Journal-World arts editor Mindie Paget received the top honor in the National Federation of Press Women’s 2005 communications contest during the group’s annual conference last weekend in Seattle.

Paget won the sweepstakes award, which goes to the person who accumulates the most points based on placings and competition in categories. She won four first-place awards for special series writing, page design and editing of sections and pages; and two second places in design and headline writing.

One judge said, “Ms. Paget’s designs evoke the type of reaction readers are looking for: power, emotion, appeal, excitement, fascination and intrigue.”

Paget received a plaque and cash prize at a Saturday evening awards banquet.

Also honored during the conference was Ann Gardner, editorial page editor. She represented Kansas Professional Communicators as the state’s Communicator of Achievement, an annual award recognizing professional achievement in communications, community service and contributions to the organization.

National Federation of Press Women is a nationwide organization of professional women – and men – pursuing careers in a broad range of communications fields including newspapers, public relations, advertising, freelancing and journalism education.