The Catholic Courier and its second-year Spanish-language publication, El Mensajero Católico, earned 18 awards this past spring from the Catholic Press Association and New York Press Association for work published during 2006.
The CPA, representing more than 600 Catholic publications in the United States and Canada, bestowed 12 awards — including three first places — on the Courier and El Mensajero during the association’s annual convention May 25 at the Marriott Brooklyn Bridge Hotel in New York City.
The NYPA, a trade organization representing the state’s nondaily community newspapers, presented the Courier with six awards at its spring convention March 30-31 at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs.
CPA —The Courier:
Best Reporting on Children: First place went to a November section, “Children at risk,” which focused on child poverty. The cover story was written by staff writer Amy Kotlarz, with supporting articles contributed by staff writers Jennifer Burke, Mike Latona and Annette Jim√©nez.
“This package of stories and photography was the most compelling of all the selections offered,” the judges commented. “This information seemed particularly vital considering that parishioners would be asked to sign petitions and have a stake in shaping their community’s public policy.”
Best Reporting on Children: The Courier also took home second place in this category with a June package devoted to “Families share love with kids,” about adoption and foster-care issues. Burke wrote the cover story for the section, which also included stories by Latona and former staff writer Rob Cullivan.
“The cover story reporting was solid (and) several inside pieces rounded out the topic nicely,” judges wrote.
Best Sports Feature or Column: “J-Mac’s night of divine intervention,” an April story about autistic high-school basketball player Jason McElwain, earned second place for Latona.
“This story offered a fresh and well-written perspective on his remarkable game and the impact it had on the participants,” judges wrote.
Best Portrait: Photo editor Mike Crupi’s “Life-ethic issues inspire deep reflection,” which appeared in October and showed a teenager looking at a photograph of her deceased mother, took honorable mention.
Individual Excellence — Photographer/Artist: Honorable mention went to Crupi for his overall photographic skill.
CPA — El Mensajero:
Best Writing on a Local/Regional Event: Jim√©nez took first place for her November story “Pelicula inspira a j√≥venes,” a profile on actress Rosie Perez.
“It is a touching story that talks about serious issues such as the Latin identity and self improvement,” judges wrote.
Best Writing on a Local/Regional Event: Jim√©nez also earned second place in this category for her February story, “Simposio trata sobre las necesidades m√©dicas de hispanos,” on preventative health care.
“It is a story that talks about a very important issue among Latinos,” judges stated.
Best Feature Story: Jim√©nez took first place for October’s “La Casa ofrece hogar temporario” about a Catholic Charities immigrant-outreach center celebrating its first anniversary.
“Jim√©nez has a special storytelling gift, which enables readers to travel with her to the locations where her articles have originated and allows them to become active spectators,” judges commented.
Best Writing on a National/International Event: Jim√©nez was awarded third place for her series “Inmigraci√≥n.”
“Shows the difficulty that immigrants encounter in their journey to a better lifestyle,” judges wrote.
Individual Excellence: Jiménez gained second place for body of work during 2006.
“Her body of work is not only diverse and relevant, but her professional delivery is dynamic, attractive, and constant,” judges commented.
General Excellence: El Mensajero took home third place for the second consecutive year.
“A very good publication with a lot of inspirational stories,” judges wrote.
Best Photo Story: Crupi’s December photo essay “Mexico,” capturing a Nov. 29-Dec.2 trip to that country, earned third place.
“Beautiful color and history are rich in the layout of photographs … great reproduction and a nice layout,” judges remarked.
New York Press
Photographic Excellence — Division 4: The Courier took second place for Crupi’s photography and the newspaper’s overall use of local and wire-service images.
“Lots of strong photography. Excellent portraits,” judges wrote.
Overall Design Excellence — Division 4: The Courier earned second place in this category for its April and November issues.
“Nice layouts, easy on the reader, very nice use of color to accent color photo pages, clear headlines,” judges commented.
Coverage of Education — Division 4: The Courier took home second place for its February and August editions.
“Well thought out topics and well-written,” judges wrote.
Coverage of Health, Health Care and Science: The Courier earned second place for its July and October editions.
“A well-researched report on adult stem-cell transplants. Tells real-life stories about successes and results,” judges remarked.
Sports Feature — Division 4: Latona’s feature on Jason McElwain gained second place.
“Thought this would make an excellent synopsis for a movie. Outstanding writing,” judges wrote.
Art Photo — Division 4: Crupi garnered a third place in this category.
