Media Awards

2006 Broadcast Media winners

TELEVISION - Feature Story
"Ricardo Vasquez-Marimba Man"
WISC - Madison
March 28, 2006
Teri Barr, Reporter - Brian Mesmer, Editor - Tom Bier, News Director
This feature story is about twenty-seven year old Ricardo Vasquez, who has autism.
Ricardo is known as the "Marimba Man" for his talent in playing the marimba-a percussion instrument similar to xylophone. Friends and family describe Ricardo's gift and his joy in sharing it with others.

Rep. Terese Berceau, Eric Franke of WISC-TV, Dan Spooner (subject
of a broadcast) and Sharron and Curtis Hubbard-Moyer (also subjects)

WISC TV:
Reporter Teri Barr, Rep. Terese Berceau and the Vasquez family.

TELEVISION - Feature Story
"Field of Dreams"
WFRV-Green Bay
July 9, 2006
Ryan Popkey, Reporter/Editor
This feature story is about the Green Bay "Miracle League" baseball program for kids with physical and developmental disabilities. The program includes four leagues where each player is paired with a "volunteer buddy" to assist with batting, running bases and fielding. The story features involved families who express how the league has given many children the opportunity to experience the joy of playing baseball.

WFRV TV: Reporter Ryan Popkey and others

RADIO - Special Recognition
"The Westside - Peer Power"
WHWC Wisconsin Public Radio
May, 16, 2006
Mary Jo Wagner, Public Affairs Producer - Greg Pangallo, Editor
This special recognition award highlights a radio program about a new project called "Peer Power", which matches high school students with a mentor already living in the community. The program enhances the knowledge, skills, and supports of youth so that they are better prepared to transition to adult life, post-secondary education, and employment. Special recognition is given to this piece because it includes extensive interviews with program participants.

Rep. Joe Parisi with John Manaci, photographer and Doug Erickson,
reporter from the Wis. State Journal and Dan Spooner (subject)

WHWC Wisconsin Public radio, Reporter Mary Jo Wagner with family and Council member Ruth Gullerud

2006 Print Media winners

DAILY FEATURE STORY - Large Market
"He Fights to Maintain Independence"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee
August 19, 2006
Joel Dresang, Writer
and employment. Special recognition

Heather LaRoi of the Post Crescent with Sen. Alan Lasee

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Charlene Dwyer, Bruce Borden and Roberta Gassman

DAILY FEATURE STORY - Small Market
"Taking Charge of Tourette's: Local Teen Learns to Cope with Neurological Disorder"
Herald Times Reporter, Manitowoc
April 3, 2006
Suzanne Weiss, Writer - Steve Reed, Editor

Herald Times Reporter, Reporter Suzanne Wiess with Mari Frederick

DAILY SERIES & PHOTOGRAPHY - Large Market
"What Now? Disabled Adults and their Families Confront Care Dilemma"
The Post-Crescent, Appleton
November 19 & 20, 2006
Susan Squires, Writer - Jamie Mara, Editor
Sarah Beth Barnett, Photographer - Dwight Nale, Editor

Rep. Mark Pocan, Darwin Ness (subject), Vickie Kratz (reporter)<br />
and Bill Lueders (editor) of The Isthmus - one of the Media Awardees

The Post-Cresecent: Reporter Susan Squires and Rep. Steve Wieckert

WEEKLY FEATURE STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY - Small Market
"Drawing Him Out: Enlightened Art"
North Shore Herald, New Berlin
September 7, 2006
Jane Ford, Writer - John O'Hara, Photographer - Susan Nord, Editor - Roger Bartel,
Publisher

John Nesseth (subject), Katie Saarinen (staff from Sen. Bob
Jauch's office) and Cheryl Nesseth (subject)

North Shore Herald: John O'Hara, photographer with the Lancelle family.

CITIZEN EDITORIAL
"Where Are the Flowers for Angela
Jodi Pelishek, Writer
September 17, 2006

Jodi Pelishek, Writer

More about each "Award":

Last year's awardees:

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