KP Journalist Receives Local Award

A journalist for the Kittanning Paper was in the local county limelight on Friday night.

Jonathan Weaver was the recipient of the 2014 Armstrong County Conservation District Advocacy Award. He was nominated by the staff of the Conservation District because of the contribution he has made to promote their causes.

Christine Cramer presented the award.

“I am honored to present this award this evening to a young man who has become known in this area in a very short time - a little over four years. You may not know the face, but (you will know) the name of this year’s 2014 Conservation Advocacy Award. He is a reporter for the Kittanning Paper - Jonathan Weaver.”

Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Class of 2009 in Communications. He was the Editor-in-Chief and News Editor of the Pitt student newspaper. He won several awards and scholarships among his peers and was president of the school’s Lambda Pi Eta chapter of the National Honor Society.

Prior to his employment with the Kittanning Paper, he was a “stringer” (part-time, as-needed reporter) for Trib Total Media in the Irwin area where his family resides.

Cramer commented.

“It certainly was the Trib’s loss when they did not realize the asset they had in this young man,” she told hundreds of people assembled at the Manor Township Fire Hall.”

Jonathan became a full-time journalist with the Kittanning Paper in December 2010. Shortly after his hire, he moved to Applewold. Although he knew little about Armstrong County, he was quickly woven into the fabric of our communities. He worked hard to compile lists of the various political and social newsmakers and he quickly gained a positive relationship with many of them because of his kind demeanor.

He has written on virtually all local topics, from school and municipal politics to features and sports. During his career, he has developed a connection with many community leaders, including those professionals and AmeriCorps volunteers at the Armstrong Conservation District by way of community projects, grant awards, and annual tours.

“To many, Jonathan has become the Kittanning Paper,” Cramer said. “They trust him for content for his unbiased reporting of our local events.”

Jonathan currently resides in the Apollo area and plans to wed soon to his girlfriend of the last four years.

Kittanning Paper Publisher David Croyle praised Jonathan for his efforts.

“We are very proud of him! He embodies the values and concepts of our hometown paper and earned the respect of his peers. I watched as community leaders quickly came over to him to offer congratulations after the ceremony. He is definitely an Armstrong County icon.”

Jonathan took time to mention several of the people he has interviewed for news stories and then looked toward covering other projects in the future that highlight the Conservation District.

“Thank you for taking me out in Manor, Rayburn, Apollo, to all the events you have had and the successes. I must have done a good enough job that they keep inviting me, so hopefully I will be there again this year. Thank you all very much.”

He summed up the evening as Armstrong County Sheriff Bill Rupert did a mock interview on how he felt at the close of the event.

“It was quite a surprise!” he joyfully told his friends.

Congratulations, Jonathan Weaver - recipient of the 2014 Conservation Advocacy Award!

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  By jerry6, March 16, 2015 @ 7:36 PM

  Congratulations Jonathan on your award and your upcoming wedding. I think you are a great addition to the Kittanning paper. Keep up the good work and David, I hope you realize what you have in him and pay him accordingly.

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