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The Oxford Leader took home seven awards as a Weekly Class D newspaper in the 2007 Michigan Press Association’s Better Newspaper and Advertising Contests.
‘I couldn’t be more pleased or proud of my staff, but I’m not surprised,? said Leader Publisher James Sherman, Jr. ‘The Leader has always been the flagship newspaper in the Sherman Publications chain. I’m glad to see the tradition of excellence started by my father continues to this day.?
First place was awarded to the Leader in the General Excellence category. ‘This was a tough category ? 17 entries. In the end, two papers stood out. Color versus excellent photos. Content very close to one another. In the end, the Leader’s edge on stories, inside pages and photos edged out the others,? the judges wrote.
In the Editorial Pages category, the Leader again won first place.
‘Without a doubt, the absolute best in this category,? the judges wrote. ‘No one else even close! Carnacchio gives’em a one-two punch ? not a sappy column. Hats off to you. Keep up the good work!?
Editor C.J. Carnacchio took home first place in the Local Columnist Category for his weekly column ‘My Way,? a fixture in the Leader since 1999.
‘Columns covered local issues well. Good use of humor and telling it like it is,? the judges wrote.
Reporter Casey Curtis won first place in the Feature Picture category for her electrifying photo of Billy Davis playing at the June 2006 Hot Blues and BBQ Festival. The photo was entitled, ‘Smokin?.?
‘This is live. You can feel the sweet vibration of the guitar string zip through this guy as if it were the best cord ever,? the judges wrote. ‘This image is what blues playing is about; indeed most music from the guitar. Good framing, appropriate background, balanced light and exposure.?
Carnacchio won second place in the Spot News Story category for his Oct. 11, 2006 story entitled, ‘Gravel worker killed.?
‘A sad story done under deadline that answers all the questions. Good job,? the judges wrote.
Carnacchio also took home an honorable mention in the Feature Picture category for his photo ‘Bald is beautiful,? which depicted Addison firefighters shaving each other heads.
‘Tough category, lots of contenders. Like the bit of motion in the razor. Great framing and exposure,? the judges wrote.
In the MPA’s Advertising Contest, the Leader’s Women’s Expo section won honorable mention in the Best Special Section category.