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JN and Neighborhood SEEN take journalism honors.

T

he Detroit Jewish News was hon-
ored with nine awards from the
Detroit Chapter of the Society of
Professional Journalists covering writing,
editing and design.
The awards were presented on April
12 and were judged by journalists from
other cities. Prizes were presented among
publications of like circulation size.
JN Contributing Writer Ronelle Grier
won two awards for obituaries. She
won first prize for her heartfelt story
of Rachel Jacobs, the young wife and
mother who died in a train derailment in
Philadelphia. The judges stated, “This is a
thoughtful, sensitive profile on a remark-
able woman taken from the world too
soon. From the quotes and background
information, readers truly get a sense
of who this woman was. In particular,
the section on meeting her husband was
touching — filled with the human anec-
dotes that bring people to tears. Great
story.”
Grier also won an honorable mention
for her comprehensive obituary of promi-
nent businessman and philanthropist A.
Alfred Taubman.
Two JN columnists also won praise.
Ben Falik took second place for general
column writing. Noted the judges, “Mr.
Falik’s unique style allows the reader to
follow him easily. Lovely writing.”
Harry Kirsbaum was right behind
in third place. The judges noted,

“Unmistakable voice. Good work!”
JN Contributing Editor Robert Sklar
won an honorable mention for editorial
writing for his thoughts on the repurpos-
ing of the JPM building at the former JCC
in Oak Park.
In addition, Senior Copy Editor David
Sachs was honored for headline writing,
taking a second place award in that com-
petition.
In the design category, JN design team
member Michelle Sheridan, an employee
of Farago and Associates, ran the table,
sweeping three first-place awards for
page one design, inside news design and
feature page design.
Also for design, the JN’s sister publi-
cation Neighborhood SEEN, a colorful,
glossy lifestyle magazine, was also hon-
ored. Creative Director Deborah Schultz
won an honorable mention for her cover
“For the Love of Wine.”
Jackie Headapohl, managing edi-
tor of the Jewish News and editor of
Neighborhood SEEN, said, “The JN’s and
SEEN’s strong showing at the SPJ awards
reflects the hard work and effort we put
into each issue to bring the absolute best
to our readers. And our designers make
our publications compelling, easy and fun
to read.
“My kudos and appreciation to our
entire team of writers, editors and page
designers who put out two amazing prod-
ucts.”

Deborah
Schultz’s
cover for
Neighborhood
SEEN earned a
prize.

*

Ronelle Grier

Ben Falik

Harry Kirsbaum

Robert Sklar

David Sachs

Michelle
Sheridan

Deborah
Schultz

Jackie
Headapohl

28 April 28 • 2016

Michelle
Sheridan’s
JN cover was
a winner.

Ronelle Grier’s obituary of Rachel Jacobs won first-place honors.

The Alfred Taubman obituary won
for writing and headline writing.