Honorable, on National Scale

VENTURA, Calif. — Earlier this month, Brick revealed it was a finalist in the annual contest of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

This evening at a banquet, it was announced that the honor was honorable mention, Online Columns category. Here is a list of all winners.

Here is the judge’s comment:

Ben S. Pollock for the sweet personal observations about Northwest Arkansas life”

I accept the award. After all, this is the first national award for me for anything ever. The best part was the applause from the audience. I didn’t expect gasps and boos, but it was truly sweet music from friends and colleagues. I got to shake the hand of one of my idols, Jon Carroll.

But.

Of my three columns, one is a Benchleyesque fantasy not set anywhere in particular, another is a critique of hypocritical local fundraising and the third is, yes, a sweet personal observation. I am grateful the judge was moved by Nick Masullo; that’s him not me.

Pretty cool, though.