ALLOUEZ – The Compass received 13 awards from the Catholic Media Association (CMA) during a virtual awards ceremony June 10. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was held virtually for a second year. In addition to the journalism awards, Amy Kawula, advertising and marketing manager for The Compass, was elected president of the CMA, a term which runs from June 24, 2021, to June 2023.
“This nomination and election is a reflection on the entire diocesan staff serving the Diocese of Green Bay,” Kawula told The Compass. “In June 2018, The Compass hosted the Catholic Media Conference, where hundreds of people from around the country were in attendance. Several members of this association shared, ‘I voted for you because you and your diocese are awesome at evangelization!’ … These comments are a tribute to our entire diocesan team with whom I am privileged to serve the people of the Diocese of Green Bay with.”
Kawula said she plans to continue to build upon the relationships developed with the CMA members “who inspire, educate and form my life, personally and professionally.”
Those from the CMA who have inspired her, she said, include Natasa Govekar, director of the Theological-Pastoral Communication, Dicastery for Communication at the Vatican, who spoke at the 2018 Catholic Media Convention in Green Bay. “Dr. Govekar and I shared an instant friendship and continue to build on this relationship.”
“It was the Holy Spirit who led me to this opportunity. I look forward to how he will lead the association during this term,” said Kawula. “It is a blessing to serve this strong, vibrant Catholic Media Association and, above all, strive together to identify and expand the tools of communication to bring more people to know and love Jesus.”
The 13 awards, including six for Compass design and sales specialist Sue Simoens, recognize individual and staff projects completed during 2020. They are as follows:
First place, Best Promotional House Ad, Sue Simoens, “COVID-19: Wearing Masks.”
Second place, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication — Black-and-White, Sue Simoens, “St. Joseph School.”
Second place, Best Ad Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser, Sue Simoens, “McCormick Assisted Living.”
Second place, Best Regular Column — General Commentary, Fr. John Girotti, “By The Rivers of Babylon.”
Second place, Best Photograph — Photo-illustration, Sam Lucero, “Death & Dying.”
Third place, Best Photograph — Scenic, Still-life or Weather Photo, Sam Lucero, “Fall on Holy Hill.”
Third place, Best Investigative News Writing — Diocesan Newspaper, Sam Lucero, “Website Uses Compass Content Without Permission.”
Third place, Best Analysis/Background/Round-Up News Writing — The Gerard E. Sherry Award – Diocesan Newspaper, Patricia Kasten, “What is an annulment and why does it exist?”
Third place, Best Print Special Supplement — One-Time Special Issue, Compass staff, “Health Care Heroes.”
Third place, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication — Color, Sue Simoens, “Catholic Foundation.”
Honorable mention, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication — Black-and-White, Sue Simoens, “Recruit Here.”
Honorable mention, Best Single Ad Originating with the Publication — Color, Sue Simoens, “Priora.”
Honorable mention, Best Regular Column — Family Life, Julianne Stanz, “A Space for Grace.”
