The Colorado Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced the winners of the Top of the Rockies Excellence in Journalism competition on Saturday, April 5, in Denver following the SPJ 2025 Region 9 Conference. The Southern Ute Drum won 9 awards across multiple categories from excellence in newspaper design and photography to multimedia features.
This year, more than 80 news media outlets and 20 freelancers from Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and New Mexico entered the contest, which was judged by the Los Angeles Press Club. In all, the contest saw more than 1,850 entries.
Reporter/Photographer, Divine Windy Boy earned three awards for excellence in photojournalism and reporting, including a first-place win in News Photography/Videography for her coverage of a Vietnam Veterans Day recognition event. “The colorful image captures the contrast of the people and the emotion,” said one contest judge of Windy Boy’s winning photograph.
Divine Windy Boy also earned a second-place win in reporting for her education feature titled, “Education looks to the future and honors the past.”
Southern Ute Drum Reporter/Videographer, Conrad Thompson brought home a first-place win in the Social Justice Photography/Videography category for his multimedia feature titled, “End of an era for Southern Ute Boarding School.” Which another judge describes as, “An important story with a number of complex elements, expertly threaded together, with both a variety of perspectives and a clear point of view.”
Southern Ute Drum Graphic Specialist, Robert L. Ortiz won two awards – third place for newspaper design and second place in Social Justice Photography/Videography for his coverage of the MMIR Prayer Walk to bring awareness to Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
Editor, Jeremy Wade Shockley, earned a first-place win for Sports Photography/Videography for his rodeo coverage at the 102nd Southern Ute Tribal Fair, and a second-place win in Feature Photography for his photo essay titled, “All aboard the Polar Express.”
“Great action, and the image captures a high-energy chase showing the intent and drive in all elements,” described one contest judge in reference to Shockley’s winning rodeo photograph. Shockley also took home a third-place win in the news category for Ag and Environment.
“The competition continues to grow each year, and we are honored to highlight outstanding journalism throughout the four-state region,” said contest coordinator Deb Hurley Brobst. “These are hard-working journalists who deserve recognition of their efforts.”
Top of the Rockies is a regional, multi-platform contest for reporters and news organizations in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. According to the SPJ website, the contest grew from a Colorado-only contest after the closure of the Rocky Mountain News in 2009 to ensure a robust and competitive field. Entries compete in four divisions based on newsroom size. This year’s awards ceremony was held at the historic Slate Hotel in Denver.
Full list of 2024 Top of the Rockies awards
- 1st – News Photography/Videography: “A salute to Vietnam Veterans” – Divine Windy Boy
- 1st – Social Justice Photography/Videography: “End of an era for Southern Ute Boarding School” – Conrad Thompson
- 1st – Sports Photography/Videography: “Celebrating the 102nd Southern Ute Tribal Fair: Rodeo” – Jeremy Wade Shockley
- 2nd – Education Feature: “Education looks to the future and honors the past” – Divine Windy Boy
- 2nd – Feature Photography/Videography: “All aboard the Polar Express” – Jeremy Wade Shockley
- 2nd – Social Justice Photography/Videography: “MMIR Prayer Walk continues with support” – Robert L. Ortiz
- 3rd – Ag & Environment: News: “Wildlife agencies dedicate Cherry Creek Fish Passage” – Jeremy Wade Shockley
- 3rd – Feature Page Design: “Passing Down Traditions,” Section Front – Robert L. Ortiz
- 3rd – Feature Photography/Videography: “Honoring Veterans powwow style” – Divine Windy Boy