2017 Gracie Montgomery, Purcell Register
2016 Dr. Terry M. Clark, UCO Journalism Professor
2015 Joe Worley, Tulsa World
2014 Ray Lokey, Johnston County Capital-Democrat
2013 Willis Choate, Marietta Monitor
2012 Tim Schnoebelen, The Mooreland Leader
2010 Gloria Trotter, The Countywide & Sun
2009 J. Leland Gourley, Oklahoma City Friday
2008 Tom Muchmore, Ponca City News
2007 Wayne Trotter, Tecumseh Countywide News
2006 Joe Hancock, Hobart Democrat-Chief
2005 John D. Montgomery, Purcell Register
2004 Ken Reid, Weatherford Daily News
2003 Bob Peterson, Durant Daily Democrat
2002 Robert E. Lorton, Tulsa World
2001 Don Ferrell, Lincoln County News
2000 Dave Story, Claremore Daily Progress
1999 Jim Mayo, Sequoyah County Times
1998 Ted Phillips, Seminole Producer
1997 Ed Burchfiel, Cordell Beacon
1996 Larry Hammer, Cherokee Messenger & Republican
1995 Larry Wade, Elk City News
1994 Joe W. McBride, Jr., Anadarko Daily News
1993 Francis Langdon, Tonkawa News
1992 D. Jo Ferguson, Pawnee Chief
1991 J. L. Jennings, Donrey Newspapers
1990 Jenkin L. Jones, Sr., Tulsa Tribune
1989 Dr. Harry Heath, Oklahoma State University, Journalism Professor
1988 Jim Bellatti, Stillwater NewsPress
1987 Ben Blackstock, OPA Manager
1986 Jim Pate, Madill Record
1985 Bill Ansley, Elk City Daily News
1984 Milo Watson, Perry Journal
1983 Bob Lee Kidd, Jr., Poteau News & Sun
1982 Charles Engleman, Clinton News
1981 Allan W. Muchmore, Ponca City News
1980 Ed Livermore, Sr., Sapulpa Herald
1979 James C. Nance, Purcell Register