Mary C. Schulken
COLUMN WRITING
Greenville Daily Reflector

When Cox Newspapers expanded into eastern North Carolina in 1996, many a bright journalist came into the fold. One, in particular, has collected a host of prizes. In fact, the last six years could be termed the Mary Schulken Era of the Cox Awards.

Greenville's editorial page editor and columnist has been a dominant force in the Community Division. Her two first places this year are her eighth and ninth in this competition.

Here is the record of Schulken successes in the Best of Cox:

  • 1996 — Editorial writing

  • 1998 — Editorial and Column writing

  • 1999 — Editorial and Column writing

  • 2000 — Column writing and overall Cox Writer of the Year

  • 2001 — Column writing and Business reporting.

One of the winning Schulken columns from last year is about "what matters in a city's life." Its an example of the passion she feels for the eastern Carolina city.

"It is my job to offer opinions that make readers here think about issues that are important to their lives, and to this community," Schulken said. "But I am a citizen of this place. This is where I live. I pay taxes. I give back. And I comment on public issues from a citizen's perspective."

Many a reporter covering a board of elected officials has speculated whether the members are content merely to better the lives of their constituents, or secretly harbor hopes of moving up in politics.

A Greenville City Council member talked of her aspirations for moving up while attending the national party convention.

"That column drew name calling," Schulken recalled.

"But that's what I expected. It is hard when you get caught in a pose of unbridled ambition as that council member did. I thought it was important, though, for her constituents to judge her actions out of town for themselves."