This week is National Newspaper Week, and while that is something we generally celebrate around here at the Advocate office, this week we’re on an extra high. Last weekend, during the Missouri Press Association’s annual convention, our paper was recognized with some awards from the Better Newspaper Contest.

Sports editor Brent Kalwei received third place notoriety in the best sports feature story category for his July 8, 2016, piece on Hickman Mills High School great Mike Harper. Harper’s career took him on to play professional football in the ‘80s. Attributing his success in life, football and beyond to his faith, Harper now lives in California with his wife and children.

This column, All That Fits, and I placed second in the Best Columnist – Serious category. In a category that includes longtime editors and publishers from across the state, I’m honored to even place here. This column is a place where I have been able to let you, the reader, inside. It’s often lighthearted, but at times, I take people, politicians and our community to task. I’m proud to be the community’s watchdog and take pride in holding those who make decisions that may affect our lives accountable.

Finally, I received a first place award for Best Story About Education. Coming from a family of educators, it only seems fitting that this is where I would excel. My piece on Hannah Davis and her Read to Achieve recognition was more than a story on a local teacher. Davis exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond, and I hope I captured her unyielding spirit and desire to see her students succeed in the January 21, 2016 story.

It’s not always easy to have your work judged every single week by the public, but the payoff can sometimes be extremely gratifying. We take our jobs seriously and are passionate about writing tomorrow’s history. We believe in the power of community journalism and we continue to do everything in our power to earn and keep the trust of the public. The communities we have the privilege of covering continue to be inspiring and we are always grateful to tell your stories.