Oxford Leader Editor C.J. Carnacchio’s opinion writing and photography skills earned him two Excellence in Journalism awards last week from the Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ).

“As always, I have to give credit where credit is due and thank my lovely wife, Connie Miller, and the newspaper’s ownership, the Sherman family, for their unwavering support and bottomless well of understanding over the years,” said the 42-year-old Oxford Village resident.

In the Editorial Writing category, Carnacchio earned third place for his June 28, 2017 editorial, “Get your act together, Oxford School Board.”

He also won second place in the Feature Photography category for a June 21, 2017 photo (see right) entitled, “School’s Out,” which depicted Daniel Axford Elementary student Vance Stipanovich having a great time during the school’s annual Field Day.

All of Carnacchio’s SPJ awards were earned in Print Class C, which is for non-daily newspapers, magazines and trade publications with circulations less than 50,000.

Class C includes media outlets such as Crains’s Detroit Business, Grosse Pointe News, Hour Media and C&G Newspapers.

Since joining the Leader in May 1999 after graduating from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Carnacchio has earned a total of 93 awards for his writing and photography skills from the Detroit SPJ, Michigan Press Association and the National Newspaper Association.