The Greenville Advocate was recognized as one of the top small weekly newspapers in the state during the Alabama Press Association’s Summer Convention in Destin, Fla.

The Advocate received second place for General Excellence and Advertising Sweepstakes in the APA’s Better Newspaper Contest and Advertising Contest, respectively. General Excellence and Advertising Sweepstakes are the top awards given in the contests.

“We’re glad to be recognized as one of the top weekly papers in the state,” said managing editor Andy Brown. “Our staff works hard to provide the best possible coverage for our readers and it’s nice to have that hard work recognized by our peers.”

The Advocate also took home top honors for Best Newspaper Website.

“I am proud of the hard work, dedication and creativity that our team puts into producing each and every one of our products, said publisher Tracy Salter. “From the weekly newspaper, website and social media platforms, to the monthly magazines and special projects that the staff produces, the quality of work created by the Greenville Advocate showcases the talent of our staff. To be recognized by our peers is indeed an honor.”

More than 100 newspapers submitted 2,775 entries in this year’s Better Newspaper Contest. Members of the Louisiana Press Association judged the entries.

Overall the Advocate won 30 awards.

First place awards in the Better Newspaper Contest included:

• Best news photo for “Vigil held for shooting victim” by Andy Brown
• Best photo essay for “Fast and Furry car show” by Andy Brown and Angie Long
• Best use of graphics or illustrations for “Mad Max: Fury Road” by Andy Brown and Jonathan Bryant
• Best Newspaper Website

Second place awards included:

• General Excellence
• Best use of photographs and editorial content by staff
• Best local economic coverage by staff
• Best editorial for “How do we stop the violence” by Andy Brown
• Best sports feature story for “Powell on the prowl” by Jonathan Bryant
• Best local sports column for “An encounter with the Snake” by Andy Brown
• Best use of graphics or illustrations for “Recruitment of Airbus suppliers takes off” by Andy Brown
• Best headline for “Just going with the flow” by Andy Brown
• Best niche publication for Camellia Magazine by staff
• Online breaking news coverage for “Man charged with attempted murder following South Street shooting” by Andy Brown

Third-place awards included:

• Best editorial column or commentary for “Pettus just a footnote in history” by Andy Brown
• Best feature photo for “Retiring Old Glory” by Andy Brown
• Best news photo for “Fun on the Sizzler” by Andy Brown
• Best niche publication for “Putting on the Ritz” by staff
• Best use of social media for Facebook “Spotted” galleries by staff

Sixty newspapers submitted 1,007 entries in this year’s Advertising Contest, which was also judged by the Louisiana Press Association.

The Advocate’s first-place awards included:

• Best one-time special section for “150^th Anniversary Edition” by staff
• Best niche publication for Camellia Magazine by Tracy Salter and April Gregory
• Best use of humor for “Dr. Robert F. Martin – The Swan” by April  Gregory

Second place awards included:

• Advertising Sweepstakes
• Best classified page or section
• Best single ad over ½ page (black and white) for “Super Foods — Shop, Collect, Win” by Tracy Salter
• Best one-time special section for “Healthcare” by staff
• Best classified display ad for “Service Directory” by Tracy Salter

Third place awards included:

• Best single ad ½ page and under (black and white) for “Express Roofing” by April Gregory
• Best single ad over ½ page (color) for “L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital” by Tracy Salter
• Best classified display ad for “Food Depot” by Tracy Salter