Chris Bridges Wins Several Awards
The Georgia Press Association recently recognized Monticello native Chris Bridges for his work as editor of the Barrow Journal for the group’s Better Newspaper Contest for the calendar year 2015.
Bridges won first place in Division for Serious Column, which focused on the state of Georgia’s execution of Andrew Brannan, a decorated Vietnam veteran who was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Bridges’ other entries in the Serious Column category centered on dangers journalists around the world face and an anniversary tribute to his parents.
The Barrow Journal’s sports section, which Bridges oversees, was also named best for its division. In addition, the paper won second place for Best Local Coverage and Layout and Design. Bridges is responsible for putting the entire paper together each week.
The Barrow Journal also won a third place award for headline writing.
The Barrow Journal began publishing in 2008 and is a publication of MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. in Jefferson. Bridges has worked as editor of the paper since its first issue. Overall, the Barrow Journal placed second in the General Excellence category, signifying the best overall newspaper in its division. The paper has placed in General Excellence for seven consecutive years.
The awards were announced during the GPA’s annual awards banquet June 3 at Jekyll Island.
In addition to the GPA awards, the Georgia Sports Writers Association recently recognized Bridges during that group’s annual awards banquet. Bridges won third place for Best Column for his entrant “Will recent super fight be enough to save boxing?” which focused on the bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
The Barrow Journal’s sports section won second for Best Section in Division III and its annual Friday Night Lights High School Football Preview Section won third place.
Bridges is a 1989 graduate of Piedmont Academy and contributes articles about the school’s sports teams for The Monticello News. He is the son of Paul and Melba Bridges of Monticello.
