2011 Catholic Press Award Winners
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The following 2011 Catholic Press Award winners were not announced at the Awards Banquet in Pittsburgh. Congratulations to the following winners:

A19a
INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE
Writer/Editor
First Place
Christopher Boland, One Magazine, New York, N.Y.
   These are untold stories, rich with the sort of confluence of religion, history, culture and nationalism that reveal true complexity. The writing pulls from multiple sources in ways that allow us to feel as if we're not seeing a single tile in a great mosaic but the entire mosaic itself. These are a triumph of scope and sound editorial decision-making. And I found myself surprised by the stories told in every piece.
Second Place
J.D. Long-Garcia, The Catholic Sun, Phoenix, Ariz.
   Fabulous choice in topics. We move from Haiti to the Navajo to Arizona and back again. Each story offers the kind of detailed reporting that's rare these days, insightful quotes, narrative movement and strong thematic unity. Each of these pieces provides multiple facets to complex issues and narratives. A tribute not only to smooth writing but good old-fashioned reporting, too. A rare combination.
Third Place
Theresa Laurence, Tennessee Register, Nashville, Tenn.
   The Tennessee Register should be commended for the type of in-depth reporting that is rare these days. They seem to scour the area to find stories worth telling: rural and international, small and large, families and entire communities. Excellent breadth and a commitment to old-fashioned on-the-ground reporting.

A19b
INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE
Writer/Editor
Associate/Individual Freelance
First Place
Michele Bondi Bottesi, Joseph Karl Publishing, Rochester Hills, Mich.
   Heartfelt first-person stories mixed with biographies and newsworthy recaps of guest speakers.
Second Place
Mar Munoz-Visoso, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C.

M4
BEST EDITORIAL
First Place
Novalis, Toronto, Ontario, "Healing the body of Christ” by Bernadette Gasslein
   This is a good, tough editorial with a wide vision, in sync with "the wideness of God's mercy," and a touching ending. Rather than just curse the darkness, this provocative editorial points to a way to heal the damage done to the Body of Christ by the sexual abuse scandal. The editorial is both inspired and inspiring.
Second Place
America, New York, N.Y., "The Millstone” by The Editors
This is a skillfully written and reasoned editorial that comes straight to the point in recommending how the Church can steady itself in the wake of the sexual abuse scandal.
Third Place
U.S. Catholic, Chicago, Ill., "Pastoral Discretion Advised" by Bryan Cones
   This editorial tackles a thorny issue and explains both sides of the dispute well while making a good case for the author's position. The editorial lays bare the tragedy of the situation -- a tragedy that perhaps need not have been compounded.

M10
BEST SPECIAL ISSUE, SECTION OR SUPPLEMENT
First Place
One Magazine, New York, N.Y., "Christians in the Middle East: Special Edition” by Communications Team
   Simply outstanding. One was a compelling read which was hard to put down. Thoughtful and well researched, this issue never faltered.
Second Place
America, New York, N.Y., "Ministry Issue” by The Editors
   This issue approached ministry in a compelling and intelligent fashion, enticing readers into reflection and new insights.
Third Place
   Horizon, Journal of the Natl. Religious Vocation, "Psychological Assessment of Applicants” by Carol Schuck Scheiber, Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., Sr. Mary Ann Hamer, O.S.F. and Virginia Piecuch
   While a low priority topic for many, the psychological assessment of applicants has profound aspects as Horizon demonstrated with an array of strong authors and varied approaches in a well edited package.

N3a
BEST NEWS WRITING
National Event
First Place
Catholic News Service, Washington, D.C., "Widow of slain rancher struggles in the heart of immigration debate” by Patricia Zapor
   The news service does a brilliant job of taking the highly charged issue of immigration reform and showing it through the eyes of one family's struggle to make a living and also to be servants of God. It takes an angle many mainstream media have missed or overlooked. The writing is crisp, and the characters are compelling.
Second Place 
National Catholic Reporter, Kansas City, Mo., ""Bishop says nun excommunicated for allowing abortion," "Ethicists fault bishop's action in Phoenix abortion case," "Portrait of a 'policy-driven' bishop," "Gray areas of excommunication," "Doctrine committee clarifies abortion teaching," by Michael Clancy, Tom Roberts, Bill Tammeus and Jerry Filteau
   The writers do an excellent job of telling the story of an excommunicated nun by sticking to strong journalism and giving all sides of a complex issue.
Third Place
The Dialog, Wilmington, Del., "Creating bully-free zones -- Catholic schools emphasize Christ-like behavior for students at schools and online” by Mike Lang
   The issue of bullying has been given tremendous ink over the years. The paper does an exceptional job of detailing what this means for Catholic schools, while offering its readers resources in the community that confront the irksome issue.

N3b
BEST NEWS WRITING
National Event
Association/Individual Freelance
First Place
Karen Osborne, "BP oil spill affects many throughout Florida”
   The paper should be commended for taking an international story and making it its own! With good, solid reporting, the writer does a vivid job of showing how Catholics were affected by the spill. Great local reporting on a story with global dimensions.

N3c
BEST NEWS WRITING
International Event
First Place
Catholic San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif., "A cross destroyed, a parish under siege: is anti-Catholic repression on the rise in Vietnam?” by Rick DelVecchio
   Good shoe-leather reporting, crisp writing and vivid imagery make for an outstanding package. Readers got to learn something new--and something likely not to be reported anywhere else. Outstanding.
Second Place
The Dialog, Wilmington, Del., "Earthquake hits home for those in diocese with ties to Haiti; Where was God last week in Haiti?; Answered prayer - Wilm. woman brought adopted daughter home from Haiti a day before earthquake struck” by Gary Morton, Joseph Ryan and Elissa Serrao
   The Dialog offered its readers outstanding service by compiling a compelling stream of stories that showed that while Haiti might be far away on a map, it is lot closer to the paper's readership than one would think.
Third Place
The Catholic Sun, Phoenix, Ariz., "Haiti rebuilds” by J.D. Long-Garcia
   The Catholic Sun took its readers beyond the headlines and through strong reporting and vivid images, it painted a picture of the country's Herculean struggle to rebuild, and the Catholics who helped it on its journey to recovery.

N3d
BEST NEWS WRITING
International Event
Association/Individual Freelance
First Place
Dave Hrbacek, "St. Joan of Arc parishioners rally around Iraqi family”
   The writer crafts a compelling story of one parish helping someone in need. Good reporting + great writing = a story readers in the community can feel proud of.

N12a
BEST REPORTING ON SPECIAL AGE GROUP
Children
First Place
The Florida Catholic, "Kids' pages -- Eireann go bragh; "What am I really thankful for?"; Mothers' Day: How do you say thanks?” by Jean Gonzalez
   Consistent quality and graphics and child will reach for weekly
Second Place
The Clarion Herald, New Orleans, La., "Mommy and Me supplement” by The Clarion Herald Staff
   Top quality supplement and varied articles on a wide range of topics.
Third Place
The Catholic Standard, Washington, D.C., "Junior Saints” by Catholic Standard Staff
   The voices and photos --"And a child will lead them"

N12b
BEST REPORTING ON SPECIAL AGE GROUP
Teenagers
First Place
Montana Catholic, Helena, Mont. , "Justice Outreach Project” by Eric Connolly and Renee St. Martin Wizeman
   The Justice Outreach Project details "solidarity and immersion" and reaching out and learning black feet culture. And the article makes it look fun to teens.
Second Place
Idaho Catholic Register, Boisie, Idaho, "Foolishness Reigns at 2010 ICYC” by Ann Bixby and Loretta Gossi
   When you get pictures of teens dancing, talk about priests in wigs and rapping as faith, plus a GREAT headline. You have succeeded.
Third Place
The Leaven, Kansas City, Kan., "How the Game is Played” by Jill Ragar Esfeld
   Young men giving of themselves are inspiring and they are giving to kids that are aspiring. Good article and art.

N14c
BEST PHOTOGRAPH
Best Portrait
First Place
Arlington Catholic Herald, Arlington, Va., "Christ House Man” by Gerald Martineau
   The stare of the subject illustrates the lack of joy at his economic situation and his reliance on others. The cross layered in the background ties him with the Christ House program.
Second Place
The Message, Evansville, Ind., "Elmo Gunn -- Love of Music has Taken Him to Las Vegas and Back” by Paul R. Leingang
   Elmo's photo is well layered to tell his story. I especially like the reflection of his face on the right side of the frame.
Third Place
Catholic Courier, Rochester, N.Y., "Promoter aims to resurrect big award” by Mike Crupi
   Layering of the old boxer's image with Tony connects him to his quest. Nice lighting and expression on his face. A simple, yet balanced image.

N22b
BEST COVERAGE OF A ROUTINE- SACRAMENTAL EVENT
Associate/Individual Freelance
First Place
Michael Wojcik, Marc Stumbo and Joe Gigli, "Path to Priesthood -- Bishop Serratelli Ordains Five Men to Order of Deacon”
   Excellent photography - tells the story almost as well as the words. Great light & strong lines. The story is thorough, and blends philosophy with process. Sidebar of individual profiles are a nice touch.
Second Place
Makani Marquis and Paul Schratz, "Good things come in Threes”
   Article makes great use of the varied individuals comprising the event. The photos balance out the story, with color, pomp & grandeur. The layout is bright, colorful & creative.
Third Place
The Boston Pilot Staff, "Three new priests for Boston"
Great photography. Majestic & bright with strong lines. The article makes good use of quotes from a profound preacher.