There comes a time in many careers where individuals are recognized for their long-term commitment to a company or field of work, and the newspaper business is no different.
When that recognition comes from your peers, it holds even more meaning.
News Media Canada (NMC), formerly known as Newspapers Canada, has been the combined voice of the newspaper industry for many years. NMC has five categories of recognition including the President’s Gold Quill (presented to the outgoing president of the association), Bronze Quill (for the distinguished service to staff members who do not qualify for the Silver, Gold or Diamond Quill), the Silver Quill (recognizes 25-49 years of distinguished service), the Gold Quill (recognizes 50-74 years of distinguished service) and the Diamond Quill recognizes 75+ years of distinguished service).
Two local individuals have earned recognition after receiving their awards on Monday, August 16th. Bill and Lynda Johnston of Churchbridge were nominated for their outstanding service to the newspaper industry by Chris Ashfield of Grasslands News Group.
Lynda Johnston received the Silver Quill while Bill was awarded the Gold Quill.
Mr. Johnston started his career in high school, and his enthusiasm would lead to a long distinguished career spanning across three provinces, several different papers, many freelance articles, a few plays and a book written.
Chris Ashfield wrote, “While 2019 marked his 50th ‘official’ year in the business, he actually began two years earlier in 1967 as a high school correspondent for the Mississauga News while also launching and editing a school newspaper at Streetsville Secondary School.”
Bill was also part of the very first Community Journalism class at Sheridan College; he graduated in 1970.
Yet, Johnston did not stop at his chosen career, he excelled in many things he threw his passion into.
He is a long-time standing member of the Lions Club, has helped with many projects in his local area including the establishment of the daycare and building of a new beautiful pool in his hometown.
These are just a few of Bill Johnston’s accomplishments, even before running for Mayor of Churchbridge, successfully winning a majority vote on his first try for town council.
Lynda Johnston received the Silver Quill after being highly involved in the industry for 25 years.
Ashfield wrote about Lynda being instrumental in the company, from handling the book work, working at the office with customers, typesetting, ad makeup and page layout (just to name a handful).
He said, “Lynda has been very involved in the community as a charter member of the Churchbridge Lioness Club, a board member for the swimming pool committee and the figure skating club, a Brownie leader and a 4-H club leader, and she served one term on Churchbridge Town Council. She has been treasurer of her church for many years. She is the Chairperson of the Churchbridge Housing Authority. She and Bill were named Churchbridge’s Volunteers of the Year in 2014.”
Congratulations to Bill and Lynda Johnston for not only their efforts in the newspaper industry, but in our local area as well.