Winners of the professional journalism contest were announced June 23 during NAHJ's Noche de Triunfos Gala held at the association's 18th annual convention in Houston.

The Martinez-Marquez winner is chosen from among all the first place entries in the print, radio, and television categories.

Mota was awarded the Martinez-Marquez award for his piece, "Negligencia? Victimas de Cancer Acusan a una Fabrica." The piece profiles the heartbreaking story of several immigrant families pursuing a better life in the United States while working in a factory.

The Best of Show -- given to the best overall entry in the photojournalism category -- was awarded to Nuri Vallbona, of The Miami Herald, for her photo "Dive to Freedom." The picture captures Cuban rafter, Carlos Hernandez, trying to make it to the shore while believing the police are trying to prevent him for reaching it.

The NAHJ also awarded Mercedes Lynn de Uriarte its "Recognition of Academic Excellence in Journalism" award. De Uriarte is an associate professor of journalism at the University of Texas at Austin.

Each year, the NAHJ celebrates the accomplishments of its members by holding a professional journalism contest. The winners are announced at the Noche de Triunfos Gala during the association's convention. The contest first began in 1986.

Teresa Rodriguez, co-host of Univision's "Aqui y Ahora," was the gala's mistress of ceremonies.

The following is a list of winners for each category:

Radio: Cheryl Simone, 1010 Wins Radio, "Puerto Rican Heritage Series"

The series profiles seven people who are making daily contributions to society and their culture in their own unique way.

TV Photography: Hugo Perez, KRWG-TV, "Ancient Ruins"

The video captures the landscape of ancient ruins and the works of a native craftsman.

Print Feature: David Gonzalez, The New York Times, "Game Produces 28 Hits and a Political Home Run"

The feature is about a baseball game that seeks to bring greater understanding between two countries, two leaders and two political agendas.

Print News: Jorge Luis Mota, (Exito!, "Negligencia? Victimas de Cancer Acusan a una Fabrica"
(See earlier description)

TV Feature: Kris Sanchez, Channel One News, "Cesar Chavez: A Legacy of Hope"

The piece profiles a young man who has honored Cesar Chavez in his own special way. The piece also profiles the life of the legendary farmworker leader.

TV News: Rebecca Lopez, WFFA-TV, "Child Drug Smugglers"

The piece is about the connection between a group of Texas teenagers and drug runners along the Texas-Mexico border.

Picture Story: Nuri Vallbona, The Miami Herald, "Dash to Freedom"

The picture captures a Cuban rafter, Carlos Hernandez, being cheered on by beach goers as he tries to elude authorizes waiting for him on the beach.

Photo Illustration: Antonio Perez, (Exito!, "Happy Death"

The photo dramatizes a story about a woman who wants to die happily with all the pomp and circumstances.

Photo Sports: Hector Amezcua: The Sacramento Bee, "Basking in Glory"

Brandi Chestain exults and basks in glory following her winning penalty kick in the U.S. Women's Soccer Team 5-4 World Cup victory over China.

Photo Portrait/Personality: Hector Amezcua, The Sacramento Bee, "Slick Willie"

San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown enjoys a moment with staff as he tries on a new pair of sunglasses.

Photo Feature: Annie Wells, Los Angeles Times, "El Desierto"

Jose Rueda prays at the site where 72 of his relatives were buried alive in a mudslide that wiped out two villages and killed 2,500 in Potsoltega, Nicaragua on Oct. 28, 1998.

Photo News: Nuri Vallbona, The Miami Herald, "Dive to Freedom"
(See description above.)