New York State Outdoor Writers Announce Writing, Photo Awards

Wednesday, May 13, 2015 – The Outdoor Wire

New York State Outdoor Writers Announce Writing, Photo Awards

Clayton, Thousand Islands, N.Y.—The New York State Outdoor Writers Association presented the winners of its annual writing and photography recognition program with carved duck decoy first-place awards and second- and third-place cash awards at the annual banquet of the organization sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel on Saturday, May 9.

The organization of more than 80 professional communicators and several dozen supporting members from the outdoor and travel industry gathered at the resort in Jefferson County May 7-10 for its annual conference. The Excellence in Craft writing competition and Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo Contest, both co-sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, Redding Reloading Equipment and Sportsman Channel, were judged by highly regarded professionals from outside the organization.

"Eighteen veteran professionals, some of the most respected, prolific and competent writers, editors and photographers in the field of outdoor communications, served as judges" said Wayne Brewer, president of NYSOWA. "Many of them commented that the entries were better than ever."

First-place winners in the writing competition for articles published in 2014 were: John Gereau, Westport, N.Y., for Saving the Legacy in North Country Living's Spring Issue , in the Magazine Feature category; Chris Paparo, Calverton, N.Y., for Ghost Owls in On The Water's February issue, in the Magazine Column category; David Figura, Skaneateles, N.Y., for Syracuse Zoo's Only Reindeer Anxiously Awaits Santa's Call for Christmas Eve, from Syracuse.com, Dec. 23, 2014, for Online Publications; and Steve Piatt, Waverly, a double winner, with Evening on the River in New York Outdoor News, July 11, 2014, for Newspaper Column, and Stan's the Man in New York Outdoor News, May 2, 2014, for Newspaper Feature.

Two Long Island members took top honors in four of the five photo contest categories, with Leo Maloney, from Sherrill, taking the other first place, for his winning entry in the Published Photograph category. Angelo Peluso, Port Jefferson, captured first place in the Outdoor Scenic category. Christopher Paparo, from Calverton, was the big winner, taking first place in the Outdoor Recreation, Wildlife and Hunting & Fishing categories.

A complete list of first- to third-place finishers in both the writing- and photo-award programs follows.

Excellence in Craft Writing Awards

Magazine Feature: First place, John Gereau, Saving The Legacy
From North Country Living, Spring 2014; Second place, John Adamski 
Hellbender Head Start, New York State Conservationist, Dec. '14; Charles A. Witek III
Tags Today for Sharks Tomorrow, On The Water Magazine, Feb. '14.

(More)
Magazine Column: First place, Chris Paparo, Ghost Owls, On The Water, Feb. 2014; Second place, Chris Paparo, Adaptations for Survival, On The Water March '14; no third place winner.

Newspaper Feature: First place, Steve Piatt, Stan's The Man, New York Outdoor News, May 2, 2014; Second place, Glenn Sapir, The annual family fishing trip, New York Outdoor News, July 25, 2014; Third place, Bill Hilts, Jr., Kayaking gaining momentum by paddles and pedals, New York Outdoor News, Oct. 12, 2014.

Newspaper Column: First place, Steve Piatt, Evening on the River, New York Outdoor News, July 11, 2014; Second place, Steve Piatt, Returning a big favor, 45 years later, New York Outdoor News, May 30, 2014; Third place, Charles A. Witek, III, Commentary: Let's stop doing nothing, New York Outdoor News, June 13, 2014.

Online Publication: First place, David Figura, Syracuse Zoo's Only Reindeer Anxiously Awaits Santa's Call for Christmas Eve, Syracuse.com, Dec. 23, 2014; Second place, David Figura, Deer hunters say it took three shots to down Madison County buffalo, Syracuse.com, Nov. 26, 2014; Third place, Bill Hilts, Jr., Live Life to the Fullest, New York Outdoor News.com, April 22, 2014.

Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo Awards

Hunting & Fishing: First place, Christopher Paparo; Second place, Paul Schnell, Third place, Mike Joyner.

Outdoor Recreation: First and second place, Christopher Paparo; Third place, Chris Kenyon.

Outdoor Scenic: First place, Angelo Peluso; Second place, Chris Paparo; Third place, Chris Kenyon.

Wildlife: First place, Christopher Paparo; Second place, Paul Schell; Third place, Bill Hilts, Jr.

Published: First place, Leo Maloney; Second and third place, Paul Schnell.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Glenn Sapir (845) 519-9027 gsapir@earthlink.net