Recognized at 2026 NMPA Better Newspaper Foundation Contest
Amerika Rougemont, Reporter
GRANTS, N.M. - The Cibola Citizen, operating with a team of just two and a half employees, achieved success at the 2026 New Mexico Press Association (NMPA) Foundation Better Newspaper Contest.
Despite its small size, the newsroom consisting of one sales ad representative, one full-time reporter, and one part-time reporter secured nine awards across editorial, design, and promotional categories. The accolades were officially presented during the annual Awards Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Editor Diego Lopez received 1st place in Environmental & Agriculture Reporting for his dedicated coverage of regional conservation and natural resource challenges. Lopez was also recognized for his local advocacy and investigative work, earning 2nd place in both the Public Service category and the Sunshine Award, which celebrates journalists who actively fight for government transparency and public record access. He also secured second place in Community Event Promotion for his engaging public event advertisements.
General Manager and Sales Ad Rep Sylvia Anzures Gonzales earned two 1st place awards. Her internal marketing campaign to support the newspaper’s community presence won top honors for Self-Promotion or a House Ad, while her creative ad increasing subscriber growth won 1st place for Print Subscription Promotion.
The collective work of the small team was further recognized with three collaborative staff awards. The Cibola Citizen Staff earned a 1st place win for Shared / Signature Page, recognizing their ability to coordinate local business sponsorships around cohesive community themes or holiday greetings. Additionally, the team earned 2nd place honors in both Best Special Section and Best Magazine, recognizing the publication’s high standard for standalone print guides and editorial layout design.