RCA 8th Grade PHOTO CONTEST winners

In the seventh grade Mrs. Barnes’ language arts students explore composition and story-telling through photography. Traditionally, students depict themes in the class novel study, but class 2012 drew inspiration from their study of Japanese culture. As part of their preparation their 2011 trip to Japan, students tried their hand at haiku poetry and studied the work of Japanese photographers Moriyama and Tomatsu. Students then captured the nature of their community in breathtaking haiku photography. Several students showed such great talent that their haiku photography was turned into postcards to be shared with RCA donors.

But this was just the first look at these talented photographers.  

Summer 2011 presented a new opportunity by way of the National Urban League’s 2011 Photo Empowerment Contest and several of these student-photographers were tapped to enter the contest. Using their experience and talent they got behind the lens and found subjects to help express contest themes of Opportunity, Change, Leadership and Pride. They corresponded with Mrs. Barnes and their classmates to select final entries and write descriptive narratives explaining the significance of each entry and its connection to contest themes.

In a national contest, five Ron Clark Academy students took top honors!

EIGHTH GRADE ROCKED THE PHOTO CONTEST with Cameron Nesmith and Blessid Ogedegbe earning Honorable Mentions for all–around entries.  Zaire Wilson placed THIRD; Nadia Lowe placed SECOND and Aliyah Cofer took FIRST PLACE for her Leadership photo and essay.

The Ron Clark Academy could not be prouder of our gifted eighth graders and applaud their dedication to living without fear and taking chances. The efforts of parents, who drove them around to find the perfect shot, must be recognized as well.

By the end of October, our winning students will receive prizes that encourage their art: digital cameras, a photo of the New York Urban League offices where their photography will be displayed and their work posted to the National Urban League’s website.

In the meantime, enjoy the award-winning photography of our esteemed members of Class 2012.