Journalists at The Herald honored in S.C. Press Association awards
Journalists from The Herald were among those in South Carolina who received awards in the S.C. Press Association’s contest for work in 2025.
The Herald’s origins date back to a weekly newspaper in 1872. McClatchy purchased The Herald in 1990, and in 2026 its staff is proud to continue serving York, Chester and Lancaster counties.
“Rock Hill residents can be assured The Herald’s journalists are committed to telling relevant and revelatory stories that matter to readers,” said Rana Cash, Executive Editor of The Herald and The Charlotte Observer. “To have that exceptional, award-winning work recognized by industry peers is a testament of our reporters’ passion for local news.”
Winners were honored at a luncheon Friday at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
John Marks was awarded first place in business beat reporting for stories about Fort Mill’s Shutterfly plant, Rock Hill job losses because of COVID, and a gold mine in Lancaster County.
A judge wrote of the entry: “In a competitive category, this entry rose to the top. Rather than settling for cookie cutter stories, the winner added depth and background to stories about the local business climate and local businesses. Really great work!”
- Marks also won first place in growth and development beat reporting for stories about a how a failed sales tax referendum would affect Lancaster County, booming residential development in the city of Lancaster, and delays to work on Interstate 77 in Fort Mill.
- Marks was awarded second place in government beat reporting for stories about Rock Hill responding to unhoused people living in hotels, how federal Trump administration cuts would affect Rock Hill projects, and York County’s decision to bring in the Silfab Solar plant.
- Marks won third place in education beat reporting for stories on Fort Mill school traffic guards, the history of a segregation-era school in York County, and weapons in Rock Hill schools.
- Marks won second place in food writing for a story about the popularity of Swig soda shop in Indian Land.
- Marks won second place in arts and entertainment writing for a story about the marching band at Northwestern High School.
Tracy Kimball was awarded first place in feature photo for her photo of a girl reacting to a bird flying near her face during Fort Mill’s Strawberry Festival. A judge wrote: “I love the girl’s facial expression, and the birds frame both faces perfectly. Very well done.”
- Kimball received first place in sports action photo for a photo of Ja’Tavion Sanders of the Carolina Panthers leaping over Mike Hughes of the Atlanta Falcons during a game at Bank of America Stadium. A judge wrote: “This is the kind of shot you hope for, and so rarely get. Fantastic capture!”
- Kimball was awarded third place in news video for her video about hundreds of graves of formerly enslaved people being “reconsecrated” in York County.
Andrew Dys was awarded second place in public safety beat reporting for stories on the state legislature rejecting a York County judicial candidate, the fatal shooting of an innocent teen DoorDash driver and the sentencing of a former detention officer who had sex with an inmate.
- Dys was awarded third place in breaking news reporting for his story on the sentencing of a former Rock Hill police officer in a case involving child sexual abuse material.
