The staff of the Kirkland Reporter took home three awards from the annual Northwest Excellence in Journalism Contest presented by the Society of Professional Journalists on Saturday in downtown Seattle.

The contest covers Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon for non-daily newspapers.

Editor Carrie Wood took home second place for best Personalities reporting. Her story was titled “Kirkland community celebrates life of prominent artist with terminal leukemia.”

The article told the story of Petronella Fursman’s battle with cancer and the celebration of life that the community held for her. Fursman is one of the founding members of the Kirkland Artist Studio Tour.

Reporter Matt Phelps won third place for best Education reporting. His story was titled “New Northwest University program in Kirkland gives local teens a place to grow their musical talents.”

The article profiled the U-Rock program at Northwest University and how it impacts local youth.

Former Reporter staff photographer Chad Coleman won first place for best photography portfolio.

All awards are judged by out-of-region editors and reporters.