The Colorado Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is seeking nominations for its 2026 individual awards of outstanding Colorado individuals who exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence in service to journalism. 

Nominations for Journalist of the Year, First Amendment Award, Keeper of the Flame and Educator of the Year can be submitted online by 10 p.m. MT on Monday, March 2. One or more people may be honored in each category.

Nominees should meet the following criteria: 

Journalist(s) of the Year: A journalist or journalists who produced extraordinary work in the previous calendar year, embodying the SPJ Code of Ethics to seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable and transparent. 

Keeper of the Flame: A lifetime achievement award recognizing a longtime journalist for their contributions to the profession and for leading and mentoring young journalists. This journalist has displayed extraordinary dedication to ethical, responsible journalism and professional integrity.

Educator of the Year: This award is given annually to recognize the outstanding work of an educator at a Colorado school.

First Amendment Award: This award recognizes journalists and allies who embody the exercise of a free and fair press and go above and beyond to hold governments accountable and speak truth to power. 

Winners will be honored at the SPJ Top of the Rockies awards reception on Saturday, April 25, at The Slate hotel in Denver.

• Click here to submit a nomination for one or more SPJ Colorado Pro individual awards.
• Click here for a roster of past winners.
• Questions? Email spjcolorado@gmail.com.