Honoring Pennsylvania’s exemplary news media professionals for their outstanding service, steadfast support, and enduring success in strengthening their communities.
In 2025, the PNA Foundation introduced two statewide honors that spotlight the people who strengthen readership and support the health of local journalism: the Audience Development Person of the Year and the Newspaper Hero of the Year. Both awards reflect a growing recognition that audience growth, engagement, and community trust are now central to the sustainability of news organizations.
These contests are open to Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association member news organizations. There are no limits on the number of submissions from any news organization. Review the nomination guidelines below.
Congratulations 2026 Newspaper Heroes of the Year
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation is proud to recognize three individuals as this year’s Newspaper Heroes of the Year, honoring those who demonstrate exceptional service, unwavering support and a lasting commitment to strengthening their communities.
At the Times News (Lehighton), Rich Danyo, mailroom supervisor, is known as the operation’s backbone, keeping presses running, repairing equipment and supporting colleagues at all hours. Whether fixing machinery, helping drivers on the road or stepping in during emergencies, Danyo exemplifies selfless dedication to both his team and the mission of local news.
In Waynesboro, Dan DeDona, founder of LocalNews1, has invested his own time and resources to fill critical local news gaps across Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and Washington County, Maryland. A retired Air Force colonel, DeDona has built a community-focused newsroom from the ground up, championing fair, independent journalism and a strong commitment to the First Amendment.
From Pittsburgh, Jim Lavrinc has spent decades ensuring newspapers reach readers, quietly powering the distribution side of the industry since his days as a paperboy in the 1970s. Even while facing significant health challenges this past year, Lavrinc never missed a delivery and has remained a dedicated mentor to student journalists at the University of Pittsburgh.
Together, these honorees represent the spirit, resilience and impact of the news media industry, often working behind the scenes but always making a difference where it matters most.
Winners will be honored at the Awards Luncheon during PNA’s Advertising Conference on Sept. 17 in State College.
About this Award
Any news organization employee or newspaper carrier (including contractors) is eligible to be nominated. This award is to recognize a newspaper person who went above and beyond the call of duty. Did the nominee help in a special situation? Did they make a life-saving phone call or help the police in solving a crime? Maybe the nominee reported an early morning house fire, saving the occupants. These are the kinds of heroic acts we are seeking.
Work to be considered should have been done during the 12-month period of January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.
Nominations must be made in writing and include a concise statement explaining why the nominee should be considered. Please describe in 200 words or less why you feel the nominee should be considered for this award. Send along any supporting documents that may benefit this entry.
Nominations were accepted through March 31, 2026.
One winner will be selected for this award. However, judges reserve the right to not select a winner or give no award at all based on the number of entries received.
Congratulations to our two 2025 Newspaper Hero of the Year Award winners: Morgan Phillips, photographer, Butler Eagle, and Margaret Weaver, Sample News Group! View our Press Release.
Questions? Email the PNA Foundation.
