaper Contest.”
The 27-year-old Oxford resident won first place in the “Local Columnist” category for his weekly column “My Way.”
Of Carnacchio’s columns, the judges remarked, “Excellent writer. So easy to read. Leaves you wanting more. Way to go, Grinch!”
The last judge’s comment refers to a July 10, 2002 column Carnacchio penned about the Kids Kingdom playground project entitled, “Better ways to spend $110,000 than a playground.”
The editor also won first place in the “Feature Picture” category for a photo entitled “Dribble Glass,” pictured to the right.
“Captures great look on guy’s face. Wierd event makes me want to know more about the situation,” the judges commented.
This is the second time Carnacchio has won for a feature photo. He placed third in the category in 2001.
Carnacchio also placed third in the “Editorial Writing” category.
“It’s nice to see editorials give plaudits too, in the case of the summer concerts,” the judges said.
This is the fourth consecutive year Carnacchio has placed in the “Editorial Writing” category. He placed first in 2000 and second in 2001 and 2002.
Since 2000, Carnacchio has earned a total of seven MPA awards.
“It’s certainly nice to be recognized for your work,” Carnacchio said of his awards. “But for me, my job is its own reward. I enjoy serving my community, fighting for what’s right and working for the Sherman family. I didn’t just build a career in Oxford, I built a life. I’m definitely here to stay.”
“I owe much of my success to my beautiful wife, Connie, and our lovely daughter, Larissa,” the editor added. “They are very patient and understanding, especially when I have to work nights and weekends. I’m blessed to have them both in my life.”
Receiving an honorable mention in the “Special Section” category for his annual “Groundhog a Go-Go” section was Assistant Publisher Don Rush.
“Section capitalized on a fun subject for region. Good mix of focus stories, history of holiday and event calenders. Like the big photo with wrap around type on page 3,” the judges said.
Last year, “Groundhog a Go-Go”earned second place in the category.