Jan Swoope, lifestyles editor for The Dispatch, recently won first place in the feature story category of the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press Broadcasters and Media Editors Awards.
Winners were announced earlier this month at a banquet at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.
The winning story, which published in June 2017, competed with entries from newspapers in Louisiana and Mississippi whose weekly circulation ranged from 75,001 to 225,000. It highlights the life of Gabriel “Super Gabe” Valentine of Starkville, who passed away at age 8 after a lifelong battle with epidermolysis bullosa. In his short life, Valentine inspired an entire community with his kindness and bravery.
The judge commented: “This account of how a boy’s courageous spirit touched an entire community brought tears to my eyes. Enough said.”
Swoope joined The Dispatch as lifestyles editor in 2008, celebrating her 10th anniversary with the company April 21.
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