AHOSKIE – Given the fact that thousands of entries are sent each year, earning a prestigious journalism award from the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA) ranks as a major accomplishment.

To win two, both of the first-place variety, in the same year is a rare feat.

The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald joined that rare company in 2006 as newspaper officials here were notified by the NCPA that two first-place awards were won by members of the News-Herald staff.

For their efforts in writing and composing “2006 Crossroads n In Our Hometown,” the News-Herald staff captured the top prize in the Special Section category. Current News-Herald staff members Cal Bryant, Thadd White and Curly Morris contributed to that award-winning special edition.

“Crossroads is a labor of love,” said Bryant who serves as Editor of the News-Herald, the Gates County Index and the Roanoke-Chowan Shopper.

Bryant continued, “Crossroads, which we publish every February, was developed six years ago and I think it has made giant strides each year. The special edition gives us a chance to explore unique individuals and groups that make our little corner of the state such a great place to live.”

Bryant went on to say that the award for best special section was a first for the News-Herald staff since he joined the news room as Sports Editor in 1989.

“What makes this recognition so special is the fact that Crossroads is a collection of numerous pieces of journalism and photojournalism from different writers and photographers that flow together into one cohesive publication,” Bryant noted. “We’re very proud to win this esteemed award from our peers in the field of journalism.”

On an individual level, Morris earned first place in the Serious Columns category. His June 24 column entitled “Illegal Mexicans are not new Negroes” was judged as the number one entry.

“I am very humbled and privileged to be recognized by my peers as having done quality work,” Morris said. “My co-workers at the News-Herald, in particular my editor Cal Bryant, have done a great deal to help me develop as a writer and columnist and I can’t thank them enough.”

Morris concluded by saying, “I hope that I can continue to grow professionally and also continue to provide our readers with food for thought.”

2006 proved as a banner year for the News-Herald. Earlier in the year, the NCPA awarded the News-Herald first place for Best Full Color Institutional Ad for the Hertford County ad that was published in the Crossroads edition. Additionally, the newspaper earned a Gold Star Award for Best Special Section with the Watermelon Festival tab. Both of these were won in the Best Ad Contest.

“I am extremely proud for our staff to be recognized in this statewide contest,” publisher Jeff Findley said. “We strive everyday to be the best community newspaper possible and, in turn, give our readers the best news reports and our customers the best advertising vehicle available.”