Cherokee Life magazine was well-represented at the Green Eyeshade Awards from the Society for Professional Journalists last week.

Magazine columnist Carla Barnes was awarded third place Serious Commentary for her column, “The F Word,” and Magazine Director Mark Wallace Maguire was awarded third place for Humorous Commentary for his column, “Not home, just the garden please.”

The magazine is published six times per year by The Cherokee Tribune.

“Magazine Director Mark Maguire produces an outstanding product for our readers and is an excellent writer, so it comes as no surprise that he would be chosen for such a prestigious award,” said Cherokee Tribune Managing Editor Rebecca Johnston.

“Carla Barnes is a favorite with Cherokee County residents who always look forward to what she has to say about our community,” Johnston said.

Conducted by the Atlanta chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Green Eyeshade awards recognizes outstanding journalism produced by newspapers, magazines and other media in an 11-state Southern region.

“I was thrilled, and the greatest surprise was that Mark nominated me for the award,” Barnes said. “I got a lot of emails from the community when it appeared, and to have it judged now by all these journalists from 11 states is just awesome.”

“My whole family is excited — we are all celebrating. I am enjoying writing the column and treasure my relationship with the Cherokee Tribune and Cherokee Life,” Barnes said.

Cherokee Life competes in a category which includes city magazines from across the region including Miami, Memphis and Charlotte.

The Society for Professional Journalists is the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.