When I worked at the Chicago Tribune, the newsroom had a special awards dinner every December. It was called the “Beck Awards Dinner.” Here’s where the top staffers received recognition [and a very nice check] for accomplishments during the year. Prior to the ceremony, Joe Leonard, an assistant managing editor, told me to make sure Kathy Oakley got to the dinner. Joe knew I was dating Kathy and that she had said that she wasn’t planning to attend the dinner. Joe knew she would win the Johnrae Earl Award for editing.
Kathlyn E. Oakley, who currently occupies the late Mr. Earl’s position in the copy desk slot, was honored for her dedication to good editing, awareness of writers’ sensibilities and grace under deadline pressure.
I also won. An award for professional performance. The next year I would win again. Better still: Kathy [now called Kate] and I got married.