Greene, publisher of the Gilmer Mirror, will receive the Emma C. McKinney Award, which was established in 1966 to honor the co-publisher and editor of the Hillsboro (Ore.) Argus for 58 years. McKinney also was dean of Oregon newspapermen and women in 1954 and was inducted into the Oregon Journalism Hall of Fame in 1982.

Greene followed her parents and grandfather in the newspaper business, publishing the paper that her grandfather purchased in 1915. She was TPA president in 1995, only the second female president in the association’s history.

In a letter supporting Greene’s nomination, Lynn Brisendine, publisher of the Brownfield News, wrote “Sarah L. Greene is one of the outstanding newspaper women of Texas. Her dedication, knowledge and work ethic continue to inspire all of the men and women who make newspapering their profession, not only in Texas, but all across this great county.”  

Eaton, publisher of the Wise County Messenger, will receive the Amos award, which was established in 1938 in honor of Gen. James O. Amos, a pioneer Ohio journalism and early day member of the National Editorial Association — now known as the NNA — and A.B. White, third president of the NEA and the 11th governor of West Virginia. Amos was owner of the Sidney County Democrat, which is now named The Sidney Daily News.

Nominating Eaton was Jerry Tidwell, publisher of the Hood County News. In his nomination letter, Tidwell detailed the contributions Eaton has made to his community, ranging from being past president of TPA, to former president of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, to former chief of the Volunteer Fire Department.  

Tidwell added, “Roy was the driving force behind the construction of the 27,000 square-foot Decatur Civic Center that opened in 2001. The center became a reality thanks to Eaton’s work on the Decatur Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board of directors. And it was through Roy’s efforts, both editorially and through the EDC, that Decatur gained The Weatherford College Education Center. It has been exceeding enrollment expectations ever since.”  

Michael Parta, retired publisher of the New York Mills (Minn.) Herald, endorsed Eaton’s nomination, saying “The list of Roy’s contributions seems endless as he has truly worked to shape his community. His dedicated, tireless efforts on behalf of newspapers deserve to be recognized by his peers.”  

Texas newspaper publishers are encouraged to attend the NNA convention and support Greene and Eaton.

The NNA convention features a trade show and sessions around the theme “The Power of Community Newspapers,” such as an idea exchange, community building symposium, vendor showcase, silent auction, general session with Bill Novelli of AARP and rountable discussions (new this year!)

For more information about NNA convention registration log onto www.nna.org or call 800-829-4662.