Journalists from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming have been honored for their hard work in the 2026 Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism contest. Winners were announced at a reception Saturday, April 25, at the Slate Hotel in downtown Denver.
The contest for professional journalists is sponsored by the Colorado Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists on behalf of SPJ chapters in Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming.
Top of the Rockies is a regional, multi-platform contest for reporters and news organizations in the four states. The contest grew from a Colorado-only contest on the heels of the closure of the Rocky Mountain News in 2009 to ensure a robust and competitive field.
The 2026 contest had nearly 2,100 entries – the largest field ever – from 100 news media outlets and 25 freelancers. The entries were judged by journalists in southern California.
“We are pleased to honor so many journalists and media outlets for their tireless journalistic efforts,” said Deb Hurley Brobst, SPJ Colorado Pro Chapter president and the contest’s coordinator. “We are seeing top-notch work from journalists throughout the region, no matter what the staff size.”
Entrants compete in four divisions based on newsroom staff size: extra-large newsrooms, large newsrooms, medium newsrooms and small newsrooms.
‘Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism’Southern Ute Drum 2026 SPJ Awards
- 1st Place: Social Justice Photography/Videography – Albuquerque welcomes Gathering of Nations – Jeremy Wade Shockley. Judges comment, “Strong, emotionally connected visuals – telling a heartbreaking story beautifully.”
- 2nd Place: Social Justice Photography/Videography – Walking with MMIR prayers – Robert L. Ortiz
- 3rd Place: Spot News Photography/Videography – Tribe calls for urgent action to address pipeline spill – Jeremy Wade Shockley
- 2nd Place: News Photography/Videography – Denver March Powwow fills Coliseum – Divine Windy Boy
- 1st Place: Feature Photography/Videography – First steps in habitat restoration for ‘Spring Creek Pasture’ – Jeremy Wade Shockley. Judges comment, “Compelling photo series highlighting the restoration of Spring Creek Pasture. From big machinery to portraits, the horizon is always clear.”
- 2nd Place: Feature Photography/Videography – Bear Dancing in White Mesa – Divine Windy Boy
- 1st Place: Photo package – Utah celebrations: 4th of July Powwow! – Divine Windy Boy. Judges comment, “Gorgeously crafted, emotional and artistic images that honor the creativity, skill, tradition, and energy of the celebration itself.”
- 2nd Place: Single Page Design – The Southern Ute Drum presents: Rodeo Special Section – Robert L. Ortiz