Associated Press Article that ...

Doesn't qualify.

Here is an excellently presented story about the Potter’s Clay, a faith-based, addictions treatment program operated in South Carolina’s prison system. In the story titled, “Faith-based program helps SC prisoners combat addictions,” Associated Press writer Meg Kinnard tells about the program's success in the life of Brian Shores, a recovered drug addict. I found the inspiring story in The Charlotte Observer.

Kinnard writes:

In and out of prison for the past 30 years, Brian Shores had all but given up hope that he'd ever have a life without crime. His temper, coupled with a dependency on alcohol and drugs, landed the Aiken County man in prison time and again, most recently for aggravated assault and battery and threatening a public official.

But Shores, who is to be released Monday after a five-year stint in a South Carolina prison, says he now has a new lease on life thanks to the solace he's found in a faith-based prison recovery program.

"I'm here because God sent me here," said Shores, 52, his forearms covered in the swirling black tattoos worn by many inmates. "I know about drug addiction and alcoholism. And I guess it just takes whenever you finally hit bottom and you give up. You've got nothing left but God."
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Kinnard’s article is an excellent example of how a journalist can present the truth of Christ within the bounds of professional journalism. Unfortunately, the piece does not include an identifiable scripture, so it doesn’t qualify for the Amy Writing Awards (AWA).

Here is the advice I give would-be AWA finalists, like Kinnard, seeking to submit a news item as opposed to an opinion piece, which would provide more latitude: include the scripture as part of an interviewee quotation.

Meg, keep up the good work!