The 2005 recipient of the Harold Hudson Memorial Award, Joe Thompson, assistant publisher of the Hood County News (right) is presented his plaque by Mark Jordan, 2002 award winner.

The Harold Hudson Memorial Award is named after one of the profession's most respected individuals, the late Harold Hudson of The Perryton Herald, a person who exemplified the highest of ideals, integrity, dedication, commitment and service to the newspaper field and to his community. The award was initiated in 1991 when the West Texas Press Association's board of directors unanimously approved the presentation of a plaque posthumously to Harold Hudson in recognition of his lifelong dedication, commitment and contributions to journalism and publishing in West Texas.

The plaque was presented to December 12, 1991, to his widow, Jane Hudson, and Jim Hudson and Mary Dudley, children who publish the Perryton Herald. Barbara Kelly, WTPA secretary, made the presentation at the Herald office in Perryton.

The award has been presented annually by the West Texas Press Association to an outstanding publisher or journalist in West Texas. The criteria set by the board calls for each recipient to be a member of WTPA or a past member, to have served the association and his community and to have served the newspaper industry.

1992
Walter Buckel, Lamesa

1993
Edward B. Harris, Graham

1994
O. G. "Speedy" Nieman, Hereford

1995
J. L. "Mike" Werst, Big Lake

1996
James Roberts Andrews

1997
Barbara Craig Kelly, Abilene

1998
Bob Hamilton, Iowa Park

1999
M. Gene Dow, Seminole

2000
Bill Berger, Hondo

2001
Jerry Tidwell, Granbury

2002
Mark Jordan, Decatur

2003
Rollie Hyde, Plainview

2004
Roy J. Eaton, Decatur

2005
Joe Thompson, Granbury