Photo Contest Winners: Smile!
Winning Entries Show Kids as Kids

“What I’m looking for in photos of students is a natural, relaxed appearance,” says Jeff Schafer, GEO Foundation Director of Communications and Marketing and judge of our recent photo contest. “All these winners have that look – they show kids being kids.”

A couple weeks ago, Principal Sr. Pam Doyle sent an email to Fountain Square Academy staff announcing a photo contest, complete with prizes. The Grand Prize Winner would be featured on the School’s Home Page and receive a small prize of $30.

Principal Doyle asked that entries be sent directly to Schafer for his consideration. When Schafer got the photos, he anonymously renamed them and put them in a separate computer folder. “A lot more photos than the ones selected here show a good eye for the spontaneous. I was really happy with the shots I was sent,” Schafer says with thanks. “But, of course, a winner has to be chosen.” From approximately two dozen entries, the winner is…

“Three Kids Grinning” sent in by Miranda Tolentino. Congratulations, Ms. Tolentino!

“Even though this is a posed shot, the students actually seem to tolerate each other well. They’re comfortable in front of a camera. Plus, you cannot ignore the Dimple Factor,” Schafer noted.

First Runner Up is “Two Boys Drafting,” shown below. According to Schafer, “the kids’ faces are relaxed and confident while working on their schoolwork. Looks like we’re creating a nice learning environment.”

Second Runner Up is “Group Goofy Green.” “Here is the epitome of kids being kids,” says Schafer. “Haven’t we all succumbed to the temptation to mess up a friend’s pose in a group shot? It’s better to get that out of your system now than when your 26 and at your corporation’s Summer Picnic. Not that that ever happened to me personally.”

Third Runner Up is “Red Group with Ham.” Schafer says, “What cracks me up is the adult in the shot who knows he’s not supposed to be in the shot, is inexplicably holding up a notebook to the kid in back trying to ignore him, and the adult nevertheless stops to strike a pleasant pose for the camera. The other students stand in respectful tolerance of the old man. Kids being kids. And a grownup being goofy. Classic.”