“In a tearful embrace during the Falcon Brigade’s Senior Night Oct. 25, senior Leah Folkman hugs junior Salma Castillo. At halftime, seniors were recognized and stepped out of their shoes to make way for underclassmen. “It was definitely an emotional feeling,” Castillo said. “I have a lot of friends that are seniors this year, since I’m a junior this year, and watching them have them their last marching season and knowing mine was coming up, too, was a sad feeling, but also a joyous feeling because I’m glad I got to be there in that moment with them.” (Savannah Keen/Staley)
Judge’s Comments: Such a great job capturing an emotional moment–perfect exposure and great composition. I love how you filled the frame and used depth of field to focus just on the girls.
Second Place (TIE): Tommy Ruffin, North Kansas City High School, and Preston Cruz, Parkway South High School
COMEBACK: Passing the ball to senior wide receiver Gionni McBride, junior Stephen Thomas Jr. throws a crucial third-down pass while trailing 28-21. The Hornets went on to score this drive and defeat Park Hill South, 36-35. “Nobody can beat us but us. We just gotta go out there and play Hornet football and get the win,” Thomas Jr. said. (Tommy Ruffin/NKCHS)
Junior defensive back Lamont Foster knocks the ball away from his Parkway West opponent in the West endzone during the game on Nov. 1. The Patriots lost to the Longhorns, 28-13. (Preston Cruz/ParkwaySouth)
Judge’s Comments: I couldn’t choose between these two excellent football action photos. Great job capturing Friday Night Lights–crystal clear moments frozen in time. Just beware of intrusions!
Third Place: Camden Hale, Winnetonka High School
GIVE HER A CROWN, As everyone shows her there love and support, Senior Lea Henley shows her emotion as she gets crowned queen during halftime of the homecoming game on OCT. 11 as Winnetonka beats William Chrisman 42-20. (Camden Hale/Winnetonka)
Judge’s Comments: I see a lot of Homecoming Queen reaction photos, but this one has beautiful color, perfect exposure and displays true joy. Could’ve maybe been cropped to be a vertical photo to lose the lady in the black, but it works.
Honorable Mentions (this was another tough month for judging–SO MANY great photos!)
Sophomore Timothy Niccum represents his class well in the annual Homecoming doughnut-eating competition, choking down his 5th doughnut as classmate Savannah Kincaid signals the judging booth and Elvie Wagner (back left) and Alex Bates watch in disbelief from behind.
