Quill Recipients

The AWNA, as members of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) are proud to recognize individuals for long service to the community newspaper industry and those who have made a distinguished contribution to the association. The Board of Directors presents awards to deserving individuals in the following categories: 

Gold Quill


Presented to any member of the Association who has been actively engaged in the weekly newspaper business for an accumulated total of 50 years or longer, who has been or is for a part of that period an owner, executive officer of an owner, editor or publisher, or has served as President of the Association, giving freely of time, energy, talent and ability for the betterment of the Association. At least five years of military service may be included in the 50-year period. The purpose of this honour is to pay tribute to all who have so faithfully served the weekly newspaper profession in Canada. In recognition of this service to journalism, he or she will receive the CCNA Gold Quill Award, emblematic of such service. 
List of previous recipients

Silver Quill


Presented to any person engaged in the weekly newspaper business for a period of 25 years or longer who has been or is for a part of that period an owner, executive officer of the owner, editor or publisher. At least five years of military service may be included in the 25-year period. The purpose of this honour is to pay tribute to all who have so faithfully served the weekly newspaper profession in Canada. In recognition of this service to journalism, he or she will receive the CCNA Silver Quill Award, emblematic of such service.

Bronze Quill


Award certificates similar in design to the above mentioned Gold and Silver Quill Award certificates shall be made available to publishers of member newspapers who may wish to recognize long service of staff members. These certificates shall be presented by the employing newspaper and the wording of the certificate will identify said newspaper as a member of the Association.

The President’s Quill 

A newly created honour to recognize distinguished service of departing members of the Canadian Community Newspapers Association Board of Directors.
Application Procedures

Judging completed by an ad-hoc committee of previous members with input from Executive Director.
Citation and plaque awarded at AWNA Annual Convention.
Award Contact:  Dennis Merrell, AWNA Central Office



Quill recipients 2020
This year's Silver Quills were presented to Roxanne Thompson and to Frank and Emily McTighe
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