Oklahoman reporter named best new journalist in the state

May 22--Kyle Schwab, a courthouse reporter at The Oklahoman, has been named Best New Journalist of the Year by The Associated Press Oklahoma News Editors.

Schwab, 24, is a former intern and 2014 University of Central Oklahoma graduate. He has been a reporter for two years and covered several major stories including the high-profile trials of an ex-missionary accused of sex crimes against children at a Kenya orphanage and of former police officer Daniel Holtzclaw.

"We are so proud of Kyle and all our winners. Their passion never ceases to amaze. Our readers benefit from their talents on a daily basis," said Kelly Fry, editor and vice president of news at The Oklahoman.

Journalists were honored at a statewide dinner Saturday in Tulsa for works published in 2015.

Oklahoman staffers won first-place in several categories, plus the sweepstakes award for photography.

Winners were: Jenni Carlson, sports columns; Jaclyn Cosgrove, feature writing, for coverage of the Costello family tragedy; Adam Wilmoth, business spot news, for his earthquake coverage; Jason Kersey, sports feature, for about how University of Oklahoma pole vaulter Tanner Williams went from scared teenager to fearless gay rights advocate; Jason Kersey, sports reporting, for a story about OU linebacker Eric Striker's reaction after a fraternity's racist rant.

Other first-place winners on The Oklahoman's staff were: Todd Pendleton, illustration/graphic; Felicia Murray, headline writing; Caroline Wertz, page-one deadline layout; Ken Raymond, personal column; Nate Billings, web photo; Steve Sisney, feature photo; Bryan Terry, sports photo; and Sarah Phipps, photo package and the photo sweepstakes award -- selected from all first-place photo winners.

NewsOK.com won best website and The Oklahoman received the award for general excellence.

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