A Patch editor has been recognized with three statewide press awards from the Media Women of South Carolina.

Associate Regional Editor Carolyn Farr Smith was honored for three statewide stories she wrote in 2011.

Smith won a first place in web feature writing with an in-depth look at the taboo topic of suicide in the wake of Trey Pennington's death. Contributing to that story were Mount Pleasant local editor Adam Crisp and Irmo local editor Shireese Bell. The piece will be entered into the organization's national contest.

Smith also took home a second place for web feature writing with her coverage of a candlelight vigil held in Pennington's honor.

Last, but not least, Smith was honored with a second place in web news writing for her piece on the role of religion in the state political culture. That story had additional writing by regional editor Chris Winston, former Easley local editor Jeff Brush, Summerville local editor Lindsay Street, Bell and Crisp.

"It is an honor to be recognized for my work with Patch.com," Smith said. "Our sites are very young in South Carolina, our staff is small, but we are producing good, quality journalism throughout the state. I'm very proud to represent Patch."