The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Top of the Rockies awards were announced last month. Now that we’ve got a couple big projects behind us, I want to take a quick moment to congratulate the Boulder Weekly team on their wins.
Longmont reporter Tyler Hickman won for his beautiful story and photos covering that city's dia de muertos celebrations, the longest-running in the state. Our impeccable arts and culture editor, Jezy J. Gray, picked up yet another win for his critical coverage — certainly the best in the county, and now officially the third-best in four states! I was so excited for graphic designer Chris Sawyer to win his first-ever journalism award for his amazing covers. (I suspect there will be more, since this is also his first-ever journalism job.)
We don’t enter a lot of contests: Every entry costs money, and we usually have our hands full just getting out the paper each week. Top of the Rockies covers four states (Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Utah). More than 80 outlets and 20 freelancers competed.
Why are we telling you? Because when you open your paper each week, know you really are getting the very best. (And because it's nice to brag on the hard-working folks who make this all happen every week.)
There's another reason, and it's the two citizen journalists who won their respective categories.
Jenn Ochs won first place for her columns on disability rights, justice and advocacy, along with sharing some of her personal journey as a wheelchair user. As one of the judges wrote, “What a wonderful learning experience, to learn about the incredible difficulties but also unexpected joys experienced by someone who became disabled while approaching midlife. With such clear, careful writing, each column feels like a new adventure that those of us who don't face the same obstacles can empathetically share in.”
Andrea Steffes-Tuttle picked up a first place prize for her reporting on private equity’s increasing investment in Colorado child care. She was the first journalist in the state to raise this dire issue, and her work — along with other media outlets’ subsequent coverage — even inspired legislation to reign in harmful practices.
These women aren't "formally" trained journalists. But they are outstanding in their respective fields. Their wins show what can be accomplished when community members partner with journalists to bring important stories to life. As I've said, you all are the real experts: You know what's going on; we know how best to present it clearly and thoughtfully (and do a thorough fact check).
Thank you to Andrea and Jenn for lending their expertise and talent. Our community — our world — is better for it.
Boulder Weekly’s Top of the Rockies wins
Jenn Ochs - 1st place: personal/humor column
Andrea Steffes-Tuttle - 1st place: business enterprise reporting, "Private equity moves into Colorado child care"
Chris Sawyer - 1st place: front page design
Tyler Hickman - 2nd place: short-form feature, "Longmont residents honor families at oldest Day of the Dead celebration in Colorado"
Jezy Gray - 3rd place: arts, entertainment and food criticism
(Team award) Newsletter - 1st place