THORNTON | Sentinel Colorado staffers took home seven top awards Saturday from the Colorado Press Association’s annual convention and newspaper contest, competing with the largest and top newsrooms in the state.
“We’re proud that our readers and peers recognize the Sentinel’s commitment to the fact-based journalism our community depends on,” said Sentinel Editor and Publisher Dave Perry. “The focus of awards for the Sentinel and all those news organizations honored highlights the critical role of quality journalism on every Colorado community and its residents.”
Sentinel staffers were recognized for a wide range of efforts in 2024, many focusing on upheaval in Aurora created by President Donald Trump and local elected officials as they targeted local immigrants.
This year the Sentinel logged the following honors:
• The Sentinel won Second Place for the press association’s coveted Public Service Project for the staff’s dedicated effort to reporting, analysis, investigation and opinions on the impact of then presidential candidate Donald Trump’s focus on Aurora immigrants and his proposing “Operation Aurora,” which has since become a national campaign of mass deportation. Credited were reporter in residence Susan Greene, staff reporter Cassandra Ballard and editor Dave Perry. First Place this year went to Denver Post reporter Meg Wingerter for her coverage of how alcoholism has become a leading cause of death in Colorado.
• The Sentinel won First Place for Best Opinion Writing for house editorials written by Perry. The editorials covered issues such as Aurora police “trolling” for police recruits at a Trump political rally in Aurora, editorials focusing on disinformation from local elected officials regarding problems surrounding Venezuelan immigrants, and the impact of the congressional action on local communities. Second Place was awarded to the Boulder Daily Camera.
• The Sentinel swept First and Second Place for Best Breaking News Reporting. First place was awarded to reporter Max Levy for a story about the Aurora City Council fleeing council chambers during a protest by activists linked to the police shooting of Kilyn Lewis. The Sentinel was also honored for its on-deadline comprehensive news, photo and oped coverage of Donald Trump’s rally in Aurora. Honored were Greene, Ballard, Perry, and photographer Tri Duong.
• The Sentinel took Second Place for Best Investigative Story for “Give and Take” by reporter Max Levy. The story focused on how an astonishing $2.08 million out of $2.86 million raised by Aurora police, with the help of a national firm that helps solicit donations from the public, was kept by that fundraising firm. First place in that category went reporter Michael Booth at the Colorado Sun for his investigation into Colorado and Kansas ranchers conspiring to tamper with rain-gauges.
• The Sentinel won First Place for its sustained and comprehensive coverage with stories, editorials and signed columns by Greene, Ballard and Perry all focusing on controversy over three Aurora apartment complexes and unproven allegations of “takeovers” by Venezuelan gangs. Second Place in the category went to the Denver Post for their reporting on the same issue.
• Sentinel Sports Editor Courtney Oakes won Second Place for his photograph “Flipping Out” depicting an athlete upside down in a jump. First Place in the category this year went to Denver Post photographer AAron Ontiveroz for “Fighter.”
• The Sentinel won Second Place for Best Website among the state’s largest news media. First Place went to the Colorado Sun.
• The Sentinel won Second Place for Best Headline Writing for headlines created by Perry. First Place went to Axios Denver.
Nearly every newspaper and news media site in the state enters their best work each year into the contest, this year judged by peer journalists in Wisconsin. The contest is divided among eight news organization “classes.” The Sentinel regularly competes with the largest organizations in the state.
Congrats to the Sentinel! Precisely why I donate. They won based on courageous writing on controversial topics. Many of the articles were met with derision from some members of our community, but the Sentinel stood steadfast and presented the truth! Thanks for excellence in tough times!
What a joke. A bunch of far-left “journalists” rewarding other far-left “journalists for writing far-left articles and opinions.
“For example, Popular Information | Judd Legum suggests that Axios, while claiming objectivity, has historically exhibited a lean towards conservative economic ideology, citing accusations against a co-founder for including paid ads for corporate entities like the Chamber of Commerce without proper disclosure during their time at Politico. Popular Information | Judd Legum also points out that one of Axios’ initial launch partners was Koch Industries, which is known for supporting conservative political causes and candidates. Moreover, the Cox family, who acquired Axios in 2022, is also noted to have a history of supporting conservative political causes.”
I’ll bet you’ve never read most of the award winning papers. It’s just another example of aa angry right wing person throwing around cheap rhetoric with no knowledge of what they’re talking about.
The Sentinel does a great job advancing left-wing political agenda. In fact, that’s mostly all you’ll hear here. Beat up Trump, attack police, protect illegals and promote other liberal agendas. The recognition reminds me more of AOC complimenting Mamdani than an award for unbiased reporting.
Certainly tells me all I need to know about the Colorado Press Association, that I already suspected. Let me whole heartedly agree with Concerned comment above.
Kane’s comments continue to show his understanding of real life in Aurora. Hey Kane, why not pass on some of your donations to the Colorado Press Association. Maybe they will give you an award for, “Sentinel Commenter of the Year”.
Just another shallow throw away comment.
Congratulations, Sentinel <3 The little paper that could, sparring with the Denver Post in some of these categories and beating them in coverage of gang activity at Aurora apartment buildings, is very impressive.
Congrats! Your team is really a cut above the rest.
Keep up the valiant efforts.