Advocate journalists nominated for 20-plus AP awards

NEWARK – Advocate journalists received more than 20 nominations for the statewide Associated Press Media Editors awards.

Among The Advocate finalists:

•Reporters Emily Maddern and Kurt Snyder for best use of social media.

•Executive Editor Michael Shearer for best editorial writer.

•Reporter Anna Jeffries for best feature writer.

•Photographer Michael Lehmkuhle for best graphics artist.

•Reporter Dave Weidig for best sports feature writer and best sports writer.

•Jessica Phelps for best photographer.

•Maddern for best news writer.

•Weidig and reporter Kurt Snyder for best sports event coverage.

•Snyder for best sports enterprise.

•Lehmkuhle for best informational graphics and best illustration.

•Phelps for best news photo and best feature photo.

•Phelps and Lehmkuhle for best sports photo.

•Phelps for best photo essay, two nominations.

•Jeffries and reporter Hannah Sparling for Best community service.

•Sparling for best enterprise reporting.

The Advocate also was nominated for several staffwide projects, including for best special section for The Business Advocate, best breaking news coverage for both the Denison swatting incident as well as Newark Division of Police officer Jarrod Conley being shot and best explanatory reporting for kids' online lives.

Associated Press Media Editors announced the finalists Tuesday. The winners will be announced May 3 at an annual banquet in Columbus.