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The Evangelist won seven Catholic Media Association awards, including first-place honors for photographer Cindy Schultz and editor Mike Matvey. The awards were announced on the final night of the Catholic Media Conference in Phoenix on June 27.

Schultz won for Best Photograph — Sports Photo for her cover shot of the Catholic Central School girls’ basketball team celebrating after winning the Section II Class A title in the March 7, 2024 issue of The Evangelist.

“I have run out of words to describe the brilliant work of Cindy Schultz,” Matvey said. “She consistently delivers compelling photos and we are so lucky to have her working with us.”

Said one of the judges of Schultz’s award-winning photo: “When I saw this, I knew right away that this was the winner. Capturing the thrill of victory is so wonderful and the emotions and excitement earn an A+!”

Schultz also earned second-place honors in the Best Photograph — Priesthood, Religious or Diaconate category for her photo of the Sisters of the Presentation (below) cheering on the Catholic Central girls’ basketball team during their win in the state championship game in the March 21 edition.

“This delightful photo captures so many emotions among its subjects — cheer, support, anticipation, concern,” said the judges. “It also conveys something unique about the vocation of its subjects, not just to pray or to teach, but to support and encourage. It shows the true, real-world vocation of its subjects, in contrast to the mass media depiction of the grim, cloistered educator.”

Matvey earned first place (Best Reporting on Priesthood, Religious or Diaconate — One Shot), second place (Best In-Depth News/Special Reporting — Weekly) and third place honors (Best Feature Writing — Weekly), for his Dec. 12 story (top) on Father Daniel Corrou, a Jesuit priest and Saratoga Springs native, who works with the Jesuit Relief Services in Lebanon.

“This is everything Catholic communications should be,” one judge wrote. “The very down-to-earth interview gives us insight into the work of a thoughtful, bright, committed Jesuit doing incredible work. While guiding us through multiple political and social complexities, the author presents the authentic, challenging and hope-filled response of an American priest.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by your peers with so many top-flight professionals in each category,” Matvey said. “It is truly a blessing.”

Matvey also earned honorable mention in the Best News Writing on a Local or Regional Event — Weekly category for his July 31 story on the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in North Albany, which celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

Staff Writer Emily Benson also notched honorable-mention honors in the Best Reporting of Social Justice Issues — Life and Dignity of the Human Person category for her June 27 story on Katie Grogan and Shaunda Penny and their trailblazing miscarriage ministry in the Diocese of Albany. 

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