Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio earned four awards in the 2015 Better Newspaper Contest, conducted by the Michigan Press Association (MPA).
In the Best Editorial category, Carnacchio, 39, of Oxford, earned both first and second place.
He won first place for his July 30, 2014 editorial urging a ‘no? vote on the $20 million community recreation center proposed by the Oxford Township Parks and Recreation Department.
The judges wrote, ‘The Oxford Leader produces consistently strong editorials on topics that should be of utmost importance to its community. Here, voters are urged to shoot down a proposed project through a thought-out and informed argument for fiscal responsibility and common sense. Well done.?
Carnacchio also took second place for his Oct. 29, 2014 editorial ‘For the third time, vote NO on the Oxford Public Library tax.?
In the Photo Story category, Carnacchio won first place for ‘Fair fun at Kingsbury,? a pictorial (see right) featuring the annual Kingsbury Country Day School fair that ran in the June 10, 2015 edition.
The judges wrote, ‘Black-and-white ink against color competitors was no problem for this photo story. The pie-eater . . . the jousters . . . what a joyous way to capture this event.?
Carnacchio took third place in the Feature Story category for his Sept. 10, 2014 article, ‘O brother, where art thou??
It told the riveting tale of Lakeville resident Patti Hacht’s search for an older brother she believes did not die 70 years ago as originally recorded.
‘As always, I want to thank my wife Connie for all her love and support,? Carnacchio said. ‘She’s my co-editor. She’s my proofreader. She’s my sounding board. She’s my biggest fan and toughest critic. She’s always honest and has made me better at my job. I couldn’t do this without her.?
Since starting at the Leader in May 1999, Carnacchio has now earned a total of 80 awards for his writing and photography skills from the MPA, Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and National Newspaper Association.