Baton Rouge — The Louisiana Press Association (LPA) celebrated the state’s finest journalism at the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition, held at the Baton Rouge City Club. The event drew 830 entries from member publications and student newspapers across Louisiana, with winners selected by the South Dakota Press Association.
Founded in 1880, the LPA unites Louisiana’s daily and weekly newspapers in pursuit of journalistic excellence. LPA Executive Director McHugh David praised the outstanding quality of this year’s submissions: “The judge’s comments are always a great window into the impressive work by our winners. It’s clear that newspaper staffs across the state are representing their communities with pride and serving them well.”
A highlight of the evening was the induction of Mary L Terry, Publisher of Teche News and president-elect of the LPA, into the prestigious 50 Year Club. This honor recognizes her decades of dedication to community journalism.
Mark DeVillier, Teche News chief graphic designer, received the prestigious Gary Hebert Award for best layout and design, for his creative cover designs featuring: Library Summer Reading; My Year As The Crawfish Queen; and It Has A Nice Ring To It.
Judges commended DeVillier’s “very nice variety of creative design elements in a tasteful design aesthetic.”
Meagan Andrepont earned first place for Best Photo Package (three or more photos) for her coverage of the 2024 Cecilia Bulldogs’ Division II Non-Select state football championship at Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans.
Judges remarked: “Great sports photo package, I love the variety of subjects – fans, players, cheerleaders, coaches. The photos give you the full story.”
A second-place award in Division 3 for Best Photo Package was awarded posthumously to Sally Angelle for her compelling coverage of tornado damage in Henderson in May 2024.
DeVillier also took second place for a staffgenerated ad for Boyer’s Pharmacy.
He received another second place for Best Multiple Advertiser Page for the Teche News weekly church page.
These honors underscore the dedication and talent of Teche News staff and their commitment to serving the local community through outstanding journalism and design.
