By Derek Sawvell
Managing Editor, Advocate News
The Wilton-Durant Advocate News was represented by editor Derek Sawvell in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Oct. 3-5 at the National Newspaper Association’s (NNA) annual convention and trade show, where the AN was given seven awards in the annual NNA Better Newspaper Contest.
Sawvell also serves as the state of Iowa’s Ambassador to NNA. The Advocate News has won a total of 21 national awards in the past three years.
Competing primarily in the daily and non-daily division with circulation less than 3,000, the Advocate News won the following awards:
News & Editorial awards
First place—Best Sports Column—AN editor Derek Sawvell’s piece about sets of Wilton sisters playing on the volleyball team. Judge’s comments: “Great use of comments from the volleyball team to tell a nice story about how it comes down to playing and getting along like a family.”
* This is the third straight year Sawvell has won first place in the NNA’s best sports column category.
Third place—Best Sports Column—AN editor Derek Sawvell’s look at a play at the plate in a Wilton state baseball game. Judge’s comments: “The columnist provides a nice, local perspective on a highlight that received national attention.”
Honorable Mention—Best Sports Column—AN editor Derek Sawvell’s look at changes to the fifth place through eighth place games at the state softball tournament. Judge’s comments: “An interesting issue regarding consolation games and the meaning behind playing for the lower tier.”
Third Place—Best Feature Photo—Carissa Hoekstra’s picture of the first ever Founders Day duck races winner. Judge’s comments: “YES! This one just makes me laugh every time I look at it. Perfect expression, perfect wingspan on both the boy and the duck. Captured just at the right moment!”
Advertising awards
First place—Best Series Ad Idea, Black & White—Weekly ads for Family Eye Center. Judge’s comments: “Style was a simple idea, executed brilliantly. GREAT!”
* This marks the second straight year that the AN’s Family Eye ads have won first place in the NNA’s best black and white ad series category.
Second place— Best Series Ad Idea, Black & White —Weekly ad series for WTC Communications. Judge’s comments: “Connected campaign works for me!”
Honorable Mention—Best Single Ad Idea, Color—Wilton Bank ginger bread house holiday ad. Judge’s comments: “Fun and funny! Readers will surely find this ad interesting and amusing!”