In the Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence, this captivating photo took second place in the spot news category. It captures Marion County Record reporter Phyllis Zorn and Sheriff Jeff Soyez standing outside the evidence room. In the photo, an undersheriff can be seen signing over newspaper property to a forensic expert. The photo was captured by Sherman Smith for the Kansas Reflector.
Every year, journalists are faced with some form of bad news.
Doing this work requires a strong resilience, whether it’s dealing with the closure of renowned establishments, the downsizing of respected organizations, or facing criticism of our crucial efforts. Even in a place like Kansas, where the nonprofit Kansas Reflector operates, the somber reality can sometimes take its toll. We faced long nights during the Legislature session’s final adjournment and confronted Facebook when they removed us from their platform.
Sometimes, I find myself feeling tired and grumpy.
I was thrilled when I heard the news on Monday afternoon that Kansas Reflector had won six first-place awards in this year’s Kansas Press Association Awards of Excellence. Being recognized is always a great feeling, especially for a newsroom filled with such talented individuals.
Editor in chief Sherman Smith achieved first place in the news story category with his exceptional piece titled “Marion County Record publishes in defiance of police raid — and gets seized property back.” This gripping story sheds light on the newspaper’s courageous battle against law enforcement. Smith also secured first place in the religion stories category for his thought-provoking article “Church and state: Kansas Republicans target ’eminently exploitable’ LGBTQ community,” which explores the complex relationship between religion and politics.
I am thrilled to share that I, a member of the Kansas Reflector team, have been awarded first place in the category of editorial writing. It is truly an honor to be recognized for my work. Additionally, I would like to congratulate Max McCoy, a dedicated contributor to the Kansas Reflector, for receiving first place in column writing. Their talent and expertise have been invaluable to our publication.
The Kansas Reflector accomplished something remarkable as a team. We were recognized for our exceptional use of social media across various platforms. (Meta may have a different opinion on this.) Additionally, our weekly podcast was awarded first place.
The staff received a well-deserved pat on the back from Adam Kealoha Causey, the national editor of States Newsroom.
“I am extremely proud that the Reflector is receiving recognition as one of the top journalistic publications in Kansas. This includes our exceptional work in spot news, editorial writing, and analysis across various formats,” he expressed. “The Reflector’s staff truly embodies the values we hold dear at States Newsroom, which is an unwavering commitment to reporting on issues that those in positions of power often prefer to keep hidden.”
In addition to Smith and me, there were other staff members who received recognition. Our senior reporter, Tim Carpenter, achieved second place in the agriculture story category for his piece titled “Skeptics claim Junction City’s secretive maneuvering to entice meatpacker won’t pass smell test.” Meanwhile, reporter Rachel Mipro secured third place for her article on the infusion of devotion into the Kansas Legislature, featuring a spiritual adviser and daily prayers. Both Mipro and Smith earned third place for their collaborative project on the intersection of church and state.
“Kansans should be kept well-informed,” emphasized Smith. “I feel fortunate to work with an incredibly talented team and provide news articles that are written by Kansans, about Kansans, and specifically for Kansans.”
Reporter Allison Kite, opinion editor Clay Wirestone, senior reporter Tim Carpenter, reporter Rachel Mipro, 2023 summer intern Sam Bailey, and editor in chief Sherman Smith gathered at the Lawrence Public Library on August 12, 2023, to address questions about Kansas Reflector. (Image: Jessica Tufts for Kansas Reflector)
Below is a comprehensive list of the awards received by the Reflector. We participated in the Division VII category, which includes the state’s largest publications.
- First place — News story , Sherman Smith
- First place — Editorial writing, Clay Wirestone
- First place — Religion story , Sherman Smith
- First place — Column writing, Max McCoy
- First place — Best podcast , Kansas Reflector
- First place — Best use of social media, Kansas Reflector
- Second place — Agriculture story , Tim Carpenter
- Second place — Education story , Sherman Smith and Sam Bailey
- Second place — Journalist of the year, Clay Wirestone
- Second place — Spot news photo , Sherman Smith
- Third place — Series , Sherman Smith and Rachel Mipro
- Third place — Religion story , Rachel Mipro
- Third place — Column writing, Clay Wirestone
- Third place — Best newsletter , Kansas Reflector
Two years ago, I expressed that journalists don’t pursue their careers for the accolades. However, in the midst of a difficult political and economic climate for news, and with journalists encountering more obstacles in carrying out their work, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction today.
Clay Wirestone serves as the opinion editor for Kansas Reflector. The opinion section of Kansas Reflector aims to give a platform to individuals who are impacted by public policies or marginalized in public discussions. For more information and details on how to submit your own commentary, please visit here.
The Kansas Reflector defies turbulence as it racks up six first-place wins in a statewide contest.
