COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Tega Cay Sun made a significant impact at the South Carolina Press Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Presentation on March 6, 2026, taking home a total of seven prestigious awards across multiple categories. The ceremony, which recognizes the best in journalism from across the Palmetto State, highlighted the Sun’s commitment to local news, community service, and high-quality photography.
A Historic Sweep in Sports Photography
The standout performance of the evening belonged to Sports Editor Chris Coffee, who achieved a rare and remarkable feat. Coffee completely swept the Sports Action Photo category in Division F, taking home First, Second, and Third Place honors.
The judges praised Coffee’s ability to capture the intensity of the moment, noting that his first-place shot featured “good action” and a “blurred background [that] allows for better focus on the player’s face.” His clean sweep of the division highlights the Tega Cay Sun’s dedication to providing premier visual coverage of local athletics.
Excellence in Community Service and Enterprise Reporting
Beyond the lens, the Tega Cay Sun was recognized for its deep commitment to local investigative and enterprise journalism.
The publication earned Second Place in the State for Community Service among all weekly and monthly newspapers. This award was presented for the paper’s extensive and impactful coverage of the Silfab Solar manufacturing plant controversy in Fort Mill. The reporting by Thomas Hyslip and Patrick Byrne provided the community with vital information regarding zoning, environmental concerns, and the ongoing debate surrounding the facility.
Additionally, the Sun secured Third Place in the State for Sports Enterprise Reporting. This recognition was awarded for the newspaper’s comprehensive coverage of the Fort Mill High School track and field teams. The series offered readers an in-depth look at the athletes’ performances and the high-stakes meets that defined their season.
Full List of Tega Cay Sun Awards:
| Category | Placement | Recipient(s) |
| Podcast (All Weekly Division) | First Place | Thomas Hyslip & Patrick Byrne |
| Sports Action Photo (Division F) | First Place | Chris Coffee |
| Sports Action Photo (Division F) | Second Place | Chris Coffee |
| Sports Action Photo (Division F) | Third Place | Chris Coffee |
| Community Service (All Weekly Division) | Second Place | Thomas Hyslip & Patrick Byrne |
| Sports Feature Photo (Division F) | Third Place | Thomas Hyslip |
| Sports Enterprise Reporting (All Weekly) | Third Place | Thomas Hyslip |
The Tega Cay Sun’s success at this year’s SCPA awards reinforces its position as a vital voice for the Tega Cay and Fort Mill communities. By blending hard-hitting community news with award-winning sports coverage and multimedia content, the Sun continues to set a high standard for local journalism in South Carolina.
