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A model of a C-141B cargo jet sits on a pedestal amid roses and U.S. flags distributed to surviving family members of the crew of nine Air Force servicemen killed in a crash on Aug. 31, 1982, at a memorial service held on the 40-year anniversary of the tragedy. Coverage of the service received a second-place award at the state level. Photo by Randy Foster/Community Newspapers, Inc. -
Graham Star Publisher/Editor Kevin Hensley captured the rarity of a double rainbow after rainfall ended Sept. 3, 2022, at a residence off Sweetwater Road. A second-place award for “Photography, Spot” was given by the N.C. Press Association. Photo by Kevin Hensley/editor@grahamstar.com -
An exhausted Jacob Teesateskie glances at his raucous teammates Nov. 15, 2022, as Madison’s Mason Clubb lays despondent on the mat. Teesateskie had just scored a takedown to prevail 7-5 in overtime against Clubb. The photograph won a second-place award from the N.C. Press Association’s yearly editorial contest, in the “Photography, Sports” competition. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com -
Yeika Jimenez Diaz (left) and Linaysha Pagan played each other in their native Puerto Rico, joined forces to aid the Robbinsville Lady Knights and went on to compete for different teams in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. A profile on the two’s journey received third place in the N.C. Press Association’s editorial contest, in the “Sports, Feature Writing” category. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com
Tallulah – Since 1955, The Graham Star has proudly served as your award-winning source for all things Graham County, N.C.
This year, the N.C. Press Association’s editorial and photojournalism contest added to the Star’s innumerable lineage of statewide awards by placing in the top three of 11 different categories. Placements were publicly revealed at the association’s yearly convention Saturday in Raleigh.
“While it will forever remain humbling to have your community backing you and appreciative of the integrity you have instilled at its hometown newspaper, to be recognized amongst your peers is always something special to hang your hat on,” said Graham Star publisher/editor Kevin Hensley. “Delivering a product that will excite our readers enough that they will rush to the newsstand each week is something each copy hopes to accomplish. That type of dedication takes a model of consistency – and these accolades from the N.C. Press Association help cement the hours upon hours we pour into each edition.”
The Graham Star was recognized in the following “Division A” (3,000 or less circulation) categories:
* 1st place, Sports Coverage: Kevin Hensley, Staff (Graham Star Sports Coverage, Nov. 3 and 10, 2022).
* 1st place, Headline Writing: Kevin Hensley (“Poison Ivy” – March 10, 2022; “Alotta Miata!” – Aug. 11, 2022; “Turn the Page” – Aug. 25, 2022).
* 2nd place, Serious Columns: Kevin Hensley (“I’ve Been Everywhere, Man” – March 10, 2022); “Facebook is Killing the Newspaper Star” – Sept. 15, 2022; “Shine On” – Dec. 22, 2022).
* 2nd place, Photography, Spot: Kevin Hensley (“Double the Beauty,” Sept. 8, 2022).
* 2nd place, Photography, Sports: Kevin Hensley (“Black Knights Handle Business in Opener,” Nov. 17, 2022).
* 2nd place, News Feature Writing: Randy Foster (“Aug. 31, 1982” – Sept. 8, 2022.
* 2nd place, Election/Political Reporting: Kevin Hensley (Lake Santeetlah Voting Challenge – Oct. 6, 13 and 20, 2022; School Board Race Won by One Vote – Dec. 1 and 8, 2022).
* 3rd place, Sports Feature Writing: Kevin Hensley (“Aprovechando el Momento” – Jan. 26, 2023).
* 3rd place, Lighter Columns: Kevin Hensley (“Labor of Love,” July 7, 2022; “New Year’s Resolutions for County,” Jan. 5, 2023).
* 3rd place, General News Reporting: Randy Foster (“Corridor K Breaks Ground,” Oct. 6, 2022).
* 3rd place, Community Coverage: Graham Star Staff (Graham Star, Jan. 5 and 12, 2023).
Since 2019, the Star has won 24 awards from the association.
This year’s contest was judged by members of the Alabama Press Association.
With a circulation of 2,300, The Graham Star has proudly served as the award-winning source for all things Graham County since its debut issue hit the streets June 24, 1955. The Star has subscribers in 41 states, as well as the District of Columbia.