Dawson, who retired several years ago as a federal health and safety official and now runs a workplace consulting business, said she has always enjoyed talking with people about what drives them to help others in a community. She said she approached the Evening News and Tribune about "The Extra Miler" column, and soon thereafter she added columnist to her list of credentials.

“Faith is a big part of the Extra Miler columns,” she said. “God led me to begin writing about these awe-inspiring people, and it has been my pleasure and good fortune.”

Dawson said she never expected an award for her columns. "It is something I will always cherish because it represents a contribution to society by everyday people," she said.

Bill Ketter, CNHI's vice president of news, praised Dawson's columns.

"She has a rare knack for discovering the unsung heroes in the community and then detailing their unselfish deeds without seeming factitious," Ketter said.

The Rogers award is one of the most sought-after among the country's editorialists and columnists, he said.

“It recognizes an intrinsic purpose of journalism — positively affecting readers’ lives through storytelling that affirms the essential goodness of ordinary people and their impact on the community.”