TGCPA, STPA hold joint convention in New Braunfels

The Texas Gulf Coast Press Association and the South Texas Press Association held their 2025 joint convention in New Braunfels. The groups met together in April for industry sessions and meals and held separate officer installations and contest award presentations.

Taking top honors in the TGCPA contest were sweepstakes winners The Flatonia Argus in Division 1, Port Aransas South Jetty in Division 2 and the Fayette County Record in Division 3.

Outgoing TGCPA President Melanie Berger of the Flatonia Argus moved up to chairman of the board. Regina Keilers, Fayette County Record, succeeded her as president.

Other officers are Denise Squier, Burleson County Tribune, first vice president; Ashley Keenan, Polk County Publishing Company, second vice president; Nonnie Barton, Fayette County Record, treasurer; and Kelli Barnes, Polk County Publishing Company, secretary.

TGCPA directors are Shannon Crabtree, JT Strasner, Lew Cohn, Tania French, Ashley Kontnier and Schelly Bartels. Mary Henkel Judson is assistant to the president, Tania French is site selection chairman, Jeff Wick is Nick West Memorial Internship chairman, Ashley Keenan is sponsorship chairman and Sue Brown is scholarship chairman.

Taking top honors in the STPA contest were Judy and Bill Wilkerson Sweepstakes Award winners Frio-Nueces Current in division 1; Uvalde Leader-News in division 2; and The Fayette County Record in Division 3.

Pete Luna, Uvalde Leader-News, was named STPA Photographer of the Year and Andy Behlen, The Fayette County Record was named STPA Journalist of the Year.

The STPA Fred and Joyce Latcham Community Service Award was presented to the Fredericksburg Standard Radio-Post. Publisher Ken Cooke accepted the award.

Paul Prause is the new STPA president, succeeding Jeff Wick, who moves up to chairman of the board. Special recognition was given to Jeff Berger, Hood Anvil Herald, who retired after serving 20 years as STPA treasurer.

Other new officers include Meghann Garcia, Uvalde Leader-News, first vice president, Marc Robertson, Frio-Nueces Current, second vice president; and Melanie Berger, Flatonia Argus, secretary-treasurer,

STPA directors are Christine Granados, Kelli Hartig, Jeff Berger, Regina Keilers, Raul Garcia, Jr. and Pete Luna. 

Assistants to the president are Larry Jackson and Mary Henkel Judson. Sue Brown is historian, Tania French is site selection chairman, Regina Keilers is internship chairman; Ken Esten Cooke is finance chairman and Christine Granados is scholarship chairman.