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MIJA
The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

MIJA
The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

MIJA

January Photo of the Month Winners Announced

February 7, 2024

JANUARY WINNERS

First Place:  Anna Simms, Liberty (Wentzville) High School

During the seventh annual talent show, junior Divya Kollipara performs a classic dance originating from southern India known as Bharatanatyam.”Dance means everything to me,” Kollipara said. “I can put in all my emotions into it and create an amazing performance that people can enjoy.” Kollipara said. At the end of the night, Kollipara was announced as the judges choice winner of the talent show. “I was not expecting to win, I felt very honored and grateful that I won.” (Anna Simms)

Judge’s Comments: This photo blew me away! Beautiful color, perfect exposure and all on a stage. I love the frozen motion in perfect focus and lovely composition.

Second Place:  Sydney Davis, Liberty (Wentzville) High School

POM-VERSE-AY Belles senior Ashleigh Kayser performs ‘pom’ in the halftime routine during the boy’s game on Jan. 19. Kayser hit a reverse to a split, in the center of the court placed between Seniors Abby Dickerson and Campbell Bahr. Kayser’s favorite routine is the ‘22 pom routine, ‘Momma Mia.’ Senior Belles teammate Ellie Crangle noticed Kayser’s strengths and said, “She is always pushing herself to try new things. She shows up everyday with a positive attitude and is such a crucial part of our team.” (Sydney Davis)

Judge’s Comments: Such a great moment captured here–great use of fast shutter speed and depth of field to create depth in the photo and focus on the dancers… plus, those faces!

Third Place: Talia Brown, Staley High School

At the Jan. 3 varsity dual, junior Zayne Reynolds works to secure the takedown. The 66-9 home dual win was against Lee’s Summit High School. “I thought did good as an individual, and I thought I contributed to the team very well,” Reynolds said. (Talia Brown)

Judge’s Comments: Wrestling photos can be so awkward, but this one is just fascinating–legs and arms everywhere and one guy missing a head. The lighting is dramatic and I love the shadows–just a bit underexposed but that can be expected with the spotlight lighting. Worth it to capture a cool moment.

Honorable Mentions

January_POTM+-+Mary+Prichard
Gallery • 8 Photos
Aixa Ramirez (NKC)
LEAN INTO IT: Sliding under her opponent from Sumner High School, junior Jennifer Lopez-Alvarado gets ready to take down the competition on Jan. 24. Lopez-Alvarado won her match, and the NKC wrestling team won the team victory over Sumner, 72-12. "To physically prepare myself for a match, I blast old reggaeton music in my headphones to get me pumped. I try not to get inside my head before a match, so I just put my focus on the songs I’m listening to. Before I step on the mat, I tell myself 'you got this' and give my coach a high five for encouragement," Lopez-Alvarado said.
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Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association
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Columbia, MO 65205
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