From Mirror staff reports

The Mirror’s 150th Anniversary edition won first place in the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Keystone Awards announced in mid-June.

In addition, Mirror Sports Editor Buck Frank received a first place award in the sports page design category with his entry: “With open arms; Lady Lions, Lady Tigers repeat; On top of the world; All-around effort; Back to Reality; Pribula? No problema.”

The sports team of Michael Boytim, Scott Franco, Dan Isenberg and Andy Stine won second place in the Sports Video category for their high school football preview show.

Boytim and John Hartsock received an honorable mention in the Sports Breaking News/Event Coverage for “High Five,” their combined coverage of Bishop Guilfoyle Academy’s PIAA football championship win.

Boytim also received first place for his personality profile, “Working out of a jam,” for a story profiling the medical challenges the Sanders family of Altoona has overcome while finding release through baseball. Boytim garnered second place in the sports breaking news/event coverage category for “Sweet success,” for his coverage of Bishop Guilfoyle’s PIAA girls basketball championship victory in 2024.

In addition, Boytim received an honorable mention for his sports/outdoor column entry: “Davis scare brings about awareness; Falling just short; Mixing two adult sports.” His sports feature, “A miracle everything fell into place,” detailing the day Hollidaysburg sophomore Spencer Davis suffered sudden cardiac arrest while at football practice, also received an honorable mention.

Reporter Kay Stephens won second place for her entry “Stories from county court proceedings” in the news beat reporting category.

The staff entry — by Stephens, William Kibler, Matt Churella and Conner Goetz — received a second place nod for the ongoing news coverage of the Luigi Mangione arrest at the Plank Road McDonald’s.

Franco received second place for his column entries: “Some life lessons are worth repeating — 62 times over; Empty nest leaves less to say; This column is a little dry on purpose.”

Holly Claycomb’s feature photo “End of Day,” depicting a kayaker on the lake at Shawnee State Park, received a first place award, while her “Merry ride,” featuring riders on the carousel at DelGrosso’s Park, received an honorable mention. Claycomb is the Mirror’s managing editor.

Graphic artist Nick Anna received second place for his graphic/photo illustration, “PSU college football playoff poster” and an honorable mention for the poster, “Congratulations Kevin,” congratulating Altoona native Kevin Givens, who played for the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

The PNA awards will be presented at a luncheon in October.

In May, several Mirror staffers were recognized at the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania’s annual Golden Quill Awards.

Reporter Rachel Foor won a Golden Quill for her coverage of the Spring Cove School District, with the judge commenting “Whether it’s book bans, racism or school board transparency, the Altoona Mirror tackled some of the most urgent topics in education today, but always with the focus their local audience and holding public officials accountable.” Foor also received an honorable mention (science/environment) for her coverage of Duncansville’s PawPaw festival.

Reporter Gonner Goetz won a Golden Quill for his business article on the economic impact of Penn State Football.

Claycomb received a Golden Quill for her arts/entertainment story featuring a Bellwood father’s passion for projects.

Reporter Matt Churella was named a finalist in three categories: profile, education and arts/entertainment.

Reporter William Kibler was also named a finalist in three categories: traditional feature, profile and enterprise/investigative.

Boytim was named a finalist in two categories: columns/blogs and medical/health.

Other finalists included Isenberg (cover design), Night Editor Nathaniel Powles (history/culture) and Stine (sports).

In addition to second-place honors in the Pennsylvania NewsMedia’s Keystone contest, Stephens will pick up three awards in September from the National Federation of Press Women. Her entries and placings will be announced and presented at the organization’s annual conference in Golden, Colo.