PRIZES: The Evangelist cited for articles, photos Coverage of 9/11, teenagers honored

Dave Oxford, whose photographs appear every week, won a prize in all four categories he entered.

The awards were presented during the annual convention of the Catholic Press Association, held this week in Minneapolis. The competition is judged by a panel of journalists from the secular and religious press.

The awards are:

* First prize for best portrait to Dave Oxford for "From age to age." Said the judges: "Recognizing that his subject's face said it all, Dave Oxford took this captivating, up-close portrait against a totally bare backdrop so there would be no distractions. This is definitely a case where a 'headshot' deserved to be given almost a half-page of space."

* First prize for best scenic or still-life photo to Mr. Oxford for his picture of a hummingbird. The judges termed it "a stunning photo. The colors are beautiful, and the framing and clarity of the photo show this is the work of a true professional."

* Second place for best photo-illustration to Dave Oxford for "They are priests forever." The judges noted that "to illustrate a special section on priests, he chose an image central to the priesthood: the Eucharistic celebration. The simple close-up of the hands on the cup speaks volumes."

* Second prize for best feature photo to Dave Oxford for "Candle Concentration." He "focused on just the right spot, at just the right moment, capturing memorable images of children in our Church," said the judges.

* Second prize for best personality profile to Kate Blain, assistant editor, for her article, "There's more to Traci than Tourette's," a profile of Traci Salisbury, an East Greenbush teenager. "Every judge had something nice to say about this story," the panel reported. "It's an excellent story about how a teenager and her classmates and friends deal with a difficult disease, Tourette's Syndrome. The subject has been treated as a joke on TV, but here we have both a moving and informative treatment of the subject."

* Third prize for best analysis/background/round-up writing for The Evangelist's in-depth coverage of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2002. The coverage appeared in two special issues after the attacks. The judges called the work "a strong effort to cover Sept. 11 and its aftermath."

* Third prize for best regular column on Scripture to "Good News For Kids," Ms. Blain's column on the Sunday Gospel that is aimed at little children. "Cheers for Kate Blain for making the Scriptures accessible to young readers," said the judges. "It's a good concept."

* Honorable mention for best reporting on teenagers for The Evangelist's teen issue, which appeared in November. This annual special issue has won a prize almost every year since it began about 15 years ago.

(05-30-02)

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