I still remember the feeling of seeing my name on an award for the first time.

It was for the Georgia Press Association, and like many journalism contests, it was divided into several divisions, with plenty of categories for each.

The certificate was on that crinkly paper that has an aura of importance. A blue border flowing at the edges, and the specific contest name with my name in the center.

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“Congratulations,” someone said as I left for home that day, pausing for a moment to recognize the achievement. “Nice job.”

It’s easy to dismiss the annual contests that pit newspapers of similar size against one another. It’s nothing but a crap shoot. The judge was just a reporter in another state who had nothing to write that day, so he got saddled with this duty. It’s just a beauty contest.

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Sure, I’ve heard them all. Then I’ve watched as those spilling these excuses take pride in their own work when it wins an award.

Because, really, who’s going to turn down formal accolades when you write something that merits recognition?

Writing — like painting or singing or any form of art — is an extension of the person who created it. We’re not making widgets, punching a clock then going home each day. It’s a craft you work on, hone, and, hopefully, improve upon every passing day.

And when you win an award in your craft, it’s important to pause for a moment and take pride in the accomplishment.

Also, who doesn’t want an “awards” section on their resume?

This past year, the Sierra Sun, and our sister paper The Union in Grass Valley, did pretty well in the annual contests. Both papers notched a spot in the General Excellence category — an overall award for the paper itself.

Sun Staff Writer Justin Scacco took awards for several stories, including in the Writing category for “I feel like there’s an angel looking over me.” The story was about a woman in desperate need of a vehicle who was gifted a car.

He also won in the Profile Story category for “We ski, we shoot, we raise kids;” for Coverage of Business News for “Boca Ghost;” and in Sports Feature Story for “Comeback Complete.”

Scacco, Staff Writer Rebecca O’Neil and freelancer Michelle Gartner placed in the Public Service Journalism category for “Deep Cleaning.” The series of stories focused on trash and how it ends up in Lake Tahoe.

The Union Editorial Board placed in Editorial Comment in its piece “The government in knots.” The board opined on the Tahoe Truckee Airport District board’s move to avoid a public interview process.

It’s important to recognize these writers — as well as those behind the scenes like Joslyn Fillman, David Mariuz and Samantha Sullivan. You don’t see them as often as reporters in the field, but they play just as important a role.

It’s unlikely everyone will get an award every year. Writing, like any art, is subjective, and you never know what kind of judge you’ll get.

What you, the reader, will get is a hard working newsroom that covers this county and its people to the best of its ability. We strive to tell your stories, fairly and accurately, each day.

Despite the pressure of this industry, despite the sometimes angry people and strong emotions that loom over the job, plenty of folks want to be in journalism, but can’t for whatever reason.

Getting to do this job, especially when it’s a personal calling, is itself an award.

Alan Riquelmy is the editor-in-chief of the Sierra Sun and editor of The Union. He can be reached at 530-477-4249