CARMEL, IN — The Journal & Courier brought home several statewide awards recently from the Indianapolis chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Veteran reporter Ron Wilkins won two first places. The first was for “Former residents: Faith Church ministry for troubled women ‘absolute torture'” in the Non-Deadline Story category. Judges wrote: “A troubling report that raised serious questions about the practice of a ministry claiming to provide treatment for vulnerable people. The victims’stories are compelling. Really demonstrates the importance of local accountability journalism.”
Wilkins’ second first-place story was for “One year later, Lafayette’s laundromat shooting leaves scars” in the Criminal Justice Reporting category. Judges wrote: “Wilkins’ piece about the laundromat shooting was a vivid account that painfully captured the emotional scars left behind by this tragedy.”
Purdue student and J&C freelance reporter Seth Nelson won two second-place awards: “Purdue effectively bans grad students from China, other countries, faculty say” in the Education Reporting category, and “Purdue said its ‘whitest paint’ could fight climate change. 4 years later, some ask where it’s gone” in the Environmental Reporting category.
Purdue student and J&C freelance reporter and former intern Israel Schuman was also honored for “America’s food fight: How national politics affect Lafayette farmers, food pantries” in third place for Coverage of Government or Politics.
Former photographer Alex Martin placed third in the Multiple Picture Group Category for “‘Hands off!’ protest draws thousands to downtown Lafayette.”
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Journal & Courier staff wins statewide journalism awards
Reporting by Virginia Black, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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