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Teachers capture diverse learning experiences
Featured here are some of the many outstanding photographs submitted by teachers to the 17th annual ATA News GOTCHA! Photo Contest. Of special note, two of this year’s top three winners hail from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, in Spruce Grove.
This year’s judges were Yuet Chan, ATA News designer; Raymond Gariépy,
ATA News managing editor; and Koni Macdonald,
ATA News photographer.
First Place
Amneris
Photographer: Leah Labb, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, Spruce Grove
Judges’ comments: Judges were unanimous in their decision to award Labb first place for the photograph of Erica performing in the opening scene of Aida, by Verdi. This dramatic and powerful image is truly arresting. Judges were impressed with the strong and theatrical contrast in colours and the captivating image of a performer in her glory.
Second Place
Waiting my turn
Photographer: Art Shea, principal, Boyle School, Boyle
Judges’ comments: The contemplative expression on the young boy’s face leads one to wonder what he’s thinking. Is he watching others at play? Is he tired and taking a breather? As it turns out, Aiden is waiting for his turn at the tire roll, explains principal and photographer Art Shea, who adds, "We combine the [annual] Terry Fox Run with an intramural. The tire roll is one of the activities in which all students participate."
Third Place
Run over
Photographer: Sean McKennitt, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School, Spruce Grove
Judges’ comments: McKennitt has an eye for capturing split-second action. Pictured here, the Harry Ainlay Titans run over the Salisbury Sabres during the Tier 1 Provincial Semi-Final, held in November. (Incidentally, McKennitt’s photo of students performing Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" took second place in last year’s photo contest, and his photo of young athletes also earned him an honourable mention.)
Honourable Mentions
What’s going on here?
Photographer: Irene Blackburn, Notre Dame School, Leduc
Judges’ comments: The element of mystery that underlies this photo attracted the attention of judges. It turns out the Grade 1 student was reacting to the cacophony of 100 balloons being popped to mark the end of Notre Dame School’s celebration of the first 100 days of school. Although we do not see the student’s eyes, her stance—obviously cringing, with hands cupped to her ears and her knees turned inward—says it all. Sometimes the power of an image is found in what’s left out.
Oodles of noodles
Photographer: Julie Gummesen, Rosary School, Manning
Judges’ comments: When the enjoyment of learning is combined with the promise of Italian cuisine, the end result is a photo worthy of an honourable mention. Foods teacher Gummesen captured her Grade 9 students making homemade pasta. (There’s obviously something inspiring about living in Manning. Last year, Sheila Dillman, also of Rosary School, picked up an honourable mention for her photo of a student reading to a pet therapy dog.)
Watch me grow!
Photographer: Karin Pollard, Ochre Park School, Redwater
Judges’ comments: Cheyenne took a moment from studying her seedling up close to turn her eye to teacher Karin Pollard. Judges found the image of Cheyenne broadening her exploration of the world around her engaging.
