LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 1, 2025) — May 2025 University of Kentucky journalism graduate Abbey Cutrer placed second in the Hearst National Photojournalism Competition in June.
The competition, held in San Francisco, challenged contestants to create an original photo story based on a provided prompt in three days. Cutrer’s second place finish also earned her a $7,500 award.
Her chosen photo story centered on Rosario Marcias, a 37-year-old single mother and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipient, who Cutrer said dedicates all of her time to supporting her family despite hardship and instability.
“Documenting her life was such an honor and it was a highlight of the trip,” Cutrer said.
Cutrer described the Hearst championship as “so much more than a competition” and was able to network with editors and contest judges who gave valuable advice.
“Earning the second place national title while representing UK and our growing journalism program is one of the greatest honors I’ll ever have,” Cutrer said. “I’m so thankful for the Hearst program for making this possible, and I’m looking forward to continuing to tell the important stories and showing the humanity in the headlines every day.”
David Stephenson, an associate professor in the School of Journalism and Media, said he couldn’t ask for a better person than Cutrer to represent UK’s journalism program at the national level.
“She’s a brilliant journalist, thoughtful photographer and compassionate human being, and you can see all of that in her second place story,” Stephenson said. “I’m so proud of her and excited that her hard work and talent is being rewarded and recognized.”
Cutrer earned the chance to compete in the national championship by accumulating points throughout the year in other Hearst photojournalism competitions.
View photos from the finalists and learn more about the championship here.
