Pam Pritt honored as WVPA premier journalist
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Pamala Pritt received the Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist Award during the West Virginia Press Association's annual convention earlier this month at the University of Charleston. The award, the WVPA's highest honor, capped an evening celebrating the state's finest newspaper work.
Established in 1991, the award memorializes Adam R. Kelly, the "Country Editor" columnist and former owner/editor of the Tyler Star News in Sistersville. Kelly earned national recognition for his service to community journalism.
Jim Spanner, general manager of Wheeling Newspapers and publisher of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, served as master of ceremonies and introduced Ed Given, former weekly newspaper publisher and current WVPA Foundation president, to present the award.
Given traced Pritt's distinguished career, beginning with her internship at The Pocahontas Times, where she later became part‑owner and a steadfast advocate for West Virginia's newspaper industry. After the paper's sale in 2012, Pritt joined The Register‑Herald in Beckley, spending four years covering the state house, economic development, and statewide politics. She then transitioned to West Virginia University's communications department, where she flourished for nine years before semi‑retiring and returning home to Pocahontas County.
Throughout her career, Pritt has been a dedicated supporter of the West Virginia Press Association, serving on its board of directors and now on the WVPA Foundation board.
During the presentation, Given shared remarks from Frank Wood, retired publisher of the Beckley newspapers, and former WVPA Executive Director Don Smith. Smith offered a defining tribute to Pritt's legacy: "Small in stature but big of heart, Pritt stood up for what was right and necessary and was never swayed by power, money, gender, skin color, (race), or ethnic background … She has the nature of a fighter, the spirit of a champion, and the grit of a community newspaper journalist."
Given also praised Pritt's unwavering commitment to journalism, her service to the press association, and the professional and personal friendship they have shared for more than three decades.
In her acceptance remarks, Pritt encouraged journalists -- especially women in the profession -- to continue the essential work of informing the public with accuracy and integrity, saying, "If we don't do it … who will?"
Her selection as the 2026 Adam R. Kelly Premier Journalist met with a standing ovation from the capacity crowd attending the banquet.