Last year this newspaper launched the James Mace Civic Stand Prize for achievements in journalism. It was to be awarded to the authors of articles in The Day that took a strong position on pertinent social issues. The first James Mace Prize for journalistic works contributing to the consolidation of the historical memory of the nation, its national consciousness and identity was awarded to Ihor Losiev, an Associate Professor, Ph.D., renowned journalist, reporter of the Fleet of Ukraine newspaper and our regular contributor. The award ceremony of the 2009 James Mace Prize for achievements in journalism was held at the Ukrainian Home last November. Last week, during the opening ceremony of The Day’s 12th International Photo Exhibition, Ihor Losiev was given the golden award (made for the occasion by the Hararuk company) for his civic stance and “golden” temper.
Larysa IVSHYNA, editor-in-chief of The Day:
“The idea behind this event was as follows: to get more united community initiatives, which would value civic engagement. Actually we were very pleased that our competition found enough support and response. It was decided that we will find resources to support and reward the civicly-minded people. Last year, on the Great Famine Remembrance Day, we announced the winner of the James Mace Prize. And Ihor Losiev became the first ever recipient of this award. Among our readers, many people voted for him because it was absolutely clear that he deserved the James Mace Civic Stand Prize. This year, honestly, I’m still clueless as to who the next winner will be, which also reflects the state of our society. Now I want to present to Ihor Losiev the golden award for civic stand and for a similarly ‘golden’ temper. The award was made by our partners (and this photo exhibition’s sponsors) of Hararuk company. Once again I thank you, Ihor, and wish that our country has even more people like you, so as to exhaust the nation’s gold reserves by making medals.”
Ihor Losiev, associate professor, Ph.D., renowned journalist:
“Last year when I won the James Mace Prize, just as now when the decoration is being awarded, I always tell myself, and I want to repeat this today to my countrymen: ‘Do what you should and come what may.’ There is no need to once again ponder and think about what can await you. Everyone should do what they consider their moral duty. The consequences are in God’s hands.”
