The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

MIJA
The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

MIJA
The Official Site of the Missouri Interscholastic Journalism Association

MIJA
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January Photo of the Month Winners Announced

February 4, 2026

JANUARY WINNERS

FIRST PLACE: Shelby Levan/Westwood Baptist

Elliana Peal and Ethan Peal perform during the US Figure Skating Championships at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, MO, on Saturday, Jan. 10. The Peals finished in 12th place in the Ice Dancing championship with a combined score of 169.60. (Shelby Levan/Westwood Baptist)

Judges Comments: The effort to access this event is notable. The angle is eye level and the photo clarity at the peak of action is excellent.

 

SECOND PLACE: Kayla Franklin/Liberty

PRO-PROTEST Senior Adnan Rathore strides through the crowd during the ICE protest on Jan. 27. Early Tuesday, after preparation, LHS students marched out during their fourth hour to protest against ICE. Thanks to social media, spreading the word created a huge crowd out on the LHS football field. “I’m super happy with the turnout and glad we were able to spread our message through LHS,” Rathore said. (Kayla Franklin/Liberty)

Judges Comments: We love this emotion and action-filled breaking news photo. Nice framing of the subject.

 

THIRD PLACE: Brian Mayer/Oak Park

Senior Harlie Underwood does the “Color Shout” chant with all the cheerleaders in the game against Park Hill South on Friday, Jan. 30. The Northmen went on to win the game 53-37. (Brian Mayer/Oak Park)

Judges Comments: Repetition, as well as a break in the repetition, is what makes this photo stand out. We love the emotion in the shot.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

IMG_1414 (1) - AVERY MARTIN - STUDENT (2) - GRACE PODJESKI
Avery Martin/Rockwood Summit
As students walk into the winter pep rally, senior Trinity Buetow smiles toward the senior student section while performing the fight song. The winter pep rally on Jan. 23 hosted a variety of games and performances by the cheer and dance teams. “Performing in my last pep rally as a senior was really full circle. I remember my first ever pep rally and how nervous I was, but now I'm sad I will never get to perform at a pep rally again,” Buetow said.
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