ATLANTIC CITY — “The Southern Cross” was among the winners in a national journalism competition sponsored by the Catholic Media Association. The awards it received included two first-places.
The Catholic Media Awards were presented on the evening of June 19, at the conclusion of the annual Catholic Media Conference, which began June 16 and was held this year at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
Assistant Editor Denis Grasska won first place in the “Best Feature Writing — Non-Weekly” category for an article about You Did It For Me, a nonprofit that provides donated clothing and community resources to the homeless and those at risk of falling into homelessness in East County. The article was the cover story for the November 2025 issue.
The contest judges wrote, “This piece was spellbinding! It effectively captures the candor shared in interviews, from the founder’s epiphany to the deacon’s enlightenment (‘I never thought of them as our neighbors before.’) through to the neighbor’s testimonial.”
Another first place — this time in the “Best Photograph – Immigration/Migration” category — went to photographer Charlie Neuman, a regular freelancer for “The Southern Cross.”
The judges said, “The image is a striking and beautifully composed photograph, using light and shadow to great effect while capturing a compelling expression that draws the viewer in and invites deeper curiosity.”
The photograph (pictured), which appeared on the cover of the December 2025 issue, depicted a woman at a candlelit prayer vigil for detained migrants outside the federal building in downtown San Diego.
Editor Aida Bustos and freelance photographer Charlie Neuman won honorable mention in the “Best Story and Photo Package – By Two Individuals or More” category for coverage of a prayer service and procession in solidarity with the immigrant community. The article and accompanying photos spanned three pages of the March 2025 issue, including the centerspread.
