And we have a winner! Congratulations to Jennifer DiGenarro on winning the grand prize for the 2026 Rockaway Times Photo Contest! DiGenarro’s black and white shot of her son jumping off a surfboard and their dog, Beacon, coming to retrieve him, earned her first place out of hundreds of submissions.
After a rain delay the previous week, on Thursday, September 3, at a reception at The Rockaway Times office, the winners were announced. DiGenarro’s shot not only earned her a $500 grand prize, but this week’s cover feature and longtime bragging rights.
In second place was Keith Michael’s scene of a seagull holding a starfish around Beach 110th St. In third was Valerie Giammona’s surfer at sunset scene.
The Top 30, Top 10 and ultimately the Top 3 and winner were selected by a panel of about 12 judges from The Rockaway Times, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Ferry and NYC Parks. When we had our Top 30 and five honorable mentions, JBRPC generously made the photos into large posters that were then put on display by NYC Parks on the boardwalk and at the ferry landing all summer. All photographers in the Top 30 and honorable mentions were invited to pick up their posters last Thursday. Those who didn’t can contact the office at 718-634-3030 or editor@rockawaytimes.com to arrange pickup.
Winner, DiGenarro, was humble about her win. “I’m surprised I won! Everyone was so talented” she said. She was also surprised to learn her photo was a crowd favorite, with many calling The Rockaway Times office asking how they could get a print. “That makes me feel great. I’ve been an amateur photographer for a while, and it feels great to be recognized.”
She gave us the scoop on her superb shot. “This photograph was taken of my son Luca surfing and our dog, Beacon, who you can see in the bottom left who is a border collie and a herding dog,” DiGenarro said. “Luca goes out surfing, she swims out, and they come back together. It’s a fun photo because he’s getting ready to fall off and he sees the dog and Beacon’s trying to catch up.”
Second place winner, Keith Michael, was proud to have his work featured once again. “Thanks so much for including my photos again this year. It’s a wonderful celebration of the Rockaways,” he said.
Additionally, at the contest, The Rockaway Times dished out prizes for the America 250 decorating contest, the winners of which were announced in July. Overall winner, Denise Berardelli of Beach 134th St. said, “I was so excited to see our house as a winner in The Rockaway Times for the 250 years decoration contest!” Timothy and Catherine Parker of Beach 125th St. won first for most creative for their house featuring a beautiful mural. Parker said he met the muralist outside of Rockaway Bagel and hired him to paint his home with an eagle and flag. “For the 250th anniversary, we felt inspired to decorate! The muralist did a really nice job and we’re very happy,” Timothy Parker said.
Thank you to our Photo Contest partners at NYC Ferry, JBRPC and NYC Parks for making it happen, and to all of those who participated! Let this be a reminder to start snapping away! We announce our contest sometime in February and accept submissions through mid-April.
