ALLOUEZ — The Compass received 21 awards from the Catholic Press Association during a virtual awards ceremony July 2. The virtual ceremony was held due to cancellation of the annual Catholic Media Conference (CMC) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CMC gathering was to be held in Portland, Ore., June 29-July 2.
In the general excellence category, The Compass received an honorable mention as one of the top diocesan newspapers in the United States and Canada. The Compass has received a general excellence award every year since 2016, including first place from 2016 to 2019.
In addition to the honorable mention for General Excellence, The Compass received eight first place awards, four second place awards, three third place awards and five other honorable mention awards. The awards (and some of the judges’ comments) are as follows:
- First place, Best Regular Column – Family Life: “A Space for Grace,” by Julianne Stanz. Judges commented, “Great collection of opinion pieces in a very well-written style.”
- First place, Best Regular Column – General Commentary: “Faith for Today,” by Fr. John Girotti. Judges commented, “The thought-provoking and eloquent perspectives presented in this column have the potential to shape the Catholic faith and the Catholic community in profound ways.”
- First Place, Best Editorial on a National or International Issue – Weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less: “How do we greet the stranger?” by Sam Lucero. Judges commented, “The best of timely political analysis. This was really beautiful. The writer paints a tale of two prominent and powerful official government men — representing two very different Americas — in a pair of neighboring states. He does it in very little space and makes it look very easy. He cites the Washington Post, the Catechism, the US Bishops & Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin. He ends the column with a scripture quote from the Gospel. The quotes are played perfectly. The scenes come alive. The issue is bold. The writing is concise & sharp and well-reported. It is all at once analytical, thoughtful, personal & profound.”
- First Place, Best Editorial on a Local Issue – Weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less: “Compassion for the mentally ill,” by Sam Lucero. Judges commented, “A powerful and persuasive editorial that reminds us of the importance of mental health and offering support to others.”
- First Place, Best Coverage of Pro-Life Issues, stories by Patricia Kasten (“Making the last journey, followed on social media”), Jeff Kurowski (“Catholic school student’s essay offers personal perspective on adoption”) and Benjamin Wideman (“Infertility issues led Kiel couple to adoption”). Judges commented, “Well written collection of coverage that provides important insight into timely events.”
- First Place, Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event: “Suspect arrested in church fire,” by Sam Lucero. Judges commented, “Excellent coverage of breaking news that provides real depth of reporting on deadline.”
- First Place, Best Photograph — Portrait: “Church organist Teresa Weber,” by Sam Lucero. Judges commented, “Excellent composition, lighting creates softness through stained glass and spotlights Teresa and her organ. Clean, polished, clear expression of theme. Photograph tells a clear story.”
- First Place, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication, Color: “Office of Catholic Schools,” Susan Simoens. Judges commented, “Love the photo. Creative. Clear call to action. It tells me something about what the schools offer, and I appreciate the WHY. Quick, clear, fun, positive message. Well done.”
- Second Place, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication, Black and White: “St. Joseph School, Green Bay,” Susan Simoens;
- Second Place, Best Editorial on a National or International Issue – Weekly Diocesan Newspaper, Circulation 25,000 or Less: “This Lent, let’s bag plastic use,” by Patricia Kasten. Judges commented, “This is really fantastic. It’s so clear and so simple — in the best way. The writer lays out a huge global issue & paints it with incredible details. The facts and analogies are incredibly sharp. It’s informative, thoughtful & well-researched. She remains hopeful throughout & offers a simple spiritual solution. Well done. Consider me inspired.”
- Second Place, Best Personality Profile, “From mountains of Laos to the spacious skies of America,” by Patricia Kasten. Judges commented, “Beautifully written with great attention to detail and developing a well-rounded view of the subject. Interesting to read and well- organized.”
- Second Place, Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament: “The importance of letting best-laid plans go astray,” by Sarah Gietman. Judges commented, “This article is exquisitely written with descriptive text on a touching subject. It teaches an important lesson that keeps the readers engaged.”
- Third Place, Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting: “Christian Brother from Wisconsin to be beatified Dec. 7,” by Sam Lucero;
- Third Place, Best Personality Profile, “His wounds are his ‘greatest treasures,’” by Sam Lucero. Judges commented, “The writer captured the essence of the subject and provided a complete profile. The subject’s faith journey and current goals to share his faith are nicely presented.”
- Third Place, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication, Black and White: Priesthood Sunday: “St. Benedict, Suamico,” Susan Simoens;
- Honorable Mention, Best Use of Graphics — Best Chart or Information Graphic, “Active shooter prevention,” by Susan Simoens;
- Honorable Mention, Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues — Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: “On road back to financial recovery, thanks to Catholic Charities,” by Jeff Kurowski;
- Honorable Mention, Best Photograph — Photo illustration: “Catholic Schools Week,” by Sam Lucero;
- Honorable Mention, Best Photograph — Scenic, Still-life or Weather Photo: “All Souls cemetery scene,” by Sam Lucero;
- Honorable Mention, Best Feature Writing: “Smell of success: Bear Creek parish’s sauerkraut festival marks 55 years of promoting area’s cabbage industry,” by Sam Lucero.
A list of all Catholic Press Association awards is now online at the CPA website.