ALICE PEPPER'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
for THE AGNES HENEBRY ROLL OF HONOR AWARD
June 7, 2005
Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

Thank you and I must explain
How well I recall that first thrill of it all
When I found this Division and knew
That I get a kick out of News.

Our jobs are in the fast lane
Deadlines to hit, reporters assist-
ed might forget to give credit where due.
Still, don't you get a kick out of news?

She got a kick - Agnes Henebry - working in this great specialty.
Her award is terrific and obviously you made it a possibility.

Celebrity news entertains
Mere basketball doesn't thrill me at all
But playoffs sell papers, it's true.
I wouldn't get paid without news.

I don't get a kick from campaigns
To hear City Hall blab all folderol
And committees' political views
But them I can't kick - they are news.

This award is a kick but let's all admit, we're not here for the glory.
We know what we do is important to writing a better story.

Thank you again and again.
I am sincere saying you're why I'm here
This connection, this work we pursue.
That's why I get a kick out of you.