The Hinsdalean once again wins sweepstakes in IPA editorial and advertising contests
For the fourth year in a row, The Hinsdalean was named the best large nondaily newspaper in the state in the Illinois Better Newspaper Contest.
The paper earned the Will Loomis Memorial Trophy after receiving the most points in the Illinois Press Associations editorial contest. The paper also received the advertising sweepstakes trophy for mid-sized newspapers.
The awards were presented at the IPA’s annual convention June 8 in Bloomington.
“I’m so proud of our back-to-back-to-back-to-back victories,” said Jim Slonoff, publisher and co-owner of The Hinsdalean. “I’m especially proud of the fact that we have a staff of only eight people — of which four are part time. It reflects the hard work and passion we all have for producing a great newspaper for a great community. We couldn’t do it if it weren’t for our dedicated advertisers and engaged readers.”
Pamela Lannom, editor and co-owner, said she was thrilled to hear the news.
“When we launched the paper in 2006, we said we wanted to produce ‘Community journalism the way it was meant to be.’ I’m honored that our peers believe we are doing just that — and doing it very well. It means a lot to all of us to produce a truly local newspaper for our readers and advertisers.”
Editorial contest
The Hinsdalean won 34 awards in the editorial contest (see sidebar), including nine first-place awards.
Lannom and associate editor Ken Knutson won first place in community service for Historic Preservation Month coverage.
“The very good source development and photos make this story excel,” judges wrote.
Knutson won first place in the government beat reporting for his coverage of Hinsdale High School District 86. Judges commented on his thorough reporting and use of quotes.
He also won first place in the obituary tribute category for his article titled “Lifelong Hinsdalean was a true friend,” a story he wrote about the late Steve Foster.
“Opening with a heartfelt sports memory sets the tone for a heartfelt sports tribute,” judges wrote. “Bringing in so many voices helps round out his story as a passionate hometown helper. It’s the kind of obit that most people hope to leave.”
His third first-place award was for headline writing.
Lannom won first place in sports news for “Two state champs, team comes in second” about the Hinsdale Central girls performance at the state swim and dive meet.
“Everything about this package of sports story works — photos, lead and sidebars/pull quotes from the seniors on the jump page,” judges wrote.
She also received the top honor in feature writing/personality profile for “Coach adds two awards to collection” about Hinsdale Central boys and girls swim coach Bob Barber.
Slonoff won three first-place photography awards for photo series (Hinsdale Central graduation), spot news (Hinsdale firefighters quickly extinguish trailer fire) and portrait/personality (60 seconds photo).
“Good composition and color makes an appealing frame here,” judges wrote about the spot news photo.
He also won first place in newspaper design.
“Excellent job! Might be stealing some of your ideas! Thanks for sharing!” judges wrote.
The staff won first place in special sections for the
paper’s Year in Review.
Advertising contest
Senior graphic designer Becky Campbell took home 17 awards in the 2022 IPA advertising contest.
Her two first-place honors were for real estate ad and religious/nonprofit ad.
“There’s no way a reader could miss this ad. Super eye catching and nice layout and tells the story of the neighborhood. Well done.” judges wrote about her real estate ad for Dave Ricordati.
Lisa Skrapka, account executive for The Hinsdalean, praised Campbell for her work.
“Becky knows many of the advertisers just as well as I do and does an excellent job of creative distinctive ads for each one of them,” she said. “She also loves the challenge of creating something for a new advertiser and always hits it out of the park.”
Classified and legal account executive Tina Wisniowicz was honored with a first place in the best classified ad category. McBearty Masonry was the winning ad she designed.
“The ad stood our from the rest in the class. I like the dark background and green lettering — really makes an ad stand out. Very clean ad with an easy to ready font,” judges commented.
Nearly 100 daily and nondaily newspapers competed in 38 editorial categories, with 26 newspapers submitting almost 300 entries in the advertising contest. Members of the Iowa Press Association judged both contests.
