El Mensajero Católico recently won six awards from the New York Press Association for work produced in 2014.
The NYPA, a trade organization representing the state’s nondaily community newspapers, presented the awards March 27-28 during its annual convention in Saratoga Springs.
El Mensajero won the following awards:
Best Use of Photos on Website: El Mensajero‘s Spanish-language website, https://en.elmensajerorochester.com, received a first-place award in this category.
"This home page gives more prominence to photo offerings with more links to photo galleries prominently displayed — and in an informative and inviting way," the judges wrote. "This shows that an importance is placed on the photos and ease of access to the viewer. The links take the viewer to a page where the photos are easily viewed without having to click through from one to the next. It is a nice presentation and maximizes the attention given to the great photos."
Sports Feature Photo, Division 3 (8,001-plus circulation): Former New Media Coordinator Sam Oldenburg won first place for a June 2014 photo of a team and its coach cheering during the opening day of the Rochester Hispanic Youth Baseball League.
"Excitement, intensity and togetherness captured all together in one photo," the judge commented.
Photographer of the Year: Oldenburg won third place for a body of work produced during 2014.
"Good job capturing gesture and expression to your images," the judges wrote. "I would like to see some spot news and action sports as well as the feature images."
Best Use of Video: Oldenburg received a third-place award for his video of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini parishioners praying the Stations of the Cross at various locations in Rochester.
"The opening shot of the cross being carried into the frame is wonderful!" the judges said. "The juxtaposition of the traffic crossing in front and the religious scene is interesting. Was Metro Liquor sign intentionally included? If so, brilliant. Again, the juxtaposition of the modern city scene with the reenactment adds an interesting dimension. The shot of the people in the yard watching as the group moves into the shot demonstrates careful planning of the footage. Tough to do with a moving scene. It was not an easy event on which to make a compelling video."
Coverage of Education, Division 3 (8,001-plus circulation): Staff Writer Annette Jiménez won third place for her 2014 coverage of the Rochester City School District.
"You made the students and their accomplishments really shine!" the judges commented.
Coverage of Religion: An honorable mention went to Jiménez, Staff Writer Mike Latona and former Staff Writer Amy Kotlarz for articles that were published in the July and December editions.
"Good mix of stories explaining the intersection of faith and culture," the judges noted.
