Every week The Oxford Leader is jam-packed with articles and photos chronicling all the good things Oxford students do.
In recognition of our efforts, the National Newspaper Association (NNA) is honoring us with a General Excellence award as part of its Best of Newspaper in Education Contest.
Every year, the NNA recognizes the excellent effort made by community newspapers and press associations to engage young readers in the pursuit of actively learning the important role newspapers play in our community.
There were 75 entries in this year’s Best of Newspaper in Education Contest, an all-time high since the competition’s inception in 2003.
The Leader was one of three newspapers to win a General Excellence award in the non-daily division.
The other two winners were the Washington Missourian based in Washington, Missouri and the Wilson County News out of Floresville, Texas.
Which papers won first, second and third places will be announced at the ‘Toast to the Winners? awards ceremony Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel in Mobile, Alabama.
As part of its entry, the Leader submitted a three-ring binder chock full of news/feature articles and photos highlighting the activities and accomplishments of Oxford’s K-12 students during the 2008-09 school year.
All of the stories and photos submitted were the work of Editor C.J. Carnacchio, who’s been with the paper since May 1999.
‘I couldn’t be happier or prouder,? Carnacchio said. ‘This is first time I’ve entered a national contest and to win right out of the gate is a tremendous and humbling honor.?
‘I’ve devoted so many days, nights and weekends to covering school-related news that it’s really satisfying to see all that hard work recognized and appreciated on a national level,? Carnacchio added.
Over the last 10 years, Carnacchio’s earned a total of 31 journalistic awards for his writing and photography.
Established in 1885, the NNA is the voice of America’s community newspapers and the largest newspaper association in the nation.