PLATTSBURGH — From religious coverage to courtroom emotion, the Press-Republican was honored with four awards in the 2023 New York Press Association Better Newspaper contest.
The results included:
• Second Place for Coverage of Religion to Press-Republican Staff Writer Robin Caudell for her area faith coverage
• Second Place for Best News or Feature Series Press-Republican Staff Writer Robin Caudell for her coverage of the reunion of local heart donor Dalton Criss’ transplant recipient with his family.
• Second Place for Best Spot News Photo for Press-Republican Staff Writer Ben Rowe for his photo of convicted murderer Vincent Abrams in the courtroom during sentencing.
• Third Place for Best Sports Feature Photo for Contributing Photographer Joey LaFranca’s photo of Saranac Central School high jump athlete Grace Damiani’s celebratory leap of joy.
FAITH COVERAGE
The entry for Caudell’s religious coverage spanned a vast range of religions and deeply personal subjects.
The story “Local Bahá’í Community commemorates 40th anniversary of sacrifice” looks at the local adherents to a 19th century Iran-based faith and the persecution the theology and its adherents have faced throughout history.
“Bride of Christ” profiles Mary Beth Bracy, the second ever consecrated virgin of the Diocese of Ogdensburg and the decision to so deeply devote her life to her faith.
“NYS Catholics to gather for Eucharistic Congress” documents the gathering of clergy, religious, and laity to bear witness to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, which is an important Roman Catholic doctrine.
And “PUMC Pastor Phil Richards guides inclusive community in Wild Church” announces unique open-air faith services held by the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church.
Of Caudell’s coverage, judges wrote: “The reporter demonstrates variety and thorough reporting in this entry.”
BEST FEATURE SERIES
Caudell also took home an award for her series “A Heartfelt Homecoming.”
The trio of stories documented the visit of heart transplant recipient Dwayne Parker to the North Country to meet the family of his heart donor Dalton Criss.
Criss, son of Dr. Dexter Criss and Barbara Simmons Criss, died at age 18 in a 2019 car accident.
In his three days in the area, Dwayne met the Criss family, sang onstage at the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir Soulful Christmas concert, visited Dalton’s teachers and coaches at Peru Central School, and visited Dalton’s graveside in God’s Acre Cemetery in Peru.
Of the series, judges wrote: “Nice, emotional series about heart transplant recipient traveling to meet the family of his heart donor.”
BEST SPOT NEWS PHOTO
Press-Republican Staff Photographer Ben Rowe took second place in the Best Spot News Photo category, referring to photos capturing spontaneous moments during coverage of a news event.
Rowe’s winning photo captured the emotional moment that Vincent Abrams — convicted for the June 2022 murder of Plattsburgh woman Melissa Myers and following a rambling, emotional statement to the victim’s family — turned his gaze skyward during his sentencing in the Clinton County courtroom.
Of Rowe’s photo, judges wrote: “The timing of this photo is spot on.”
BEST SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO
Finally, Contributing Photographer Joey LaFranca won third place for Best Sports Feature Photo for his shot of Saranac Central School high jump athlete Grace Damiani’s celebratory leap of joy.
The photo captures Damiani’s exuberant expression as she leaps into an x-pose, arms thrown over her head.
The caption for the photo reads: Saranac’s Grace Damiani jumps for joy after she cleared the bar to secure a win and tie her personal best and the Section VII high jump record of 5-4 during a Champlain Valley Athletic Conference indoor track and field meet at the Plattsburgh State Field House.
Of the photo, judges wrote: “Very good job of capturing a memorable celebration moment.”
Press-Republican Publisher Lamiaa Aly-Elshafay said she was pleased that the P-R was recognized by the New York Press Association for its efforts.
“We work hard every day to serve the community and we are very proud of our staff and these awards,” she said.