The Day received seven first-place awards in the Excellence in Journalism contest sponsored by the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists.

This year's awards banquet was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the winners were announced Thursday on Facebook and online. The Day competes in the largest circulation category.

Paul Choiniere was first in editorial writing for "Bill would allow too much police secrecy" and third for "Connecticut should withdraw from flawed, foolish popular vote compact." Choiniere and Jacinta Meyers were first in editorial cartoon for "State begins taxing plastic bags" and second for "State increases minimum wage."

Day photographers won three first-place awards. Sean D. Elliot was tops in photo essay for "Reporting for duty" and sports photo for "Flagrant foul," and Dana Jensen was a winner in news photo with "Body search."

John Ruddy was first in page one layout for "Remember D-Day." He also was second in headline writing and third in arts & entertainment reporting for "Portraits from the past."

Joe Turco was first in headline writing.

Other winners were Kristina Dorsey, second place, A&E reporting, "Goodspeed's Jay Hilton is skilled in the art of sound design"; Erica Moser and Carlos Virgen, second place, data reporting, "Examining 27 years of taxes and spending"; Mary Biekert, second place, feature story, "Door to healing: 3 years after death, Maddie's family gets a sign," and Karen Florin, third place, "Son of murder victim seeks stability, freedom from state 'system.'"