The Covington News was honored with 14 Associated Press Media Editors awards at a ceremony in Atlantic Station Saturday.

Among the honors were four first-place nods, including three for former News Editor Gabriel Khouli.

Khouli received first place for Freedom of Information for his story on Newton County’s search for a new Recreation Commission director. He also received first place for non-deadline reporting on his story “Records show councilman has no business license,” and first place for business writing on “Reaching the end of the line.”

Former Sports Editor Matt Smith received first-place honors for an action photo during a Newton High School football game. Smith also won second place for sports writing on his story “Mentee by chance, friends by choice.”

Other second-place finishes were Khouli for non-deadline reporting on “Improved intersection or local landmark,” feature writing on “Dilapidated Dilemma” and beat reporting on Newton County government; Darrell Everidge for feature photo and portfolio; and The Covington News’ staff for editorial writing on “Shirking city laws.”

The News’ staff also picked up a third-place award for editorial writing on “Courage.” Everidge received third place for a feature photo and Editor Bryan Fazio was awarded third place in feature writing for “Accepting change.”