BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Wildcat Photographers Shine at TAPPS Competition

By Eden Williams, Westbury Christian School, School Buzz Reporter | February 7, 2024

Click the Buzz Me button to receive email notifications when this writer publishes a new article or a new article in this column is published.

2023 TAPPS Fall Photo Competition winners. (From left to right: Mrs. Aryn Ward, Cayley Carrington, Ashley Matthew, Jannieka Heng, Oluwaseyi Adodo, Mrs. Karen Keese, Vince Bilnoski, Yasmine Su, Quan Truong.)

Westbury Christian’s Fine Arts Program has been and will continue to be a space where students are able to express themselves, with multiple art forms to choose from. This year, many students have decided to participate in Photography, taught by Mrs. Karen Keese. Every year, these students participate in the TAPPS Fall Photo Competition (in the 3A division), where they make a particular scene come to life in its own way.

At this competition, an abundance of students either placed in their category or received an honorable mention in their category. These students include Cayley Carrington, Ashley Matthew, Jannieka Heng, Oluwaseyi Adodo, Vince Bilnoski, Yasmine Su, and Quan Truong. Additionally, WCS Yearbook Director Mrs. Aryn Ward received an award in the faculty competition as well!

Jannieka Heng, a first-year photographer, placed second in the Still Life category. Her photo, entitled “Road Work Ahead,” featured a miniature construction toy set on playground equipment. However, through this one competition, she explains how there was a deeper underlying meaning behind it.

“Being a first-time photographer, I never fully recognized, nor appreciated, the art of capturing such valuable moments in life until now,” Jannieka shared. “I have been able to look at the world from a different perspective, and I am able to see things that I would never have noticed before.”

Ashley Matthew, who is also a first-year photographer, placed third in the Student Life category. Her photo, entitled “Guffaw Girls,” featured students Cayley Carrington and Eden Williams enjoying the playground setting.

“It makes me realize how beautiful and wonderful life can be especially in a day and age where there’s lots of negativity out there,” Ashley states. “Photography helps me capture the most special moments… I remind myself to cherish every moment.” Multiple students have continued to reflect the impressive impact that one class can have over a large group.

Mrs. Keese’s photography class is looking forward to more competitions in the near future. From first-time photographers to veteran photographers, all of these students have found great joy in capturing life in candid moments.