Commentator earns 10 LPA awards

The Catholic Commentator won 10 awards in the annual Louisiana Press Association Better Newspaper Competition announced June 30.

One of the three first place awards won by the paper was for a special section honoring the 60th anniversary of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.

The Commentator also finished third in the Division 5 General Excellence category.

Editor Richard Meek won the Sam Hanna Award for Best Regular Column, marking the third time he has won the award during his nine years at The Catholic Commentator, and fourth overall in his  career.

Meek also won a first place award for Best News Photo, taken in the Hurricane Ida-ravaged area of Dulac. He also won second and third place awards in Best Feature Story and Best Headline. 

Assistant editor Debbie Shelley won one second place award and two third place awards for photography and Best Feature Story.

“We are honored to have so many awards,” Meek said. “The first place award for the 60th anniversary special section is one that is shared by the entire diocese, which has such a rich history, diverse cultures and a faith-filled people.

“The award is a credit to all who live in the diocese, and the paper was privileged to be able to honor 60 years of spiritual devotion.”