‘Best of Show’ top 3 gets Christen emotional about success
His highest level of enthusiasm about such success has been to praise the talents — some he said surpass his own — of graphic artist Cindy Wilfert, his colleague and close friend at this paper since 2007.
But then came the announcement Christen had been waiting for all seven of those super-successful years, when the 2024 Ideas Contest winners were broadcast early Thursday afternoon, Oct. 10.
Among the 24 they earned last week was one, by his own admission, that almost brought this talented newspaper designer to tears.
“To be one of the Best of Show and get an award for that is, I mean, that’s what we’ve been working for,” Christen said about earning a second runner-up among all newspapers — 406 total entries. “That’s what I’ve been working for. That’s what I set out to do even before we began TPA (contests); from the point that I took over production (2007): that is, I wanted to take things to the next level.”
Finishing second runner-up in Best of Show for their production of the 2023 Loudon County Kickoff football preview magazine, “I mean, that to me is a win,” Christen said. “… The other awards are important — don’t get me wrong. I think we’ve accomplished a great deal. That’s not diminishing any of that.”
However, upon earning third overall in Best of Show, “you’re one of the best of the best,” he added.
In total, Christen and Wilfert — along with contributions from editorial and advertising staff — earned nine first-place awards, eight second and six third-place honors judged from work published in 2023. farragutpress earned the most awards of all newspapers in this year’s contest.
“It’s always exciting and rewarding to be recognized for the exceptional design work produced by the farragutpress,” said Tony Cox, farragutpress publisher and president of Republic Newspapers, Inc., the paper’s parent company. “Tony and Cindy place great care in making sure that the advertisers’ message is creatively displayed so the message is clear and effective.
“I am proud of the farragutpress and can tell that the staff — editorial, advertising, graphics and administrative — take great pride in this community,” Cox added.
Kathy Hartman, the paper’s general manager, said Christen’s and Wilfert’s 24 awards earned this year plus their seven-year run of success “is a feat not to be taken lightly. We are incredibly proud of Tony and Cindy for their remarkable achievements.
“… These accolades reflect the hard work, creativity and commitment to excellence that define the farragutpress team,” she added. “This year’s wins highlight the diverse skills and collaborative efforts that go into producing exceptional work ... and strengthen our connection with the community and our advertisers.”
Press professions from New York judged all TPA contest submissions from 2023, with TPA volunteers doing the same with New York contest entries.
