A senate RESOLUTION

TO CONGRATULATE the journal FOR winning several South Carolina Press Association awards, including the top award in General Excellence.

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate is pleased to learn that The Journal has been awarded several South Carolina Press Association awards, including the top award in General Excellence; and

Whereas, in print since 1904, The Journal is an award-winning newspaper published by the Edwards Group in Seneca. With five editions a week, Tuesday through Saturday, The Journal is the foremost news source for Oconee and western Pickens counties; and

Whereas, The Journal provides coverage on crime, politics, news, sports, community events, local business, obituaries, and more through print and online e-editions; and

Whereas, in 2023, The Journal won the South Carolina Press Association's top award for overall advertising across all daily newspapers in the State, as well as eight other awards, including a second straight year of runner-up in general excellence among all mid-sized dailies. This recognition marks the paper's third time winning first place in General Excellence in seven years; and

Whereas, in the all-daily division, The Journal earned a second-place finish for its work in "The Journal's 2023 College Football Season Preview," special section. The Journal also earned a third-place award for its special section, the "62nd annual Apple Festival"; and

Whereas, reporter Riley Morningstar earned a first-place award amongst all mid-sized dailies for his courtroom beat reporting. Morningstar earned this honor for his stories titled, "Media member suspended from Clemson sports beat after arrest" and -It's a tragedy': Ex-SDOC bus driver headed to prison," among others; and

Whereas, reporter Norm Cannada earned a third-place award for his reporting on a story about a former inmate who found hope for a better life post-incarceration through an Oconee County Sheriff's Office program; and

Whereas, photographer Caleb Gilbert earned three awards, including a first-place award in the news feature photo category among mid-sized dailies for his photo of a child enjoying the "snow" at the city of Seneca's annual Christmas parade in 2022. He also earned first and second-place awards in the sports action photo category; and

Whereas, the Senate is grateful for The Journal's dedicated service to the people and the State of South Carolina and takes great pleasure in saluting the paper for receiving several prestigious South Carolina Press Association awards.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate The Journal for winning several South Carolina Press Association awards including the top award in General Excellence.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the COO of the Edwards Group, owner of The Journal, Hal Welch.

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