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The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

MIJA
The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

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December Photo of the Month Winners Announced

January 10, 2024

DECEMBER WINNERS

First Place:  Josh Gornet, Fort Zumwalt High School

“Violinist Ayman Amerin, performs a solo, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in O’Fallon, Missouri.
Ayman performed the solo during Fort Zumwalt West High’s yearly winter orchestra concert using an electric violin recently purchased using bond money. (The Predator/Josh Gornet) “

Judge’s Comments: What a gorgeous shot! I love the angle from below and you utilized strong subject to avoid any distracting background. The lighting on his face is beautiful and exposure is perfect. I even like the artsy light flares for a dramatic touch.

Second Place:  Kyzer Strawbridge, Webster Groves 

Splash to dash! Junior Mathilda Wedemeyer hits the water at the girls’ swim meet against Parkway Central on Dec. 7. Even with a loss, the swim team always pushes itself and others to do the best they can. “Being the best version of myself when it comes to swim is always my goal. I want the hard worker I am at practice to pay off at the meets,” Wedemeyer said.

Judge’s Comments: I love this swim photo because we see her face! Great use of fast shutter speed and completely in focus. A little underexposed but definitely worth it for the clarity.

Third Place: Emma Franklin, Kickapoo High School

” With the colder season approaching quickly, it’s time to bust out the hot chocolate packets! Don’t be boring; zest up your hot cocoa with a unique flavor such as orange.
“”Putting orange zest in my hot chocolate is something I never thought I would enjoy, but I tried it one day and fell in love with it. The two flavors pair well together and blend smoothly,”” senior Alley Ackerman said.

Judge’s Comments: Food photography is hard to do well, but you aced it here. Beautiful lighting and the bokeh effect in the background really adds a special touch, but the focus is all on the perfectly styled orange hot chocolate.

Honorable Mentions

cooleycaleb_12339_21523988_CalebCooley_12_13_jazzbandconcert.Jpg - Cherie B
Caleb Cooley (Staley)
In the performing arts center Dec. 15, freshman Kenyi Yoyo, sophomore Christopher Hof, senior Ethan Ashworth and sophomore Wyatt Stark perform with the jazz band. It was their first concert of the school year. “I was feeling prepped and ready since we’ve been practicing for a couple months now,” Yoyo said.
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