MARIES COUNTY — For Colin Willard, reporting the news for the city of Vienna in Maries County isn’t just a job, it’s a commitment to the community. Now, that commitment has earned him statewide recognition. Willard, staff writer for the Maries County Advocate, has been named one of three recipients of the Missouri Press Association’s 2025 William E. James Outstanding Young Journalist Award.

The award, now in its 17th year and named for the late William E. James for the past 13, recognizes early-career journalists who demonstrate exceptional integrity, skill, and community focus in their reporting. Willard will receive the honor on Saturday, September 13, during Missouri Press’ 159th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Wildwood, MO.

Missouri Press Association President Peggy Scott praised this year’s winners, including Anna Campbell of Jefferson City and Joseph McGraw of Poplar Bluff, for upholding the standards of The Journalist’s Creed, the guiding document penned by University of Missouri School of Journalism founding dean Walter Williams.

“Journalists can come from all sorts of different backgrounds,” Scott said, “but one thing that unites us is a desire to uphold the highest professional standards of the craft.”

Willard’s journey into journalism began at the University of Missouri, where he earned his degree before joining Warden Publishing in October 2022. He stepped into the role previously held by the late Laura Schiermeier, a longtime fixture in the local news scene. As the sole reporter in the Advocate’s Vienna office, Willard manages a wide-ranging beat that includes city council and school board meetings, court proceedings, and county commission decisions, all while self-directing his coverage and finding feature stories that highlight local interests.

Advocate Assistant Editor Roxie Murphy, who nominated Willard for the award, credited his “perfect balancing of reporting the news and writing features” as key to his success. She praised the consistency and clarity of his copy, as well as his growing bond with the community.

“In a few short years, Colin has inspired the community to call him their local news reporter with pride,” Murphy wrote. “Even as he reports on divisive subjects, like the removal of a newly-elected county coroner or a business owner’s criminal complaint against the sheriff’s office, he does so with fairness and heart.”

Willard has also shown a unique ability to bring people together in difficult times. Murphy cited his sensitive coverage of the five-year anniversary of a devastating house explosion that injured much of the local volunteer fire department as an example of the reporter’s empathetic storytelling.

Beyond his weekly assignments, Willard contributes to the newsroom as both a writer and a supportive colleague. “Our newsroom staff value Colin’s contributions as a writer and editor and his opinions as a colleague,” Murphy noted.

For Willard, the recognition is both humbling and a bit personal.

“It’s really cool to be recognized by the Missouri Press Association as an outstanding young journalist,” he said. “I came into this position as a pretty fresh reporter. I’ve had some great mentors who have helped me learn a lot on the job over the last few years. It’s been great getting to know the people of Maries County and telling their stories. I’m also excited to give my mom something to brag about.”

From city hall to the courthouse, and everywhere in between, Colin Willard is quietly helping shape how Maries County understands itself, one story at a time.