Winners announced in writing/photo contest

Contest continues in memory of journalist Gib Mathers

Posted 6/17/21

A pair of stories about service dogs earned top honors in the youth category of the 2021 Gib Mathers Journalistic Writing and Photography Contest.

Emmalee Nordland received the grand prize for her …

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Winners announced in writing/photo contest

Contest continues in memory of journalist Gib Mathers

Posted

A pair of stories about service dogs earned top honors in the youth category of the 2021 Gib Mathers Journalistic Writing and Photography Contest.

Emmalee Nordland received the grand prize for her article, “A number to remember,” which tells the story of a local veteran’s experience with Northwest Battle Buddies. The nonprofit organization pairs professionally trained service dogs with combat veterans who have PTSD.

“... Overall, this story came closest to honoring the spirit and writing practices of the contest’s namesake,” judges said.

Another service dog-themed entry, “Living to serve,” by William Nordland, received honorable mention in the youth category. Judges said the heartwarming story included interesting details.

In the adult category, Laurie Zwemer was named the grand prize winner for her piece, “White male, white SUV.”

“Of the adult entries, this piece offers the most gripping narrative and journalistic styling,” judges said. “The clear, descriptive focus all but promises a juxtaposition and exploration of at least one contemporary national issue.”

Honorable mention in the adult category went to Carol Bendick for “The Milky Way.” Judges said the first-person reflection on life on a dairy farm would work well in an agriculture-themed edition.

“The tangible descriptive elements color the ethereal memories with a crisp clarity, creating a word painting sure to resonate with ag readers,” judges said.

In the youth photo contest, Kinley Bollinger won grand prize for her image of a sunflower. Judges praised her composition and use of light. Honorable mention went to Emmalee Nordland for her photo of a grain field, which coloristically captures the ambience of summer into harvest.

A serene scene snapped from a canoe earned Kerry Nordland the grand prize for photos among adults. Judges commended the intentional composition and unique beauty. Honorable mention was awarded to Cheryl Roberts for her Alaskan sky image, which judges noted was technically tricky and presented nicely.

In its fourth year, the contest received the highest number of entries since its inception. The contest was founded by the Friends of the Powell Library in partnership with the Powell Tribune as a way to honor Mathers, who died in 2017. Mathers was a longtime member of the friends group and worked as a journalist for the Tribune.

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