InterFaith21

Professional awards and other recognitions always are special. Although not the biggest, this Excellence in Journalism Award from the Florida Press Club is especially so. Not only for having been bestowed by my journalism peers, and in a time of unprecedented change in our profession. But also for coming in a new venue, The Coastal Star newspaper, as well as in a new arena of writing: on matters of faith, and, because I didn’t know my work had been entered.

My editor, Mary Kate Leming did that. Here’s an excerpt from her email citing the results:

“AND: The Coastal Star won five awards in the latest Florida Press Club contest:

“Info-Graphic Presentation – Bonnie Lallky-Seibert  – 1st Place – Class C & D

“Artist Illustration – Bonnie Lallky-Seibert – 1st Place – Class D

“Photo Illustration – Tim Stepien – 2nd place – Class C & D

“Feature Photo Essay – Staff – 1st place – Class D

“Religion Writing – C.B. Hanif – 3rd place – Class C & D

“And yes, Jerry (Lower, the paper’s publisher) also won a 2nd for Front Page Design for Florida Fishing Weekly….

“Thanks to all of you for your contributions to The Coastal Star. We couldn’t do it without such an experienced, professional team. Thank you. Mary Kate.”

It’ll be interesting to see which entry(ies) of mine the judges appreciated. I’m guessing the “Obama in Cairo” essay, whose lead played on my column (and blog) subtitle, “Uniting people of faith (or no particular faith) in the 21st century.”

The five awards in the newspaper’s first year illustrate again why I’ve lauded The Coastal Star.

But let me again thank our Maker, for my colleagues who produce the paper, for the Press Club recognition, and for you, my readers, supporters and advocates in whatever venue.