LOS ANGELES • The Daily Press on Saturday was named the overall second best newspaper in the state among papers similar to its size.

The Victorville newspaper finished second in the “general excellence” category in a mid-size daily division of the California Newspaper Publishers Association 2010 Better Newspapers Contest. The Santa Cruz Sentinel won the division.

The winners were chosen by journalists across the state based on the following criteria: General news coverage, breadth of coverage, story selection, editorial excellence, quality of writing, news judgment, graphics excellence and editorial page.

“It’s great. I’m proud of the staff and it’s nice to be recognized by our peers,” Daily Press Editor Don Holland said. “I’ve always believed that serving our readers and recognition by the marketplace are more important than any award.”

Senior Reporter Brooke Edwards won second place in the feature writing category with her story “Tiny fighters.” Edwards told the story of two local babies who were born severely premature and of the doctors, nurses and families who supported their battle to live.

“I’m very grateful to the families of baby Cole and baby Grant for sharing their stories with me and our readers,” Edwards said.

In the photo essay category, Photo Editor James Quigg received a blue-ribbon recognition. His essay “Fighting for a change” captured images of teenagers in the Hesperia Police Activities League Boxing Gym.

Lisa Benson received second place in the editorial cartoon category. Benson’s cartoon illustrated the substantial revenue Inland Energy has generated through its contracts with Victorville.

The Hesperia Star, the Daily Press’ sister weekly newspaper, also finished second for its front page in the broadsheet category.

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