A newly-qualified senior reporter scooped two of the four awards available for exam performance after the latest National Qualification in Journalism sittings.
Leamington Spa Courier journalist Samuel Jackson, left, won the Media Law Award, as well as the Esso Award for the best news report.
Sam’s fellow City of Wolverhampton College alumnus Jordan Reynolds, of the Shropshire Star, took the Society of Editors’ Award for the best news interview, while Surrey Advertiser journalist Katherine Clementine won the Newsquest Award for the best e-logbook.
The moderator described Samuel’s media law performance as “an excellent, all-round paper showing good knowledge and application”, while his news report answer was a “well-written story with pace and accuracy”.
Samuel, who joined the Courier in 2015 after completing a diploma in journalism in Wolverhampton, said: “I am absolutely delighted with how well I managed to do in my exams. Just passing is brilliant enough, but to come top in not one but two of the papers is the icing on the cake. I can’t really believe it.
“I want to thank my editor Phil Hibble, my former editor Chris Lillington for giving me the job at the Leamington Courier in the first place, my trainer John Wilson and my tutor at Wolverhampton College Dani Wozencroft. They have all helped me so much in becoming the journalist I am today.”
Jordan, left, was praised for “good detail” and “well used quotes” in her news interview paper.
She said: “This was such a shock but I’m so pleased to pass, let alone have the best news interview paper.”
Applauding Katherine’s work, the moderator said: “Katherine presented a consistent submission which scored high marks across a range of diverse key tasks.
“Judges were especially impressed with key tasks for press releases, social media, trainee’s choice and major stories – all of which showed a firm grasp of the criteria required.”
Katherine, left, achieved her National Council for the Training of Journalists diploma at Brunel University before joining the Advertiser.
She said: “I’m so thrilled and humbled to have been chosen for this award. It means so much to me to have my hard work recognised in this way.
“I put my heart and soul into this logbook and thank my wonderful mentors Crispin Clark and Deanne Blaylock for their help and advice.”
Samuel will receive a prize of £500 for his two awards, while Jordan and Katherine win £250 each.