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TRYON–On Friday, January 27, the Town of Tryon paid tribute to Tryon Daily Bulletin journalist Leah Justice, who passed away on January 12. The Town placed a Memorial Banner honoring Justice at the Tryon Rotary Clock Plaza in downtown Tryon.

Justice was well-loved and respected by the entire community, which she served for over 20 years as a journalist for the Tryon Daily Bulletin.

After graduating from Tryon High School in 1992 as salutatorian, Justice earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Clemson University. She began her career in journalism after being hired at the newspaper on September 11, 2000, and went on to become an award-winning writer covering local government, crime, elections and all community news in the area for the next two decades.

“There will never be another Leah Justice,” said Jeff Allison, current General Manager and editor at Tryon Newsmedia. “She was dedicated, talented, and able to cover Polk County and the surrounding area like no other. Her impact on the community is immeasurable. And she was all around, just a great person.”

“Leah Justice’s legacy will long be appreciated and remembered,” said former editor Claire Sacshe. “Her compassion for her community was evident through so many stories she wrote. Leah’s dedication to the paper was unflagging.”

The banner includes a photo of Justice, along with a quote that reads, “I became a journalist to become as close as possible to the heart of the world,” by Henry R. Luce, a founder of multiple well-known magazines.

“During the last council meeting, we had discussed it and decided that we wanted to honor Leah, “said Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples. “It was always a pleasure to work with her. She was just such a fine lady.”

The banner will be in place for the next two weeks. After it is taken down it will be given to Justice’s family, according to Town Hall.