SARATOGA SPRING, NY — The strength and quality of the area newspapers was on display at the New York Press Association’s annual spring convention.

There 187 journalists from 43 newspaper groups across the state gathered at the Gideon Putnam for workshops, inspirational keynote speakers, and the results of the annual Better Newspaper Contest.

This year, the River Reporter garnered four awards including a prestigious first place win in Best News or Feature Series for its five-part series on New York’s City’s foie gras ban by Helen Dermeranville. Other awards included honorable mention in the categories of Best House Ad/Ad Campaign for the New Resident Quiz ad created by Laurie Stuart and Amanda Reed; Best Large Space Ad, designed by Reed, and Best Graphic Illustration for a collaboration between Annemarie Schuetz and Reed.

Manor Ink received a first-place win in the General Excellence category for student high school papers and the Sullivan County Democrat came home with numerous awards.

The conference highlighted the importance of newspapers and the essential role that they have played throughout history in protecting and promoting the free exchange of ideas and the foundations of democracy.

Here’s what the judges said:

Best News or Feature Series

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First Place

Helen Demeranville

Interesting series on NYC foie gras ban.

Best House Ad/Ad Campaign

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Honorable Mention

Amanda Reed

Fun and creative layout idea!

Best Large Space Ad

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Honorable Mention

Amanda Reed

Very nice—easy read, love the mountains.

Best Graphic Illustration

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Honorable Mention

Annemarie Schuetz and Amanda Reed

Hilarious example of every gardener’s dream in the spring. Excellent illustrations. The picture is worth a 1,000 words.