York Dispatch education reporter Andy Shaw has won a public interest award for his reporting on school district surpluses in "Schools, State Scrap over Savings."

The award, called the Truth in Finance award, is given by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants to the story that "exemplifies our shared commitment to protect the public interest."

The contest, according to group's website, honors excellence and balanced reporting that clarifies financial issues, uncovers financial fraud and/or exposes fraudulent activities that harms the financial well-being of individuals, communities, or companies.

"Schools, State Scrap over Savings" gave scrutiny to school district surplus accounts. The analysis revealed York County school districts had, on average, increased their surplus accounts by $2 million in the past five years, but many had raided their surplus in the past year to avoid tax hikes.

Shaw will be recognized at the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association annual convention in Scranton in November, where he will receive a certificate and a $500 cash prize.

Other awards: Also at the convention, The York Dispatch will receive two first-place awards and one second place in the Newspaper of the Year contest.

The Dispatch earned first place honors for editorial/opinion page excellence as well as online presence. Second-place honors were given for advertising excellence.

Earlier this year, several Dispatch staffers were recognized for their outstanding work in the Keystone Press Awards sponsored by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

Winners are:

---Dick VanOLinda, second place, sports story for "Pay to Play";

---Amanda Dolasinksi, honorable mention, news feature story for "Grandparents face challenges raising their grandchildren";

---Christina Kauffman, second place, news beat reporting for her coverage on the business beat;

---Todd Stouch, honorable mention, graphic/photo illustration;

---Bill Kalina, first place, video storytelling, for "It takes a grandparent";

---John Pavoncello, second place, video storytelling, for "Sean Brame inspires teammates."

In the Pennsylvania Associated Press Managing Editors awards, the following Dispatchers were honored:

---Bill Kalina, first place, feature photo for "Practice Makes Perfect";

---Bill Kalina, first place, sports photo for "Irish Drives Ends";

---Teresa Hoover, John Simcoe and Lori Goodlin, second place, best blogging, for Yard Sale Secrets.