By Reporter staff

The work of current and former Mercer Island Reporter staff members was recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists Western Washington Pro Chapter. The Excellence in Journalism Awards were announced Saturday, May 21.

The Reporter staff earned five awards in all, one first-place award and four second-place awards.

Photographer Julie Pe^pba won first place in general news photography for her photo of Angie Sutphen and her daughter Charlotte, who has an unknown neurological disorder. The Sutphens were attending a Christmas pageant at St. Monica Catholic School, which was raising money for Charlotte’s treatment through a program called the Sparrow Club.

Pe^pba also won a second place award for her photo of military veteran Ed Maloof handing out paper poppies, called “buddies,” last Veterans’ Day.

Sports editor Matt Phelps won second place for his headline writing.

DeAnn Rossetti’s story about two Islanders who own Blue Goose Productions, the team behind the Seattle Mariners’ television ads, earned second place in the business/news features category.

Former Lifestyle editor Trish Brandt took second in the page/cover design category.