Criterion staff honored for excellence in journalism
Staff writer Natalie Hoefer’s story “Syrian refugee family arrives in archdiocese with ‘so much hope in their eyes,’ ” was awarded first place in the Best Newswriting Originating with the Paper on a National or International Event in the Catholic Press Association’s (CPA) 2016 awards competition. The newspaper recently won a total of nine awards from the CPA and Woman’s Press Club of Indiana (WPCI).
Criterion staff report
Staff members of The Criterion were recently honored for excellence in journalism by two organizations.
The recognition included awards from the Catholic Press Association (CPA) and the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana (WPCI).
The recognition for work completed in the 2015 calendar year started in May when staff writer Natalie Hoefer was honored by WPCI. She garnered two first-place awards: one for her personality profile on priest-abuse survivor Norbert Krapf, and another in the Religious niche category for “Land of Calm and Chaos,” about the pilgrimage that Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin led to the Holy Land in February of 2015. Both first-place honors advanced to the National Federation of Press Women’s Communications Contest for further judging.
Hoefer also received a second-place award for her Holy Land blog.
The staff received more recognition on June 3 in St. Louis during the Catholic Press Association’s annual awards program.
Hoefer was awarded first place in the Best Newswriting Originating with the Paper on a National or International Event for her story “Syrian refugee family arrives in archdiocese with ‘so much hope in their eyes.’ ”
“A tricky story to handle,” judges said. “It was presented in a balanced, even-handed way with appropriate context. Nice work.”
Hoefer also received first place in the Best Original Poetry category for her “My Journey to God” entries.
“Sensitive and personal poetic expressions of faith,” judges wrote. ‘Language, rhythm, and structure coordinated to move thought forward. Easy, straightforward and accessible. Fine work.”
Assistant editor John Shaughnessy was awarded first place in the Individual Excellence for writers’ category. Writers were asked to submit up to five examples of their work.
“Shaughnessy has a knack for finding inspiring stories about the human condition and God’s hand in our lives,” judges wrote. “His reporting is excellent, his storytelling is compelling, and he is truly a treasure to his community.
“Shaughnessy demonstrates a strong writing style. His stories are well-framed to keep readers engaged. He picks interesting subjects with themes of faith, compassion, love, determination, generosity, and other important values.”
Shaughnessy also earned a third-place award in the Best Sports Journalism/Sports News category for his story, “Inspired by parent’s battle with cancer, Brebeuf girls soccer team comes together to win state title.”
“Scene setting is strong in this story about a soccer team inspired by a terminally ill mother of one of the members of its team as its marches to the state championship,” judges said. “[The writer] does a great job capturing the emotions of the moment.”
Editor Mike Krokos was awarded first place in the Best Editorial on a Local Issue category for “Amazing grace in the Palmetto State,” which focused on how the community—including victims of the family—came together after a tragedy left nine African-Americans dead after being shot by a young white man inside their church.
“The powerful theological message of forgiveness as a fundamental of Christian life and practice permeates this editorial,” judges wrote. “The message is clear that violent tragedies like the one in the church in Charleston do not need to end in more violence. The writer makes a strong case for a different response born out of the life and action of Christ. What better response could be made in this [Holy] Year of Mercy.”
Editor Emeritus John F. Fink received third place in the Best Editorial on a National/International Issue category for “Take a look inside ‘the waiting room’ at the issue of doctor-assisted suicide.”
“By stepping back in time to recall the premonition of a Catholic journalist more than 50 years ago,” judges said, “the author brings the issue of assisted suicide front and center, reminding readers of the fundamental and unique belief system the Catholic Church holds. The sanctity of life remains the pre-eminent issue. The position is well stated.”
“More than ever, our culture needs the voice provided by The Criterion staff and other Catholic journalists. These powerful and transforming stories about faith are often overlooked by today’s secular media,” said Greg Otolski, associate publisher of The Criterion. “We’re grateful to be able to serve the people of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis by reporting on the local Church, as well as bringing them news of the Catholic faith from around the world.” †
