Catholic Review awarded regional journalism honors

LINTHICUM – In one of its best showings in recent years, The Catholic Review was honored by the Maryland, Delaware, DC Press Association with eight editorial awards and 10 advertising awards during an April 21-22 convention at the Sheraton BWI Hotel.

The Catholic Review won seven first-place honors in the editorial contest and four first-place honors in the advertising contest. It also garnered a “best in show” award.

The editorial, production and web services staff earned first place in the general news category for coverage of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s Catholic school consolidation plan. The judges called the effort a “very thorough analysis.”

George P. Matysek Jr., senior writer, won first place in the feature category for his story of a priest dealing with Alzheimer’s disease. The judges called the article a “haunting piece, beautifully written,” adding that Matysek depicted the priest with dignity.

Matysek also won first place in the religion category for a story about a survivor of sexual abuse. One judge said the story was “well told” and “kept me reading to the very last sentence.” The judge also praised the story’s layout by April Hornbeck, senior art director.

Matt Palmer, staff writer, won first place for online commentary or blog. The judges said Palmer’s work was “everything you want in a blog,” encompassing good writing, “catchy, non-traditional subject matter,” teasers, links and videos.

Palmer also won first place in the multimedia storytelling sports category for a video about a Loyola Blakefield hockey player.

Owen Sweeney III, former staff photographer, won first-place honors for a general news photo of a Cardinal Gibbons student and a sports photo of a dragon boat race that the judges said was worthy of an “SI (Sports Illustrated) cover photo.”

Rounding out the editorial contest, the Catholic Review staff received a second-place nod for a special section on vibrant senior living.

In the advertising division, Hornbeck won first place in the “10lbs of stuff in a 5lb bag ad” category for a pilgrimage ad. The ad was also awarded “best in show.”

Sandi Rose and Hornbeck won first place in the local real estate category.

John McNulty and Hornbeck won first place for innovative online advertising and first place in the “wild card” category.

Second place honors went to Sandi Rose and Kathy Bathon in the local automotive category; the sales team in the special section, vendor supported category and Nina Schuler Heckman and Hornbeck in the “wild card” category.

Heckman and Hornbeck won third place in the special section, vendor supported category and Hornbeck won third place for a house promotion ad.

The Catholic Review competed in the editorial division for non-daily newspapers with circulation of more than 20,000 and the advertising division for non-daily newspapers with circulation of more than 15,000.