Judges are veteran editorial writers serving on daily or weekly papers or in academic positions. The award is presented not for a single brave accomplishment, however deserving, but for a career of outstanding public service through community journalism and for adhering to the highest standards of the craft with the deep reverence for the English language that was the hallmark of Eugene Cervi's writing. The award also recognizes consistently aggressive reporting of government at the grassroots level and interpretation of local affairs. Cervi Award Nominations should begin with a letter of recommendation, which should include the writer's reasons for making the nomination. The nomination should also have other letters about the nominee, clippings demonstrating the criteria for the award and a biographical data sheet giving basic facts about the nominee's career.
Nominations are open only to editors of newspapers of less than daily frequency.
Daily is defined as at least five days per week in frequency. Since the Cervi Award covers a journalistic career, supporting materials are not limited by chronology. Golden Dozen enties must be postmarked by February 1, 2001. Please mail the entries flat in appropriate envelopes. G ene Cervi Award nominations must be postmarked by February 1, 2001.