Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio earned two ‘Excellence in Journalism? awards last week from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).
The 39-year-old Oxford resident won first place in editorial writing for his July 30, 2014 opinion piece urging a ‘no? vote on the $20 million community recreation center proposed by Oxford Township Parks and Recreation.
Judges called it, ‘A balanced and well-reasoned opinion piece that gives readers ample facts and figures on a vital decision facing the community.?
Carnacchio also picked up an honorable mention in the feature photograph category for the picture (shown left) entitled, ‘A rootin?, tootin?, shootin? good time!?
It was snapped on July 14 at the First Annual Silver Bullet Shoot-off, a fund-raiser for Oxford’s annual Lone Ranger parade, held at the Bald Mountain shooting range in Orion.
In commenting on the photo, the judges wrote, ‘A dramatic photo. Nice job to capture the exact moment the pistol fires to show the flames coming out of the barrel.?
‘It feels good to be recognized by your peers,? Carnacchio said. ‘As always, I couldn’t do what I do without the love and support of my wonderful wife Connie.?
All of Carnacchio’s SPJ awards were earned in Print Class C, which is for non-daily newspapers, magazines and trade publications with circulations less than 50,000.
In this class, Carnacchio competed with journalists and photographers from publications such as HOUR Detroit Magazine, Detroit Jewish News, C&G Newspapers, Grosse Pointe News and Ann Arbor News.
Since joining the Leader in May 1999, Carnacchio has earned a grand total of 76 awards for his writing and photography skills from the Detroit SPJ, Michigan Press Association and the National Newspaper Association.