Troy University News

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Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

TSU presents Excellence in Alabama Journalism Awards

   Three Alabama journalists are the winners of the Excellence in Alabama Journalism Awards presented annually by Troy State University’s Hall School of Journalism.
   The awards were presented Thursday, April 11, at a special honors luncheon held in conjunction with the annual Hall School of Journalism Symposium.
   Sheila Johnson of the Fort Payne Times-Journal received the Meritorious Public Service Award for devising and promoting a "Christmas Wish List" program for the Dekalb County area. The newspaper solicited donations of food and gifts for needy families in the Times-Journal’s coverage area. The Wish List effort has grown to include an "Adopt a Grandparent" program, which helps senior citizens receive gifts and food at Christmas and on other major holidays throughout the year.
   Paul Davis, columnist for the Opelika-Auburn News, received the award for Meritorious Editorial Writing for a column on the political turmoil surrounding the Auburn University Board of Trustees.
   Mary Ellen Cheatham, producer and reporter for Alabama Public Television, received the Meritorious News Reporting Award for the report "Living with the Loss: Casualties of War." Cheatham’s report focused on the families of men who died in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf.
   Dr. Steven Padgett, Director of the Hall School of Journalism, said the work of this year’s honorees show in diverse ways how journalists contribute to society.
   "Sheila Johnson’s work to establish the Wish List program in Fort Payne has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people in her community, not only the recipients, but those who choose to give," Dr. Padgett said. "Mary Ellen Cheatham’s report helps remind us of the horror of war and turns the spotlight on a few hidden heroes, those who build productive lives in the face of horrible losses.
   "And Paul Davis’ commentary fulfills the basic duty of the editorialist, to stimulate thought on a controversial subject. We are proud to honor these professionals."