Times News Media Group newspaper carriers swept the top two spots in the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Foundation’s annual Carrier of the Year contest.

Julius DeMicco, 13, was named the overall winner, while Mathew Cadugan took home second place.

Judges said they were impressed with DeMicco’s “friendliness and his reliability with a 100% delivery rate.”

Applications of top performing carriers are submitted by news organizations across Pennsylvania. Nominees are judged on their route performance and customer service, as well as personal and community service.

A customer recommendation letter mentioned that Julius, “is without a doubt the most reliable of all the carriers that have served me. In addition, he has the most winning smile and pleasant disposition of almost, if not all, the young people I have come in contact.”

Others mentioned that their paper is delivered, “like clockwork, no matter the season or weather.”

Among his letters of praise was one from the Palmerton mayor. At school, Julius has consistently earned principal’s list honors and at home, he enjoys playing video games, computer programming and spending time with his dogs, Luna and Brody.

Julius is following in his family’s footsteps. His father, Paul, was also a carrier for the Times News.

An open carrier position was available a year and a half ago, and DeMicco jumped on the opportunity. He enjoys being a carrier, he said, because he gets to meet new people and see the neighborhood.

“The Times News is very excited and honored to have one of our carriers named as Pennsylvania Newspaper Association’s Carrier of the Year,” Christine Campbell, Times News and Lehigh Valley Press circulation director, said. “It’s a wonderful achievement to be recognized as number one among all the newspaper carriers across Pennsylvania. After meeting Julius, I can understand why he was chosen. He is a bright, gracious young man who clearly deserves the honor.”

Cash prizes and certificates suitable for framing are awarded with the first-place carrier, DeMicco, receiving $350. The second-place winner, Cadugan, was given $250.

Cadugan became a carrier to earn extra money, adding that “he enjoys the exercise and daily interactions with his customers.”

Having autism limited Cadugan’s work options and he is “happy the Times News gave him the opportunity to prove himself.”

“Mathew always delivers his papers in the time allowed and usually begins as soon as his bundles are delivered,” one of his nominating letters read.

Cadugan also has a 100 percent delivery rate.

“This was truly a double honor for Times News and for our carriers,” Campbell said.