Catholic Review wins seven national awards

The Catholic Review won seven awards for excellence in journalism and advertising from the Catholic Press Association of the United States and Canada during the Catholic Media Convention, held May 27-29 in Anaheim, Calif.

Richard Ihle and Binod Puri, Web designers, won first place for best online/multimedia presentation of visuals for a rotating feature on The Catholic Review Web site that highlights news stories (www.catholicreview.org). The judges said the feature “gives a good focal point for visitors.”

George P. Matysek Jr., senior writer, won second place for best news writing for his coverage of a bill in the Maryland Legislature that would have lifted the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases. The judges said Matysek “clearly lays out the risk posed by the bill” and shows “how the proposal would treat the church in a different manner than public institutions.”

Matysek also won third place for best sports journalism feature or column for his profile of John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. The judges said the article showed “wonderful storytelling.”

Chic Davis, general manager, and Kathy Bathon, design artist, won second place for best example of effective advertising promotion for a promotional plan for the newspaper’s careers and higher education special section. The judges said their effort combined several elements to work “in tandem” toward an ultimate goal.

Owen Sweeney III, photographer, won third place for best sports photo for a cover shot of a dragon boat race. The photo “offered a different type of moment,” according to the judges.

Davis and Bernice Twum-Barimah Jones, former design artist, won third place for best single ad in black and white. The judges said the ad for the Josephites had “compelling graphics, well-written text and an important message.”

Matt Palmer, staff writer, won honorable mention for best reporting on teenagers for his coverage of the Baltimore Youth Catholic Conference.

The Catholic Review competed in the category for newspapers with a circulation of 40,001 or more.

“It is always gratifying to learn that the good folks with whom we have the pleasure of working, every day, are also appreciated by the other members of the Catholic Press Association,” Davis said. “Although the CPA competition is tough, our excellent Catholic Review staff always rises to the top.”

Davis added that Catholic Review readers can take pride in their newspaper “because it is written and produced, every week, by the finest newspaper practitioners in the world of the Catholic Press Association.”