Fossils: Historians of Amateur Journalism

Amateur Journalism Awards Sponsored by The Fossils

The Fossils has given a variety of awards over the years. Here are descriptions of two of the outstanding awards.

Gold Composing Stick

This award originated in 1953. Edna Hyde (Vondy) McDonald identified the award as a presentation to a member of amateur journalism for outstanding merit -- not a single feat of accomplishment, nor particularly an amateur activity.

Recipients:

The Russell L. Paxton Award

In honor of Russell Paxton, Fossil John Horn instituted and has since financed this award. It is deemed the Fossils' highest honor next to the coveted Gold Composing Stick Award. John's instructions for choosing the recipient are rather lengthy but, in brief, calls for an amateur journalist who has made substantial contributions, either in publishing, or in writing, or in peacemaking, or in holding an organization together, or in setting an example for others to follow.

Russ was the first to receive the award, in 1986. Succeeding recipients: