Awards committee chair Jack “Miles” Ventimiglia congratulates Karen Dillon of the Kansas City Star for being named Journalist of the Year.

Producer Falestine Afani-Ruzik and reporter Syed Shabbir accepted the gold for “Best Newscast” on behalf of KTKA-TV, Topeka. 

Guest speaker Ron Mott, NBC News correspondent, enjoys pre-dinner conversation with Matt Beem.

Emcee Holly Edgell, SPJ region 7 director.

Press Club President Steve Kaut, gives one of several of her awards to Miranda Wycoff of the Lee’s Summit Journal.

Incoming Press Club President Debra DeCoster won both a silver and an honorable mention for general reporting in non-daily publications.

Stephen Brooks, Jefferson City News Tribune, won awards for photography.

Veteran journalists Bob Sigman (right) and Walt Bodine enjoyed conversation before dinner.