San Quentin hosts American Penal Press Contest

October 8, 2025

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center became the stage for a historic moment in prison journalism with the revival of the American Penal Press Contest.

Once dubbed the “Pulitzer behind bars,” the Sept. 19 contest honored incarcerated writers and editors from across the country for the first time in more than 30 years.

San Quentin News took home first place for Best Newspaper. It’s a proud achievement for one of the nation’s most recognized prison publications.

From Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF), the Paper Trail newsroom had several standout moments. Diana Lovejoy earned Best Opinion Piece for Nutritional Rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Megan Hogg took first place for Best Local Coverage.

Watch the video (story continues below):

And earlier in the ceremony, Paper Trail designer Nora Igova made history as the first-ever Woman Prison Journalist of the Year.

The contest also honored leadership, with Jesse Carson, Editor-in-Chief of the Mule Creek Post, named Newsroom Leader of the Year.

Inside the San Quentin Chapel, the announcements were met with cheers. Meanwhile incarcerated newsrooms around the country joined by livestream to celebrate their peers.

This contest is an important platform for incarcerated voices to be heard, respected, and shared nationwide, according to organizers.

The full list of winners is available on the contest’s website: 2025 Winners

By the Office of Public and Employee Communications
Video by Richard Tan, TV Specialist