Last Saturday, April 17 the Nebraska Press Association (NPA) gathered for a convention in Kearney. The afternoon catered to all daily and weekly newspaper publications throughout the state.

Once the red carpet was set, the NPA announced the winners for the yearly awards in numerous media categories. One of the awards was the Outstanding Young Journalist Award. As the envelope was unveiled, this year’s weekly newspaper winner was Mark Mahoney, a reporter for the Voice news in Hickman for nearly three years. Last year while at the Voice news, Mahoney earned the runner up spot in the competition.

Several months ago, Mark was recruited by the Missouri Valley Iowa, newspaper for a position as a reporter. Mark and his wife Nicole moved to Blair so that he could accept that position in February.

He said, "I wanted to be closer to my family in Omaha and I wanted an opportunity for new challenges writing for a twice weekly newspaper, but the Norris bus accident story is one I’ll never forget in my three years of writing for the Voice."

"I’m pleased to win the Outstanding Young Journalist Award, especially after finishing in second last year. I’m happy I won," said Mark. He was also thrilled to receive the $500 check that accompanied the award.

Some of the qualifications for this prestigious award are nominees must be reporters, editors, photographers, graphic designers, production or advertising professionals, who have been working for at least one year at a legal Nebraska newspaper.

Mark began his quest into journalism his second semester at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL). "I had wanted to go into biochemistry, but the chemistry class I took my first semester that year didn’t go well, so I looked at majoring in English or something that required strong writing skills," said Mark. Mark graduated from UNL with a degree in Media-Editorial in 2007.

Mark added, "I’m glad Gerry (Baksys) earned an award too; I know he spent a lot of time on the jail story."

The Voice News staff and publishers are proud of Mark and Gerry for their achievements in covering the hometown news.

As of last Saturday, April 17 the Voice news in Hickman put one more plaque on the wall. Reporter/photographer Gerry Baksys, of Hickman, was awarded third place in the In-Depth Writing category for his article on the Gage County Jail. Gerry has been with the Voice news for two years and covers news primarily in Gage, Otoe and Johnson counties.