Schindler earns national press awards

Summerland Advocate-Messenger publisher, LuAnn Schindler, earned three awards and partnered with SAM designer Jenna Hemenway for a fourth honor, during the National Federation of Press Women's virtual Professional Communications Contest ceremony, Saturday, June 6.

Usually the culminating activity of the organization's annual convention, this year's ceremony was held on Zoom, with approximately 200 members logging in.

Schindler took top honors in personality profile, less than 500 words.

Her entry, "Labor of Love," told the story of Cosetta Laws, a YouTube crochet star, who visited Clearwater last fall.

SAM's website, administered by Schindler, finished second in website edited or managed by entrant, corporate or for-profit.

Schindler received second place in headline writing, for creative introductions to articles about a Clearwater teen blacksmith, the Summerland school consolidation, a local bakery's Christmas cookie business and a youth cooking competition at the Clearwater Public Library.

Schindler and Hemenway earned honorable mention for the concept and implementation of an infographic outlining the path to the recall of two Antelope County Commissioners.

"What an incredible honor," Schindler said. "It's gratifying to know that local stories resonated with the judges."

She's also excited for her co-worker.

"Jenna didn't know I entered the graphic. Surprise," Schindler said.

Other Nebraska journalists and communications professionals receiving awards include Barb Batie, freelance writer; Lauren Brandt, Montrose Daily Press; Carla Chance, freelance designer; Terri Hahn, Grand Island Independent; Heather Johnson, Mid-Plains Community College; Ellen Mortensen, Gothenburg Leader; Irene North, freelance writer; Bette Pore, Grand Island Independent; Lori Potter, Kearney Hub; Leta Powell Drake, freelance reporter; Erika Pritchard, Kearney Hub; Tammy Real-McKeighan, Fremont Tribune; Mary Jane Skala, Kearney Hub and Kimberly Stuhr, freelance writer.