Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio earned two “Excellence in Journalism” awards last week from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

He won first place in editorial writing for an April 29, 2015 editorial entitled, “Vote your conscience on NOTA.”

The piece strongly encouraged voters in Addison Township to approve a five-year, 0.25-mill property tax that allowed its senior citizens, disabled individuals and low-income residents to once again have access to affordable rides provided by the North Oakland Transportation Authority.

“Advocating for a tax hike is rarely popular, but the paper makes a sound case here for the need of public transit,” wrote the judges. “Clear, concise writing. Good work.”

Carnacchio also earned third place in the Localization of a National Story category for his Nov. 25, 2015 front-page article, “Oxford shows its solidarity with Paris following attacks.”

The story was about the estimated 200 people who, armed with various light sources, gathered on a darkened Oxford football field Nov. 17 to form the shape of the Eiffel Tower.

OHS junior Olivia Upham organized the event as a way to stand in solidarity with Paris, France after Islamist terrorists carried out seven coordinated attacks there four days earlier. These attacks killed 130 people and wounded more than 350.

This year’s contest was judged by the Louisville and Greater Charlotte chapters of SPJ.

Since joining the Leader in May 1999, Carnacchio has now earned a total of 82 awards for his writing and photography skills from the SPJ, Michigan Press Association and National Newspaper Association.