The Observer
The official newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Rockford


An award winning newspaper since 1976

Northern Illinois University Journalism Department Awards
(NINA)

2008
Best innovative coverage of a routine event - 1st place

Best Religious Reporting - 2nd place

Best Special Section - 3rd place

Best Photo Series - 3rd place

2007
Best Religious Reporting - 1st place

Best Effort to Attract Young Readers - 1st place

Amanda Hudson --Honorable Mention -- Best Regular Column on Spiritual Life

Gary Haughton/Penny Wiegert -- Honorable Mention -- Best Promotional House Ad (Keep Watching)

Gary Haughton/Penny Wiegert -- Honorable Mention -- Best Promotional House Ad (The Wait is Almost Over)

Gary Haughton -- Honorable Mention -- Best Single Ad (b&w)

2006
The Observer -- First Place -- Spot News Story

Gary Haugton/Penny Wiegert – First Place – Large Advertisement (The Right Path

Gary Haughton/Dave Hougan -- Second Place -- Large Single Advertisement

 Penny Wiegert -- Third Place -- Spot News Story

2005
The Observer -- First Place -- Religion Reporting

Gary Haughton -- Third Place -- Large Advertisement

2004
Gary Haughton/Penny Wiegert -- Honorable Mention -- Large Advertisement

2003
Owen Phelps -- First Place -- Column

Amanda Hudson -- Honorable Mention -- Personality Feature

2002
Owen Phelps -- First Place -- Column

Owen Phelps -- Second Place -- In-Depth News Story

Amanda Hudson -- Third Place -- Spot News Photo

Owen Phelps -- Third Place -- Personality Feature

2001
Penny Wiegert -- Second Place -- News Story Series

2000
The Observer -- First Place -- In-Depth News Story

1999
The Observer -- First Place -- Column

1998
Amanda Hudson -- Third Place -- Science/Technology

Penny Wiegert/Sharon Boehlefeld -- Honorable Mention -- Single Advertisement

1994
Amanda Hudson -- Second Place -- Other Feature

1993
The Observer -- First Place -- Advertising Special Section

1985
The Observer -- First Place -- Best Local News Story

1984
The Observer   -- Second Place -- Single Advertisement

1982
The Observer -- Honorable Mention -- Public Service

1980
The Observer -- Honorable Mention -- Make-Up and Appearance     

1976
The Observer -- Honorable Mention -- Best Single Features  

Catholic Press Association Journalism Awards
(CPA)

2009
Sharon Boehlefeld -- 3rd place -- Best Promotional House Ad "Your Catholic News Source Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow"

2008
Amanda Hudson -- 1st place -- Best Feature Photo "Altar honors saint, benefits community"

2007
Amanda Hudson -- 3rd place -- Best General News Photo "New Gym is Opened & Blessed"

2006
Amanda Hudson -- Honorable Mention -- Best Reporting on Senior Citizens

2001
Penny Wiegert -- First Place -- Best Feature Writing

1991
The Observer -- First Place -- Best Single Ad

1986
The Observer -- Second Place -- Best Special Section

Owen Phelps -- Third Place -- Best Regular Column

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Award

2003
Penny Wiegert -- Honorable Mention -- Mission Series (Profiles of Peru)