The Rockdale News was honored with 10 awards at the Georgia Press Association's 2014 Better Newspaper Contest ceremony held Friday at Jekyll Island, Ga. at the group's annual convention.

The News picked up first place awards for Editorial Writing and Religion Coverage.

News staffers also won distinctions in the categories of Layout and Design, Special Issues, Feature Writing, Sports Writing, Sports Photograph, News Photograph, Humorous Column, Lifestyle Coverage.

Publisher T. Pat Cavanaugh said, "I am incredibly proud of our staff and for the Georgia Press Association's recognition of our hard work and committment to the community." He added, "None of this would be possible without the support of our readers. This community really is something special."

The winners are:

Editorial Writing - First Place, The News; Religion Coverage - First Place, The News; Layout and Design - Second Place, The News; Humorous Column - Second Place, Dave McCoy; Lifestyle Coverage - Third Place, The News; Special Section - Third Place, The News (WWII Tribute); Sports Writing - Third Place, Matt Smith; Feature Writing - Third Place, Kathy Hooks; Sports Photograph - Third Place, Darrell Everidge; News Photograph - Third Place, Darrell Everidge.