JACKSON -- The Southern Sentinel and its sister paper, the Southern Advocate, recently competed in the Mississippi Press Association's "Better Newspaper Contest." The Better Newspaper Contest is a professional competition, in which newspapers compete for quality in various aspects.

The competition is broken into two major categories - editorial and advertising. Though it is hosted by the Mississippi Press Association, this competition is judged by newspaper professionals from other states. Winners are announced at Mississippi Press Association conferences. During the Mid-Winter Conference, held this weekend in Jackson, the awards for the advertising portion of the BNC were announced.

The Southern Sentinel earned the following awards:

--In the category for "Best Theme Page" a fall themed Kid's Page, designed by Tina Campbell and Joyce Brock, won first place.

--In the category for "Best Service Ad" an advertisement for Magnolia State Family Medicine, designed by Tina Campbell, won second place.

--In the category for "Best Political Ad" an advertisement for J.D. Meadows for Mayor, designed by Tina Campbell, won second place.

--In the category for "Best Political Ad" an advertisement for Judge Gary McBride, designed by Joyce Brock, won third place.

The Southern Advocate received the following awards:

--In the category for "Best Institutional Ad" an advertisement for Pine Grove Baptist Church, designed by Joyce Brock, won second place.

--In the category for "Best Political Ad" an advertisement for Judge Gary McBride, designed by Joyce Brock, won second place.

--In the category for "Best Special Section or Edition dedicated to an Editorial Topic" the Christmas Memories Edition, designed by Tina Campbell and Joyce Brock, won second place.

--In the category for "Best Grocery/Food Ad" an advertisement for Subway, designed by Tina Campbell, won second place.

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