The Catholic Media Association recognized the Catholic Herald with 19 awards in its annual, national competition, with an additional two awards garnered by the diocesan Office of Communications, the organization announced at its annual awards banquet in Phoenix June 27.
Staff Writer Anna Donofrio (née Harvey) won first place in the best photo feature competition for capturing a young boy sitting in sunlight and praying with a rosary during the 75th anniversary Mass at St. Louis Church in Alexandria. She also won second place in the best news writing for a national event and best reporting on the celebration of a sacrament for her articles on the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis and how to make a good confession. Donofrio was further honored for her sports photography and coverage of Catholic education, along with freelancer Ashleigh Kassock.
Graphic Designer David Garcia was recognized seven times for his work on behalf of Herald advertisers, including first place finishes for ads for St. Dominic’s Church and Pauline Books and Media. Columnist Elizabeth Foss won first place for best column on family life. The Herald’s staff was credited for its work in the best newspaper website (honorable mention) and best special supplement or issue for the Catholic Schools Week issue (third place).
“The entire Catholic Herald team is deeply appreciative of Bishop (Michael F.) Burbidge, our board of directors, parishes, advertisers and individual subscribers, all of whom we serve and whose support makes all of this work possible,” said Kevin Schweers, executive editor. “Congratulations to all of the award winners on our talented team, and our thanks to the CMA staff who coordinated the competition.”
Additional highlights include a third-place finish by multimedia communications staffers Kerry Nevins and Hannah Camerota in the best news video feature competition for “Windows of Wonder: Stained Glass for the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.” Nevins and Camerota also won second place for their work for the communications office on the video “Day in the Life of a Catholic Priest,” along with Mary Brodeur, diocesan director of content and marketing strategy. Freelancer Zoey Maraist, a former Herald staff writer, won second place for best personality profile for her feature on the 2024 Catholic Herald angel honorees.
Catholic Herald awards
Best Photograph — Feature Photo
First place, “Diamond jubilee — A young boy holding a rosary finds a sunny spot in the aisle during the Mass marking the 75th anniversary of St. Louis Church in Alexandria Aug. 24,” Anna Harvey
Best News Writing One Shot — National Event
Second place, “Eucharistic Zeal: Nearly 60,000 Pilgrims Attend the 10th National Eucharistic Congress,” Anna Harvey
Best Reporting on the Celebration of a Sacrament
Second place, “Tips for Making a Good Confession: Diocesan Priests Share Why It’s Important and the Value of Absolution,” Anna Harvey
Best Personality Profile — Non-Weekly
Second place, “ ‘Herald Angels’ Sell to Serve: Thrift Store Volunteers Offer Affordable Items to Save Families From Hunger and Homelessness,” Zoey Maraist
Best Coverage on Catholic Education
Second place, Best Coverage of Catholic Education, Anna Harvey and Ashleigh Kassock
Best Special Supplement or Special Issue with Advertising Emphasis
Third place, Catholic Schools Week 2024, Catholic Herald staff
Best Use of Graphics — Best Chart or Information Graphic
Honorable mention, “Participating in the Apostolic Mission of the Church,” Pia Hovenga
Best Regular Column — Family Life
First place, Elizabeth Foss
Best Video — Feature, Diocesan and National News Organizations
Third place, “Windows of Wonder: Stained Glass for the Cathedral of St. Thomas More,” Kerry Nevins and Hannah Camerota
Best Website — Newspaper
Honorable mention, CatholicHerald.com, Catholic Herald Staff
Best Diocesan Electronic Newsletter
Honorable mention, Arlington Catholic Herald, Ana Lucia Batista
Best Photograph — Sports Photo
Honorable mention, “A Spiritual ‘Reboot’ — Campers Leap for the Football During Afternoon Sports Tournaments at the Quo Vadis Vocations Camp at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., July 9,” Anna Harvey
Best Single Advertisement Originating with the Publication
Third place, Falcons Landing, David Garcia
Honorable mention, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, David Garcia
Best Single Advertisement Originating with the Publication — Online Advertisement
First place, Saint Dominic’s Church — The Major Relics of St. Thomas Aquinas, David Garcia
Third place, Falcons Landing, David Garcia
Best Advertisement Campaign Originating with the Publication for Advertiser
First place, Pauline Books and Media, David Garcia
Second place, Falcons Landing, David Garcia
Most Effective Use of Small Space
Second place, Tall Oaks, David Garcia
Arlington diocese awards
Best Use of Video on Social Media — The Clergy — Diocesan and National News Organizations
Second place, “Day in the Life of a Catholic Priest,” Kerry Nevins, Hannah Camerota, and Mary Brodeur
Best Video — Social Justice Issues, Diocesan and National News Organizations
Honorable mention, “Bánica | On Mission in the Dominican Republic,” Hannah Camerota and Marvin Molina
