Photojournalism
Scholastic Gold Key Winner
At the beginning of the anti-mask walkout, Ava Blanco ’23 stands on a truck in the student parking lot with other protestors and chants “We won’t wear it” Sept. 1. The goal of this protest was to stop the mask mandate.
Anti-Mask Walkout
Ivory Zucker ‘25 gestures negatively towards the crowd of anti-mask protestors at the anti-mask walkout in front of the school Sept. 1. Zucker and anti-mask protestors had multiple verbal confrontations, where both sides expressed their opinions passionately.
These photos truly demonstrate the conflict and strong emotions that transpired. I made sure to talk photos of both anti-mask students and students who opposed the anti-mask protestors. My goal was to communicate the emotions and tensions of this walkout to those who weren't at the walkout. The chaotic nature of this event was truly unbelievable and I wanted to capture this moment in history with my camera.
Gavin Hershberger ‘22 yells in frustration after slamming to the ground during the boys varsity basketball game against Highlands Ranch Jan. 21. The Jaguars’ upcoming game will be Jan. 28 against the ThunderRidge Grizzlies.
Chris Schlesinger ‘22 steals the ball during the first play of the boys varsity basketball game against Highlands Ranch Jan. 21. The Jaguars had a 52-37 win against the Falcons.
After a year without much school spirit due to COVID, students at my school were eagerly anticipating this basketball game against the Falcons. My intention was to capture not only the game's action, but player emotions and student excitement. I was able to truly capture the intensity of this game through the expression on Gavin Hershberger's face (image above). A foot away from me, he slammed to the ground and yelled. If I'm being honest here, that scared the daylights out of me. When looking at that image, you can feel what he feels in the moment.
School Board Protest at DCSD Headquarters
A protestor holds his sign saying “Don’t Whitewash my Education” Feb. 3. He sat on the brick sign outside the DCSD headquarters at the Wilcox Building during the protest.
Hundreds of staff members, students, and community members gathered to protest the DCSD board of education's alleged clandestine meetings planning to fire the superintendent without cause. Everywhere I turned, there were protesters surrounding me. With so much happening at once, I knew I needed to capture as much as I could. I made my rounds, scouring every inch of that protest. Through the shouting and hoards of people, there was a little boy sitting peacefully and silently with his sign (image left) and it truly struck an emotional chord with me. Through my camera lens, I was able to tell the story of so many community members.
Students Katie Dupper ’24 and Murrie Dodge ’23 hold signs and cheer at oncoming cars during the DCSD school board protest Feb. 3. Nearly 1,000 students, teachers, parents, and community members showed up to protest actions of newly-elected board members.
Student Board of Education
Walkout
Abigail Wood '24 chants during a student walkout Feb. 7. Students protested the DCSD school board's decision to fire superintendent Corey Wise without cause.
After the superintendent was fired without cause at a board meeting closed to public comment, students took their frustrations to the street with a walkout. Walking in the dirty snow slush along the sidewalk lining the street, I was able to capture the faces of students as cars passed and honked in support. My generation has so much to say about what's happening in our district right now and I made it my job to show their passion through my photos that I posted on Instagram within an hour of the end of the walkout.
Jessica Barrett '22 and other students erupt into cheers as a car passing by honks their horn at the group of protestors Feb. 7. Hundreds of students walked out of class at 1:10 p.m. and protested until the end of the school day at 2:50 p.m.
Caden Tisdale ‘22 performs a manpoms dance routine during halftime of the Homecoming Game Sept. 24 at Echo Park.
Homecoming Football Game
Grant Robinson ’23 and Matt Belveal ’22 walk off the field after a dropped ball at the Homecoming Game Sept. 24.
The homecoming football game kicked off homecoming week and raised student spirits in anticipation of the homecoming dance. These photos were chosen to represent the strong tradition and enthusiasm of a classic football game. I took thousands of photos in an attempt to capture a sample of the abundant school spirit prevalent that night and the stress/emotions experienced by football players.
Unified Basketball Game
This photo essay displays the unity and excitement in Unified Basketball's second annual game. My aim was to capture this stunning display of school-wide support and compassion through the lens of my camera. After publishing these photos in our newspaper, the SSN (severe special needs) class was thrilled, especially Jatin, the student in the photo to the left, who squealed with joy and had the biggest smile I'd ever seen.
During the annual Unified Basketball game, Jatin Thimmannagari ‘23 scores a basket in the first half of the game Feb. 17. The Unified Basketball team competed against the school’s counseling staff in their annual basketball game during seminar.
Chloe Bishop ’24 watches the basketball move towards the hoop during the Unified Basketball game Feb. 17. Last year, the team was unable to compete in a basketball game in front of the whole school due to COVID restrictions.