CNA editor honored with young journalist award

CNA News Editor Cheyenne Roche likes to joke that she earned the young journalist award just in the nick of time, sitting only two months away from the disqualifying age of 30. However, that doesn’t make it any less of a feat.

The Genevieve Mauck Stoufer Outstanding Young Iowa Journalist Award is presented every year at the Iowa Newspaper Awards. In order to qualify for the award, the journalist must be under 30 years old, have worked at least one year for their current employer and submit a nomination form including a statement from the journalist’s publisher, six examples of the journalist’s work and a personal statement. Only two Iowa journalists received the award this year.

“I was really surprised when I won,” Roche said. “I thought it was a long shot.” Roche was presented with the award Thursday by Iowa Newspaper Foundation President Chris Conetzkey.

Roche, believed to be the first CNA writer to win this award, graduated with a degree in journalism in 2016. According to her personal statement, she took a hiatus from the field for six years. “Coming back to journalism was like coming home,” Roche said.

Roche joined the CNA team in May 2022. Creston Publishing Company General Manager Craig Mittag explained the importance of her timing in the nomination form.

“When Cheyenne joined, the newsroom consisted of only a sports reporter, the news clerk and the managing editor to create content for our daily paper,” Mittag said. “Even on her first day, Cheyenne was a great help, jumping in to write a front-page story before even finishing her orientation.”

As senior editor, Roche was involved with almost every aspect of the paper, eventually taking over the duties of sports reporter early in her time at the CNA.

“When we lost our sportswriter she stepped up and filled that void with enthusiasm and consistent coverage despite a drastic change in her work schedule requiring many hours at night and on weekends,” longtime CNA sportswriter Larry Peterson said. “I don’t know what would have happened to the sports section without her willingness to take on that challenge.”

Peterson helped Roche develop contacts in the community, answering any questions along the way. “She quickly established relationships with the local athletic coaches and athletes,” Peterson said.

One such relationship is with Scott Driskell, Creston High School’s activities director. Driskell said Roche’s enthusiasm for her work has been great for the school.

“She’s always smiling and interacting with everybody, she just does a great job and has really become part of our activities at Creston. She does a good job of promoting all of our kids,” Driskell said. “I’m just extraordinarily happy for her and hope we can keep her much longer. We need good people like her in town, especially working at the paper, so it’s a great honor.”

Along with her many hours invested in Union County sports, Roche has worked hard to write in-depth breaking news and crime stories. Stories she wrote regarding the tornadoes in Greenfield and Union County gained notice from judges, as well as her work taking a closer look at sexual assault cases in the county.

“Cheyenne had some heavy-hitter stories to show her obvious skill at interviewing,” said judges regarding her entry. “From technical issues, like policing, to deeply emotional ones, like natural disasters and assault, she managed to get the sourcing to help tell a great story.”

Roche said working for the newspaper has afforded her many opportunities to get involved with the community.

“Working for the CNA has given me the opportunity to really integrate myself in Creston, and I’m grateful for all the people and students I’ve met along the way,” Roche said. “I know the newspaper industry is changing, and it makes me appreciate even more the people willing to change with us and read the stories we tell.”

While those around her can see the passion Roche has for her work, she says it best in her personal statement.

“I am honored to tell the stories of a community I have only been in for five years,” Roche said. “I have learned so much and have so much yet to learn. There are stories that need telling, and I want to be the one to do it.”