Lehigh Valley Press newspapers received 12 awards in the 2020 Keystone Media Awards for articles, columns, photography, illustrations, headline writing and page designs published in 2019.

The Bethlehem Press and its contributors received nine Keystone Awards.

East Penn Press received one Keystone Award.

Salisbury Press received one Keystone Award.

Northampton Press received one Keystone Award.

Hundreds of journalists were recognized in the contest for their efforts, according to the Keystone Media Awards website. More than 2,700 entries were received from 122 news organizations. Entries in 54 regular categories and 11 specialty categories in seven circulation and four broadcast divisions were judged by journalists in Colorado.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic restrictions, the May 30 awards banquet was canceled. Awards will be mailed to winners. A virtual celebration may be held.

“The Keystone Media Awards reinforce excellence by individuals in the news media profession, by recognizing journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities,” the website states. “Further, the Keystone Media Awards stimulate journalists to improve their craft and ultimately improve their community.”

Here is the list of the 2020 Keystone Media Awards received by Lehigh Valley Press newspapers:

Bethlehem Press

Second Place, Bernie O’Hare, Investigative Reporting: Project Needs Serious Developer

Second Place, Theresa O’Brien, Enterprise Reporting: South Side Strong - Four-part series

Second Place, Dana Grubb, Ed Courrier, Robert Bilheimer, News Feature Story: Leveling a landmark - Demolition of Martin Tower, iconic corporate headquarters of Bethlehem Steel

Second Place, Lani Goins, Column: Mama’s musings: Welcome to my world; Making ends meet; Friends at Christmas

Honorable Mention, Dana Grubb, News Event Photo: This Place Mattered

Second Place, Mark Kirlin, Sports Action Photo: BC BB Mark Stianche

Honorable Mention, George Taylor, News Page Design: The flu season has arrived; Sunday hunting progresses in Pa.; This is a disease; Walk a mile in her shoes; Leveling a local landmark; Gone but not forgotten

Second Place, Ed Courrier, Graphic-Photo Illustration: Ed’s World - No vacancy

Honorable Mention, Staff, Diversity: Marches with a message; A night to remember; Two can co-exist; Religions unite, learn in Bethlehem; Day of the Dead comes alive

East Penn Press

Second Place, Dave Rowe, News Page Design: Emmaus High School graduate wins big; Eyer presents ‘Aladdin Jr.’; Somebody. Do. Something

Salisbury Press

First Place, Todd Kress, Sports Feature: McKenzie Balances School, Sports, Parenting

Northampton Press

First Place, Paul Willistein, Headline Writing: One of a kindness; Grumpy old gangsters; ’The Lion’ ca-ching

Keystone Media Awards information:

https://panewsmedia.org/awards/keystone-media-awards-professional/