Congrats — to us! Desert Companion took home 14 awards at the Nevada Press Association banquet, held Sept. 22 at The D Las Vegas downtown. The annual statewide journalism contest recognizes excellence in writing, reporting, photography and design. Special props to our five first place award-winners in the magazine category: Jarret Keene for Best Feature Story (“ Chairpunk!,” April 2011), Heidi Kyser for Best Explanatory Journalism, Amy Kingsley for Best Investigative or In-depth Story or Series (“ Fight This Feeling,” April 2011), Desert Companion Art Director Chris Smith for Best Overall Design, and Aaron McKinney for Best Illustration (“ Talk Hard Die Free,” September 2011).
Here's what else we won.
Second place
Heidi Kyser, Best Investigative or In-depth Story or Series
Chris Smith, Best Page Designer
Chris Smith, Best Feature Photo
Bill Hughes, Best Multiple Photo Essay
Chris Smith, Best Portrait
T.R. Witcher, Best Profile/Interview
Third place
Desert Companion, General Excellence
Chris Smith, Best Page One Design
Aaron McKinney, Best Illustration