By Bobby Ross Jr.
OKLAHOMA CITY — I was pleased to win first place for outstanding column/commentary in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2026 annual contest.
The SPJ honored my April 19, 1995, column for Religion Unplugged on the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.
In the Best of the Best competition, I earned second place for Reporter of the Year for a portfolio of five stories for The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged:
1. “In secular France, Christians work to bring old life to new monastery” from Marseille, France.
2. “A pitch to follow Jesus: Baseball fans embrace players’ faith testimonies” from Detroit.
3. “‘Most severely injured’ OKC bombing survivor overcomes evil with good” from Oklahoma City.
4. “COVID miracle: At the pandemic’s 5-year anniversary, it’s time to tell the story” from Atoka, Okla.
5. “Faith, hope and LA: The positive side of reporting on too many disasters” from Altadena, Calif.
In addition, I received third place for outstanding profile for my Christian Chronicle story on bombing survivor Susan Walton and fourth place for outstanding sports report for my Religion Unplugged feature on a faith day event at a Detroit Tigers game.
In my career, I’ve been blessed to claim over 100 Oklahoma SPJ awards since 1993, including first place for Reporter of the Year three times (2021, 2024 and 2025) and second place two other times (2022 and 2018).
Related news on awards for 2025 stories:
• Religion News Association honors Bobby Ross Jr. with eighth Excellence in Religion Reporting Award
• Bobby Ross Jr.’s ‘Faith in France’ series wins two Evangelical Press Association national awards
• Bobby Ross Jr. honored as 2026 Diamond Journalist of the Year finalist
• Best in Class for 10th time: Christian Chronicle wins Associated Church Press’ top award
