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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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February Photo of the Month Winners Announced

March 11, 2024

FEBRUARY WINNERS

First Place:  Kendyl Lay, Francis Howell Central

Senior Noah Keen celebrates winning a state title in the 138-pound weight class. Keen was the only male Spartan wrestler to win a title at the Class 4 Missouri championships over the weekend of Feb. 23-24. (Kendyl Lay (FHC))

Judge’s Comments: What an amazing reaction photo! Framed perfectly, great exposure and crystal clear. Plus, you captured a fantastic, storytelling moment. Nice work!

Second Place:  Finn Wenta, Park Hill South

Rozella Ranes, Junior, belts out a powerful and emotional solo song in the final act of the Musical “Into The Woods.” (Finn Wenta (PHS))

Judge’s Comments: Always nice to see something that isn’t sports–the girl is framed perfectly with the background, is in focus and the lighting works well, which is hard with stage lighting.

Third Place: Anna Simms, Liberty (Wentzville) 

Jumping high into the air, senior Evan Hargrove drives the lane for a layup as Fort Zumwalt South senior Luke Bass attempts to block the ball. “I try to not let anything affect me emotionally when playing,” Hargrove said. “My mind is normally focused on the possession that is currently happening.” Unfortunately, Liberty fell to South with a final score of 54-36. Both teams are tied atop the GAC Central standings with 8-2 league records. Hargrove has been playing basketball since he was in second grade and will continue to play in college. (Anna Simms (Liberty-W))

Judge’s Comments: A great example of a sports action photo–nice composition, good exposure, the ball is in it and it perfectly freezes the action/motion.

Honorable Mentions

ali singing drake - Christina Geabhart
Brynlee Tucker (OakPark)
Surrounded by Black Student Union members holding up their phone lights, senior Ali Habila and friends sing “God’s Plan” by Drake during the BHM assembly. The BSU planned for weeks for this assembly, which drew an audience large enough to move it from the theater to the main gym.
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