Join SPJ San Diego in celebrating the best work of San Diego’s journalists during our annual awards celebration on June 25, 2026.

The Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter will hold its annual journalism awards ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Novo Brazil Brewing in Mission Valley. First-, second- and third-place, special and top awards will be presented to professional and college journalists. In addition, the 2026 Journalist of the Year will be announced and scholarships will be presented to college students. Don’t miss out on mixing with your fellow journalists from the San Diego region.

There will be a buffet dinner along with desserts, coffee, tea and lemonade provided. Novo Brazil will have a no-host bar option for those wanting to purchase alcohol or sodas. This event will be held outside on Novo’s patio.

Early bird tickets are $50 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Then regular tickets are $65, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up tickets will be $75 at the door.

Reserved tables for 8 can be purchased for $500 through June 19. Those purchasing a table also need to email the names of their table’s attendees to spjsandiego@gmail.com by June 23.

Discounts for college students are being offered. Student early bird tickets are $35 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Regular student tickets are $40, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up student tickets will be $45 at the door.

Buy your tickets early to save money and before they sell out.

Buy your ticket here: http://tinyurl.com/SPJ-SD26awards

Thank you to all who entered our 2026 SPJ San Diego journalism awards competition! We are very excited to celebrate with you on June 25 at Novo Brazil Brewing in Mission Valley. Network with fellow journalists, enjoy delicious food and drinks and cheer on the winners.

Save the date and get ready to toast to outstanding journalism! More details on tickets to come!

Drum roll please…

Below is a list of our winners! Congratulations!

Attention all student journalists, storytellers and multimedia creators! SPJ San Diego is thrilled to announce that we’re offering an epic opportunity for you to elevate your academic journey with our prestigious scholarships!

This year, we’re excited to award multiple scholarships to outstanding local college students. Whether your expertise shines in print, photojournalism or video/audio/multimedia, these scholarships are designed to encourage and empower the next generation of media movers and shakers.

Scholarships overview:

• Up to six $1,575 San Diego Area Journalism Awards Merit Scholarships for San Diego County college students
  • Categories: print, photojournalism, video/audio/multimedia
• Agnes Diggs Road to College Scholarship: $1,520
• Bradley J. Fikes Scholarship: $1,000
• All scholarships recognize outstanding student journalists while honoring some of San Diego’s top reporters.
• Non-county students must submit their ties to San Diego County in order to qualify.
• See the PDF document below for the application requirements.

Special Memorial Scholarships:

In homage to the legacies of two remarkable journalists, we’re honored to offer two memorial scholarships:

• The Agnes Diggs Road to College Scholarship of $1,520—celebrating the profound impact of the late North County Times columnist.
• The Bradley J. Fikes Scholarship of $1,000—in memory of the esteemed San Diego Union-Tribune reporter, whose dedication to the craft continues to inspire.

The deadline to submit your scholarship application is swiftly approaching! Ensure your chance to be considered by applying before 9 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026.

To submit your application please fill out this Google Form for the 2026 Journalism Scholarships. See the PDF document below for the application requirements.

Good luck to all applicants!

We need judges!! 

Ever wonder how the SPJ contest runs and what happens after you submit your entries? Our entries in San Diego actually go to judges in other parts of the country while we get entries from our judging partners in other cities. This year, we need your help judging the entries from our judging partners in other cities. 

Sign up to help us judge and get $10 off your 2026 awards ceremony ticket. Contact Elizabeth by March 18 at spjsandiego@gmail.com.