Captured Memories: The Charlotte Observer’s year in photos & student contest finalists
The Charlotte Observer awarded winners of its first-ever student photo contest Tuesday during the “Captured Memories” event that featured its visuals staff.
It’s the second annual gathering and partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to showcase the Observer’s best photos of 2024.
Led by Visuals Editor The’ Pham, four photographers — Melissa Rodriguez, Khadejeh Nikouyeh, Tracy Kimball, Jeff Siner — and video journalist Diamond Vences, spoke during a panel about the art and science of visual journalism, how they capture images and which were their favorites.
The event also featured the first-ever student photo contest open to juniors and seniors in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
The contest selected finalists in five categories, including some students winning in more than one category. First, second and third place winners received a plaque and a cash prize. The first place winner will get to go on a live shoot with an Observer photographer.
All finalists received a certificate and will have their photos shared on all Charlotte Observer digital, print and social media platforms.
The student winners
First place winner - Sports Action by Haden Turnage, Myers Park High School
Title: Dunk at the Sabres House - Sadiq White
Second place winner - Sports Action by Nahun Paz Puerto, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Brutal Box
Third place winner - Portrait Category by Maela Bazemore, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Black and White
Finalists in each category
Finalist in Feature - Nahun Paz Puerto, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Prayer is safe with me
Finalist in Feature - Leyla Bonilla-Forgacs, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Through the Glass: Longing at a Crossroads
Finalist in Feature - Finn Boggs, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Urban Maze
Finalist in Portrait - Leyla Bonilla-Forgacs, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Bathed in Golden Light
Finalist in Portrait - Gigi Gervais, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: She is What Illuminates
Finalist in Sports Action - Amelia Martino, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: East Meck Wrestling
Finalist in Sports Feature - Nahun Paz Puerto, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Agony of the game
Finalist in Sports Feature - Claire Self, Myers Park High School
Title: Set Won
Finalist in Sports Feature - Balen Spry, South Mecklenburg High School
Title: The winning moment
Finalist in Landscape - Amelia Martino, East Mecklenburg High School
Title: Birds
Finalist in Landscape - Cameron Gordon, Bradford Preparatory School
Title: Sunset Cruise
Finalist in Landscape - Carter Williams, Myers Park High School
Title: Little Sugar Creek Greenway
This story was originally published January 22, 2025 at 3:34 PM.
