Illinois Woman’s Press Association values its history and traditions. One of the most treasured is the annual awards luncheon, where tribute is paid to the winners of our Mate E. Palmer Professional Communications Contest and the High School Communications Contest.

We all look forward to this annual event, so it is with great sadness that IWPA is postponing this year’s awards luncheon. The current volatile and potentially dangerous situation with the coronavirus, also called COVID-19, makes this step unavoidable. As much as we enjoy this event, the health and well-being of our members, students and guests is our utmost concern.

The award recipients in this year’s professional and high school contests will receive their certificates through the mail. First-place winners have been sent on to the National Federation of Press Women for consideration in the National Communications Contest. At the time of this writing, the 2020 National Conference remains scheduled for June 18-20 in Little Rock, Arkansas. For updates, log onto nfpw.org.

The IWPA Board is considering the possibility of scheduling an event in the Fall which will celebrate our award winners. Watch the IWPA website and quarterly PenPoints for details.

Thank you for your understanding and support during these challenging times.

Stay safe and healthy.

Cora Weisenberger

President, IWPA