The Leaven took home 12 Catholic Press Association awards at this year’s virtual Catholic Media Conference. We are grateful for the opportunity to provide award-winning content for our readers!
First place
Best reporting on vocations
‘But the Greatest of These is Love’
By Joe Bollig
This story dealt with the archdiocesan seminarian pilgrimage to visit the poor of Mexico City.
Judges’ comments: The language of the author allowed the reader to really connect with the vocation and its mission. Layout and visuals only enhanced a great piece.
Best multiple picture package – feature
It’s Your Move
By Lori Wood Habiger
This photo package followed a chess tournament featuring Wyandotte County Catholic school students.
Judges’ comments: Beautiful photos that show a range of emotions, often through technical skills: precise framing and depth of field and point of view.
Best multiple picture package – sports
Pitching for Priests
By Jay Soldner
The annual Pitching for Priests game was a hit with the judges.
Judges’ comments: The photographer takes on unique subject matter in this package, not just game action, but surrounding atmosphere that is just as important to give a sense of the whole picture for the viewer.
Second place
Best layout of article
Striking a Blow for Kids
By Todd Habiger
Judges’ comments: There is fluid, clean design throughout, with ample white space on the first page to allow the large, anchoring photo to take hold of the reader.
Best Analysis
Death Be Not Proud
By Marc and Julie Anderson
The complex issue of euthanasia is covered thoroughly in this article.
Judges’ comments: The article is well-written with multiple sources and points of view on the controversial issue.
Best Reporting on a Special Age Group
Children and Teens Younger than 18
Striking a Blow for Kids
By Jill Ragar Esfeld
This article details how a historic church was remade into a community center.
Judges’ comments: This is an all-around engaging piece of work. I really like all the quotations to engage readers.
Third place
Best personality profile
Boys to Men
By Todd Habiger
Longtime Benedictine football coach Larry Wilcox is the subject of this personality profile.
Judges’ comments: The author seems to perfectly depict the subject’s core purpose and selflessness.
Best photograph — portrait
Ministry of Music
By Jay Soldner
Shaun Whisler, music director at Corpus Christi Parish in Lawrence, shines in this portrait.
Judges’ comments: Energy conveyed through a quality photograph. Inspirational power of music beams through.
Best Feature Writing
50 Years Later I Still Miss It
By Olivia Martin and Ellie Melero
Honorable mention
Best reporting on a special age group
Senior citizens
100 for 100
By Moira Cullings
A profile on centenarian Melba Mills and how she helped the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate 100 years of the NFL.
Best reporting on a sacrament
Juvenile prisoners prepare to confess to Pope Francis
By Olivia Martin
A touching story about how juvenile prisoners in Panama had their confession heard by Pope Francis at World Youth Day.
Best reporting of social justice issues
One pickup truck at a time
By Jill Ragar Esfeld
This story deals with one man’s experience with payday loans and how Catholic Charities helped him get out of debt.
