The assignment: Use at least one picture to tell a story. The subject: Whatever you can dream up. The field: Photojournalism.
Students from Plant City High School were challenged by the Plant City Archives and History Center to enter a photojournalism contest that would inspire photographs and infuse history into one report. Participants submitted a 300- to 600-word story, along with related photographs.
All winners received a cash prize and were recognized last week during a special presentation.
JACKSON HARDEE
As a pole vaulter, Hardee’s interests didn’t lie in photography. But when the sophomore saw his younger brother entering photography contests, he thought, I can do that, too.
Hardee proved himself right, winning first place in the photojournalism contest.
Hardee wrote a report on the historic Bing Rooming House, after interviewing William Thomas, a member of the Improvement League of Plant City who is spearheading restoration efforts on the house.
“Being born in 1998 and growing up mainly in the 21st century, it is hard for me to fathom a time when people were segregated by anything in this country,” Hardee wrote.
He submitted old photographs of the house and one of original owner Janie Bing. He also submitted a photograph he took of the house and one his grandmother took of him with Thomas.
“I thought it was cool how the Bings bought the house for just $100,” Hardee said.
For winning first place, Hardee received $100. He plans to save the money.
Benjamin R. “Robby” Knox
Robby Knox is a veteran at the photojournalism contest.
Last year, he won first place for his report on his great-grandfather. Knox got his start looking through his grandmother’s photographs. He found one that particularly interested him: a picture of a prison transport bus in front of what is now a Dollar General store.
He learned his great-grandfather was a car salesman. He was selling the transport bus to the police department.
This year, the high school senior returned to his grandmother’s house to find another picture. He stumbled upon a picture of his grandmother with her Sunday School class on the steps of the Plant City Cornerstone Center.
In his report, he wrote about the history of the building and his family’s ties to the building.
“I like American history,” Knox said. “I like local history, too. It really intrigues me finding out where I came from.”
Knox’s $75 prize “is already in the bank.” He plans to use it to pay for tuition at the University of Central Florida.
Sydney Johnson
As a junior, Sydney Johnson knew it was time to start looking for scholarships for college. That’s when she discovered the Scholarship Board in College and Career Counselor Sherrie Mueller’s room. Pinned on the board was the photojournalism contest.
Johnson borrowed her mom’s Nikon D5100 and headed to Plant City’s Historic Downtown to do some exploring. At first, she thought she would do her report on Sister’s & Company, one of her favorite stores. But while playing with the advanced SLR camera, she snapped the perfect photograph of The Corner Store.
“At first it was hard; I couldn’t focus it,” Johnson said. “It just happened to be that I clicked the right button.”
Johnson then whipped up a more personal story in her report.
“I described the scenery of The Corner Store,” Johnson said. “It just feels like home there.”
Johnson plans to save her $50 prize for college. She wants to go to Washington State University, because of its veterinary program.