Chronicle wins 11 awards in state press association annual contest

The Lexington County Chronicle brought home one sports section/magazine award, three general news reporting awards, two sports reporting awards, two page design awards and three photography awards from the South Carolina Press Association’s annual awards ceremony held on March 6 in Columbia.

News outlets from all over South Carolina gathered at the downtown Columbia convention center to be honored for their work done in 2025.

“I am particularly proud of Sports Editor Jacob Phillips’ and Graphics Manager Cary Howard’s work on the Lexington County Chronicle Fall 2025 High School Football Preview, winning first place,” Chronicle Editor Bryn Eddy said. “That was an absolutely massive special section that Jacob and Cary spent weeks on, determined to bring our readers the most comprehensive look at the football season ahead at the time. It’s always an honor to see my entire staff’s dedication to their craft be recognized.” 

Here’s a breakdown of the awards the Chronicle won in its division:

Sports Editor Jacob Phillips and Graphics Manager Cary Howard won first in the Chronicle’s division for sports section or magazine for the Lexington County Chronicle Fall 2025 High School Football Preview. 

Sports Editor Jacob Phillips won first in the Chronicle’s division for spot sports story for “History made: Eagles soar to 1st state championship after explosive win over Seneca.”

Editor Bryn Eddy won first in the Chronicle’s division for profile feature writing for “Beekeeping takes a family: Lexington sheriff’s captain spends weekends with his daughter among multiple Midlands bee farms.” 

Editor Bryn Eddy won first in the Chronicle’s division for photo series or photo story for “Beekeeping takes a family: Lexington sheriff’s captain spends weekends with his daughter among multiple Midlands bee farms.”

Former Reporter Sophia Sousa won second in the Chronicle’s division for obituary writing for “'My life was already great before him, but he made it better.' Remembering Lexington local, pet transporter Scott Cutting.” 

Graphics Editor Cary Howard won second in the Chronicle’s division for page one design for “Beekeeping takes a family: Lexington sheriff’s captain spends weekends with his daughter among multiple Midlands bee farms.”

Sports Editor Jacob Phillips won third in the Chronicle’s division for sports feature story for “Lexington County archer breaks barriers to pioneer inclusion.”

Former Reporter Sophia Sousa won third in the Chronicle’s division for education beat reporting for the following stories: “Sandhills Elementary students explore the world of coding through University of Pennsylvania partnership,” “‘An attack on one teacher is an attack on all.' Chapin educators stand united after book choice backlash,” and “Lexington-Richland 5's enrollment declined. It might be because of Irmo's new Gray Collegiate campus.”

Graphics Editor Cary Howard won third in the Chronicle’s division for sports page design for “The Grind.” 

Editor Bryn Eddy won third in the Chronicle’s division for feature photo for “He’ll make any option shine: Downtown Lexington jeweler talks diamond alternatives, love of custom-made pieces.” 

Editor Bryn Eddy won third in the Chronicle’s division for personality photo or portrait for “Midlands mother-daughter duo brings gourmet cookies — and a dash of adult humor — to Lexington and beyond.”