Criterion senior reporter receives
several journalism awards

Criterion staff report

The Criterion’s Mary Ann Wyand was recently honored for excellence in journalism by several organizations.

Wyand was named the first-place winner of the Knights of Columbus Father Michael J. McGivney Award for Distinguished Volunteerism Journalism during the Catholic Press Association Awards Banquet in Nashville, Tenn., on May 26.

Still, the senior reporter for The Criterion said the best part of the national award is that it includes a $250 contribution to the charity of her choice.

Wyand designated that the contribution be made to the Cathedral Kitchen and Food Pantry in Indianapolis—the subject of the story that earned her the award.

“I’m very pleased that the cash award enables the Cathedral Kitchen to receive much-needed financial assistance,” said Wyand, who is a member of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Indianapolis.

She also received $250 for the award, which honors the spirit of Father McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Wyand also received “honorable mention” recognition at the Catholic Press Association convention from the National Right to Life Committee. That award was for a 2005 story she wrote about Suzanne Vitadamo, the sister of the late Terri Schiavo, who speaks against the “Right To Die” movement. Vitadamo was the keynote speaker at the 2005 Right to Life of Indianapolis fund-raising dinner, .

“National Right to Life recognizes outstanding journalism in the interest of the most vulnerable among us, the unborn, the elderly and people with disabilities,” noted the plaque honoring Wyand’s stoy.

Wyand also recently received three awards from the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana. She earned a first place for editing a special commemorative supplement in 2005 about the life of the late Pope John Paul II. That special edition of The Criterion advances to the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest for judging later this year.

She also received honorable mention recognition in the state contest for the 2005 Vacation/Travel Supplement and for her story about Vitadamo.

“It is always affirming when our staff is recognized for its dedication to our mission,” said Criterion editor Mike Krokos. “We congratulate Mary Ann for her good work.” †