Times News Media Group newspaper carriers turned in impressive showings in the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Foundation’s annual Carrier of the Year contest.

Jonathan Dubow, of Lehighton, was the second-place winner, while Levi Johnson garnered honorable mention.

A soon-to-be freshman at Lehighton Area High School, Jonathan said he enjoys his job.

“I like that I can talk to people,” said Jonathan, 15. “Get to know people.”

Jonathan, who started as a TN carrier in 2020, said he’s thankful for the recognition.

“It means that all the work I’ve been doing for it, the people know how much I’m doing,” he said. “And it feels good to have something to receive (recognition for).”

Jana Metro, assistant to the circulation director for the Times News Media Group, said Jonathan is loved by his customers.

“Jonathan’s a very reliable carrier,” she said.

Metro said Jonathan often goes above and beyond his duties.

“When we’ve asked him to do additional deliveries, he has no problem,” she said.

Customer recommendation letters commented, “I can count on Jonathan to deliver my Times News every day at the same time, like clockwork. He is also “very considerate,” and in times when few people want to work, Jonathan displays the work ethic that I wish more people had.”

For his achievement, Jonathan received a $250 prize check, and is also listed in their winners video which can be found on PNA’s website, https://panewsmedia.org/awards/newspaper-carrier-of-the-year/,

Jonathan isn’t the only Times News carrier to be acknowledged for their work.

Levi Johnson, of Palmerton, received Honorable Mention in the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association Foundation’s annual Carrier of the Year contest.

Levi, who delivers for the Palmerton area, explained how being a newspaper carrier has taught him lifelong lessons.

“I became a carrier to meet new people, and earn money for a car in the future,” said Levi, 13. “I enjoy meeting the people on my route, and getting to know them and helping them when I can. It also helps me to learn to be responsible in that I have a deadline I need to meet each day.”

Metro said Levi is an honor student “who finds time each day to take care of his deliveries and customers, even with his busy school and sports schedule.”

“He helps with other routes when asked with no issues, and is polite and courteous,” she said.

Since 1959, the PNA Foundation’s Newspaper of the Year contest has helped Pennsylvania newspapers recognize the exemplary performance of carriers of all ages.

National Newspaper Carrier Day is Sunday.