Straus News receives three journalism awards

By Alexis Tarrazi
CHESTER — Bringing local news to the door steps of residents for decades, Straus Newspapers received three awards for outstanding journalism from the National Newspaper Association for 2012.
A first, second and honorable mention were awarded to The Chronicle, The Sparta Independent and The Warwick Advertiser ­­— all part of Straus Newspapers, which publishes nine weekly newspapers in contiguous towns on the New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania border.

First place
The Chronicle, which covers Chester and Goshen, received first place for Best Education/Literacy Story for "War and Peace: On the 10th anniversary of 9/11, local teachers consider the question: What is history?" by editor Pamela Chergotis.
"Wonderful story idea and development," stated judges of the NNA. "Nice lead and awesome quotes throughout. Excellent writing."
The article, which ran as part of the special back-to-school issue, delved into the struggles history teachers wrestled with when educating middle school students on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
The terrorist attacks are clear as day for some, but students who were not born or just too young consider that day to be history, something new to learn about.
History teachers from across the coverage area were interviewed about how they approached broaching the subject in their classroom.

Second place
The Sparta Independent, which covers Sparta, N.J., received second place for Best Breaking News Story for "Sparta police nab four burglars," by Fran Hardy and JoAnn Baker.
"Engaging narrative, detailed and almost cinematic, with in-depth, entertaining sidebars that enrich the story and provide context," stated judges.

Honorable mention
The Warwick Advertiser — which covers Florida, Greenwood Lake, Pine Island and Warwick — received an honorable mention for best business story for "Mid-Orange Correctional Facility in Warwick to Close," by Roger Gavan and Bob Quinn.
"Story with strong impact to community," stated judges. "Key sources included in story, which is well developed and written on deadline. Some useful information that adds to depth of the story is included in the graphics, which add to the story presentation. Good work."