The Vindicator nabs 19 APME newspaper nominations

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Vindicator nabbed 19 finalist nominations in the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors newspaper awards for 2015.

The paper is in Division IV for newspapers with circulation of 20,000 to 69,000. The finalists were announced Tuesday.

The Vindicator was named a finalist in these categories:

Best columnist: Bertram DeSouza.

Best editorial writer: DeSouza.

Best feature writer: Jordyn Grzelewski.

Best graphics artist: Robert McFerren.

Best sports columnist: Ed Puskas.

Best sports writer: Joe Scalzo.

Best photographer: Robert K. Yosay.

Best sports enterprise: “Death of Hamzah Ajahm,” Brian Dzenis, Pete Milliken, Steve Wilaj; “Major Dreams,” Wilaj.

Best illustration or informational graphic: McFerren, “Oakhill Primer.”

Best feature photo: William D. Lewis, “Special Needs Prom.”

Best sports photo: David Dermer, “Catching Up.”

Best video: Lewis, “Thankful: Rev. Steve Popovich.”

Best public service: Grzelewski and Joe Gorman, “Heroin in the Mahoning Valley;” Grzelewski, “Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Decision.”

Best explanatory reporting: “Mill Creek Park and Youngstown Sewers.”

Best investigative reporting: “After Woodside.”

Best full page design: McFerren.

Best digital presence: The Vindicator.

The awards will be announced at the annual Ohio APME awards banquet May 15 in Columbus.

The General Excellence and First Amendment award winners also will be announced at the banquet.

“The reward for doing great work is shown in so many ways. A state award from your peers is a special way, indeed. I’m proud of all our feats, and especially happy for our work that will earn even more recognition,” editor Todd Franko said.