2017 Photojournalist of the Year!!

I was honored to be named the 2017 Photojournalist of the Year in the annual New England Newspaper and Press Association Better Newspaper Competition. Below are my winning entries for 2017. I had a great time celebrating with my colleagues last night at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, congratulations to all the nominees.  

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1st Place, Spot News PhotoA Salem police officer, left, holds a switchblade knife, which was allegedly found on this man, near Washington and Essex Street on Halloween night in Salem on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016.

1st Place, Spot News Photo

A Salem police officer, left, holds a switchblade knife, which was allegedly found on this man, near Washington and Essex Street on Halloween night in Salem on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016.

1st Place, Sports PhotoLincoln-Sudbury's Andre Kotikian and Landon DeCesare-Fousek get tripped up Somerville's Edwin Mejia Sanchez as they battle for a loose ball during their north division 1 game at Manning Field in Lynn on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

1st Place, Sports Photo

Lincoln-Sudbury's Andre Kotikian and Landon DeCesare-Fousek get tripped up Somerville's Edwin Mejia Sanchez as they battle for a loose ball during their north division 1 game at Manning Field in Lynn on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

1st Place, Photo IllustrationA green crab rests on the top of a glass of beer inside the Ipswich Ale Brewer's Table to promote Ipswich Cask and Clam week, to be held May 8th-13th, 2017.

1st Place, Photo Illustration

A green crab rests on the top of a glass of beer inside the Ipswich Ale Brewer's Table to promote Ipswich Cask and Clam week, to be held May 8th-13th, 2017.

1st Place, Personality PhotoArabella Pelekoudas, 7, and Aspen Ridge, of Sciencetellers, react after using pressure in one of their science experiments during the Sciencetellers program, "Power and Energy" at the Swampscott Public Library on Monday, …

1st Place, Personality Photo

Arabella Pelekoudas, 7, and Aspen Ridge, of Sciencetellers, react after using pressure in one of their science experiments during the Sciencetellers program, "Power and Energy" at the Swampscott Public Library on Monday, Aug. 1, 2016. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

1st Place, News Feature PhotoPeople enjoy a fireworks display and music at Patton Park in Hamilton at the conclusion of the Community Block Party, Sunday, June 25, 2017.

1st Place, News Feature Photo

People enjoy a fireworks display and music at Patton Park in Hamilton at the conclusion of the Community Block Party, Sunday, June 25, 2017.

2nd Place, Pictorial PhotoNovember's supermoon rises near Thatcher Island as seen from Long Beach in Gloucester, Sunday on Nov. 13, 2016.

2nd Place, Pictorial Photo

November's supermoon rises near Thatcher Island as seen from Long Beach in Gloucester, Sunday on Nov. 13, 2016.

2nd Place, Photo IllustrationKerrie Bates, Director of Ipswich ReCreation and Culture, blows colored powder cornstarch into the air at Crane Beach to promote the upcoming Ipswich Spring Equinox Extravaganza at Crane Beach on Monday, March 13, 2017. …

2nd Place, Photo Illustration

Kerrie Bates, Director of Ipswich ReCreation and Culture, blows colored powder cornstarch into the air at Crane Beach to promote the upcoming Ipswich Spring Equinox Extravaganza at Crane Beach on Monday, March 13, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

2nd Place, Portrait PhotoZach "The Shark Attack" Calmus inside Private Jewels Fitness in Lynn where he is training for his fight in the Golden Gloves tournament in Lowell, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017.

2nd Place, Portrait Photo

Zach "The Shark Attack" Calmus inside Private Jewels Fitness in Lynn where he is training for his fight in the Golden Gloves tournament in Lowell, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017.

2nd, News Feature PhotoNico Altoniaa, 10, takes a close look at his hand of cards during a cribbage game between students from the Village School and seniors from the Senior Center at the Old Town House on Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staf…

2nd, News Feature Photo

Nico Altoniaa, 10, takes a close look at his hand of cards during a cribbage game between students from the Village School and seniors from the Senior Center at the Old Town House on Thursday, June 15, 2017. [Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol]

3rd Place, Portrait PhotoJohn Goldsberry and his longtime friend John Finlay pose for a photo supporting their former prep school, Northfield Mount Hermon in Gill, MA, inside the Residence at Riverbend. The two friends were out of touch for 70 years…

3rd Place, Portrait Photo

John Goldsberry and his longtime friend John Finlay pose for a photo supporting their former prep school, Northfield Mount Hermon in Gill, MA, inside the Residence at Riverbend. The two friends were out of touch for 70 years and have recently reunited at the residence Tuesday, Sep. 27, 2016. Wicked Local Staff Photo / David Sokol

3rd, General News PhotoMelrose Police Sgt. Josh Crowley, Patrolman Brian Ladner and Sgt. Dave Mackey take part in an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose on Friday, May 12, 2017.

3rd, General News Photo

Melrose Police Sgt. Josh Crowley, Patrolman Brian Ladner and Sgt. Dave Mackey take part in an active shooter drill inside Wingate at Melrose on Friday, May 12, 2017.

3rd, Sports PhotoLucas Fortini is seen flying through the air after making contact Sam Rosenholtz who crashed after crossing the finish line at the conclusion of the Men's State Championship Race during The Gran Prix of Beverly on Wednesday, July 26…

3rd, Sports Photo

Lucas Fortini is seen flying through the air after making contact Sam Rosenholtz who crashed after crossing the finish line at the conclusion of the Men's State Championship Race during The Gran Prix of Beverly on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.

3rd, Personality PhotoMarblehead High School METCO students Essence Townes, Shanazi Jackson, and Tiara Greene talk about their high school experiences inside the Marblehead High School library, Thursday, May 18, 2017.

3rd, Personality Photo

Marblehead High School METCO students Essence Townes, Shanazi Jackson, and Tiara Greene talk about their high school experiences inside the Marblehead High School library, Thursday, May 18, 2017.