Patch Story On Missing NH Teen A Finalist For Press Award

CONCORD, NH — A Patch story about a Pittsfield teen missing since the summer of 1984 is a finalist for the New Hampshire Press Association’s 2018 Distinguished Journalism Awards. “After 3 Decades, New Evidence Could Solve Missing NH Teen Case” recounted the 35-year investigation of the disappearance of Pittsfield teenager Shirley “Tippy” McBride, who went missing from Concord in July 1984.

Police had a suspect who admitted to family members that he raped the girl and dumped her body in the Merrimack River, but they couldn’t close the case. Evidence discovered a few years ago is being analyzed in an attempt to solve the mystery.

Patch's 4,300-word story on the case, by editor Tony Schinella, is a finalist in the crime and court reporting category.

The NHPA released the list of finalists on April 16, 2019. The contest featured 37 categories and associated membership classes. The finalists will receive their honors at an awards banquet on May 29, at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anslem College.

According to Phil Kincade, the executive director the NHPA, participation in this year’s awards – the first contest in six years – was strong, with nearly 500 entries submitted by members. The awards were viewed by judges from outside of New Hampshire. Kincade noted online that judges offered several accolades about the quality of submissions by Granite State journalists.

Read the full list of finalists here.

Click on this link to buy tickets to the May 29 contest awards banquet.