The judges watch as Audrey McCann performs a backwards dive on Feb. 5. McCann ended GACs in first place. (Jacob Banks, Francis Howell Central)
Judges Comments: Perfectly stopped action with no blur, even in the diver’s hair, makes this photo stand out. The judges, flags and diver layers provide interesting depth. Great leading lines from the flags, and the light shining on the judges add additional elements of interest.
SECOND PLACE:Issaline Tiburzi, Kirkwood High School
Livie Losse, a Kirkwood junior, drives past the Hazelwood West defense with determination during a close game. The Pioneers narrowly lost 51-50, missing a last-second shot to secure the win. (Issaline Tiburzi)
Judges Comments: Capturing a peak moment of action doesn’t always require a player taking a shot. It can be an intense moment between offense and defense, like this picture. We can see both players’ faces as well as the rest of their bodies very clearly. Good white balance, exposure and clarity.
THIRD PLACE: Julia Worley, Rockwood Summit
Science teacher Sarah Moonier reacts emotionally as her daughter, sophomore Katie Moonier, announces that she won Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Moonier was presented with the award on Feb. 17. This marks Mrs. Moonier’s second Teacher of the Year award, after winning in 2014. “It was really cool that my daughter got to be a part of it. When you’re a teacher and your kid is in the building, it’s a really special time as a teacher. You get to share so many experiences with your kid and see them grow up and everything, and so to be able to have her be a part of that, I know it’s gonna be a good core memory,” Mrs. Moonier said.
Judges Comments: Capturing an authentic reaction in the moment is challenging. Some people have big emotions, but most teachers would probably react like this — sincere surprise. Nice rules of third and focus. The caption really adds to the value of the picture.
Senior Donovan Fonville, Dunks, and hangs on the rim during the 3rd quarter of the basketball game against Oak Park, Fonville has been a consecutive point scorer for Park Hill's varsity basketball team since last year.
![Sophomore Grant Dinges (12) catches the ball to get a pickoff of junior Noah Johnson (5) of the Lafayette Lancers. Summit defeated the Lafayette Lancers on April 14 with a final score of 12-4. “I [call a pick] whenever there is a fast runner at second or their lead is getting really big,” Dinges said.](https://mipajournalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_7204-GRACE-PODJESKI-1200x751.jpg)
