The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge is announcing its inaugural "Making Democracy Work" award.
This annual award will be given to a person, persons, or organization that has demonstrated a committed and visionary leadership that strengthens democracy in our communities through positive change.
In the spirit of the League, this leadership shall be non-partisan, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of all members of our diverse community with equity and inclusion.
The Oak Ridge League of Women Voters is proud to announce that the recipient of the 2023-2024 "Making Democracy Work" award is Ms. Donna Smith, news editor of the Oak Ridger, the community newspaper.
Democracy works when voters are informed. A major source of vital information on the state of a community, its issues, and potential solutions is found in the local community newspaper. Unbiased and well written news articles promote understanding and critical thinking.
Ms. Smith, an award winning writer and editor, is a 38 year veteran in the news industry. She is a native Oak Ridger and a journalism graduate of Roane State Community College and the University of Tennessee. Her roots in the community run deep - she has been an assigned reporter for Lake City, Clinton, and Oak Ridge. In these beats she has reported on all aspects of city and county government; hard news stories; events; local crime; schools; and local colleges. Her news reporting has consistently been fair, inclusive, and responsive to all members of our diverse community.
Ms. Smith has been recognized within her field with numerous awards. She has received individual writing awards from the Tennessee Press Association, Tennessee Associated Press Managing Editors, and Tennessee School Boards Association for deadline reporting, feature writing, and personal columns.
She has also won team awards in makeup, editorial, and total newspaper product.
Ms. Smith has worked tirelessly to maintain the local newspaper The Oak Ridger in an increasingly difficult newspaper market.
The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge is proud to present the 2023-2024 Making Democracy Work award to Ms. Donna Smith.
The award will be given at the LWVOR Annual Meeting on May 21, 2024 at the Garden Plaza Inn.