A focus on news: Maria S. Young won a Keystone Press Award in news photography for her photo (above) depicting kids playing on downed trees after thunderstorms wrought havoc on Akron Street in Frankford on June 23.
Two journalists for the Northeast Times last week won three Keystone Press Awards in a statewide contest sponsored by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.
Overall, media organizations submitted entries of work that was published or posted in 2015. The Times, a community weekly, competes in a division for non-daily newspapers with a circulation more than 10,000.
The awards will be handed out at the Pennsylvania Press Conference, to be held on May 21 in Harrisburg. The staffers honored are:
• Photographer Maria S. Young won second-place honors in news photography for her photo “Marchers protest Mayfair police shooting.” More than 100 protesters challenged the details surrounding Brandon Tate-Brown’s fatal shooting by a police officer during a traffic stop. Young’s photo depicted Ikea Coney using her phone to record Tate-Brown’s mother talking about her son’s death during the protest.
Young also won honorable mention honors in the same category for her photograph “Frankford street gets slammed by storm,” which displayed kids playing on downed trees after thunderstorms wrought havoc on Akron Street in Frankford on June 23.
• Managing Editor Melissa Yerkov was awarded second-place honors for page design for a special commemorative section previewing Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. The Papal Preview was published in the Northeast Times on Sept. 16, 2015.
The Times’ sister publications, The Star and the Midweek Wire, also earned two Keystone Press Awards.
Star Editor Melissa Komar was awarded second-place honors for her ongoing news coverage entitled “Menace or messiah?” The three-part series reported on the Adriatic Club in Port Richmond, which received a recommendation for historical designation with a demolition permit under review for the dangerous building. The building was eventually demolished and did not receive its historical designation.
Midweek Wire Editor Jack Firneno earned second-place honors for his personality profile: “The fashion of funk: Maceo Parker brings a well-dressed, all-star band to Ardmore Music Hall.” The article highlighted the lifelong career of Maceo Parker, the saxophone player for James Brown who can also be heard on albums by Red Hot Chili Peppers and Prince.
“The Northeast Times, Star and Midweek Wire do great work covering local neighborhoods, and it’s gratifying to receive several Keystone Press Awards,” said Northeast Times Editor Tom Waring. “The papers produce excellent writing, photographs and page designs, and Melissa Yerkov, Maria Young, Melissa Komar and Jack Firneno are deserving winners.” ••
