PCLI announces 2012 Media Awards winners

Press Club of Long Island, the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, announced the winners of its 2012 Media Awards contest at its annual awards dinner June 7 at the Woodbury Country Club. Winners were named in 62 categories.

2012 WINNERS | Photos

The 2012 Outstanding Long Island Journalist Award was presented to Newsday political reporter Rick Brand for achievement over his career. The award is PCLI’s highest honor to an individual.

The Robert W. Greene Public Service Award was presented to Shelly Feuer Domash and Christopher Twarowski of the Long Island Press for their five-part investigative series on corruption within the Nassau County Police Department.

Additionally, Diana DeRosa, a PCLI board member, was the recipient of the Phil Spahn Award, which is presented to a PCLI member who has demonstrated outstanding service to journalism, PCLI or to the community.

PCLI also gave this year’s Cub Reporter of the Year award to Rashed Mian of the Long Island Press.

Additionally, the club recognized the outstanding efforts of a local college journalist with a $1,000 scholarship. It went to Brett Hunter Spielberg, of Adelphi University.

Jericho High School senior Chloe Shakin received the $2,000 News 12 Long Island/Hank Logeman High School Journalism Award, named in honor of the late UPI reporter who was a mentor to many young journalists.

At this year’s dinner, new club bylaws were approved.

PCLI members were also elected the club’s leadership for 2012-2013.

The slate of officers includes:

• Dominick Miserandino, TheCelebrityCafe.com, President
• Nicole Brewer, Hamptons.com, Executive Vice President
• Jamie Lynn Ryan, Neighbor Newspapers, VP-Print
• Meredith Daniels, Newsday, VP-Electronic
• Bill Bleyer, Newsday, Treasurer
• Diana DeRosa, Photojournalist, Recording Secretary
• Chris R. Vaccaro, The Topps Company, Corresponding Secretary

The Press Club of Long Island is a professional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s largest and most broad-based journalism organization, with 60

pro chapters and 250 student chapters nationwide. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.