Students at the West Virginia University P.I. Reed School of Journalism can win awards for their published stories thanks to a new reporting competition named after a beloved Southwestern Pennsylvania newspaperman.
The public affairs writing awards are named in honor of Walter J. “Buzz” Storey, a reporter and editor who worked at the Uniontown Herald-Standard for 47 years. The competition was established by an anonymous donor.
Storey is remembered in Fayette County and surrounding areas as a dedicated journalist and civic leader. He began his journalism career in 1940 when he joined the news staff of The Daily News Standard, now the Herald-Standard.
Reportedly turning down multiple job offers with The Associated Press, Storey preferred to work for his hometown newspaper. He retired in 1987 but continued to write a Sunday column for the paper until 2001, three years before his death.
A noted local historian, he wrote two books and other histories of Uniontown and Fayette County and received numerous rewards for his service to the community and veterans organizations. The Storey Square plaza in downtown Uniontown was named after him.
Entries for the Walter J. “Buzz” Storey Awards for Public Affairs Reporting will be accepted until March 1. One $500 award and two $250 awards will be announced during the School of Journalism Spring Awards Banquet April 11.