Having won two first place awards in the New Mexico Press Women's annual contest, The Grant County Beat editor, Mary Alice Murphy's winning submissions were sent to the national contest of the National Federation of Press Women.

Today, June 25, 2015, Murphy was notified that her Writing for the Web for the About GCB page received a national Honorable Mention.

In addition, her authorship of a Personality profile - 500 words or fewer: "A determined and dedicated 4-Her does not let injury deter her" took a First Place award at the national level.

"To say I'm excited is kind of an understatement," Murphy said. "I'm thrilled, happy and, yes, excited to be recognized by my peers for my journalistic writings."