Youth Photography Contest Winners Announced

December 10, 2024 | 0 Comments

On Thursday [Dec 5] a crowd of over 80 students, teachers, family members, sponsors, and judges gathered at the National Museum of Bermuda [NMB] for the Grundy Youth Photography Competition prize giving and exhibit opening.

A spokesperson said, “In memory of Dr. Reg Grundy, AC, OBE, whose photographic legacy and passion for Bermuda live on in his work, the late Mrs. Joy Chambers Grundy and NMB established the Dr. Reg Grundy Annual Youth Photography Competition in 2019. Open to all local photography enthusiasts between 7 and 18, the competition is designed to inspire the next generation of photographers and encourage an appreciation for Bermuda’s natural and cultural environment.

“A panel of local judges: Lisa Howie, Founder of Black Pony Gallery & Co-founder of Atlantic Arthouse and NMB Education Consultant, Dr. Deborah Atwood, NMB Curator, and Chinni Mahadevan, Reg Grundy Photographic Libraries Curator, had a challenging time choosing the 27 finalists hundreds of submissions submitted by 25 local schools and homeschooled students.”

Guest judge Lisa Howie shared: “”As a first-time juror for the competition, I was honoured to review the thoughtful compositions at all age levels. In the submissions we saw artistic consideration of subject matter, lighting, shape and balance, plus good words to explain why or how the picture was taken. Taking time to craft the image with specific lighting or to speak with those in the portrait, led to meaningful outcomes that all point to youthful photography talent in Bermuda. Congratulations to all who submitted. Keep making pictures!”

Dr. Atwood shared: “The importance of youth sharing their perspectives and having their art displayed on the walls of their National Museum cannot be overstated. Their viewpoints offer a fresh and dynamic lens through which to see Bermuda, infusing Commissioner’s House with new energy, enriching the experience for all who visit. Access to museums is vital for young minds, as they ignite creativity and fosters curiosity. At NMB, we are committed to making young people feel welcome. One of the ways we aim to achieve this is by celebrating and showcasing their remarkable work and unique perspectives.”

A spokesperson added, “Students submitted photos under the themes People of Bermuda, Bermuda Buildings and Bermuda Wildlife & Nature in three age categories, 7-10, 11-14 and 15-18. Winners received Iron Kids Accounts at Clarien Bank [amounts between $500 and $200 based on age group], runners-up received $150 gift cards to Brown & Co. stores, and the school with the most submissions [based on percentage] – Bermuda Institute – won a $1,500 gift certificate to A.F. Smith for school supplies. Winners and runners-up photos are on display on the second floor of Commissioner’s House at NMB, with honorable mentions also featured on the NMB website: www.nmb.bm/rg-photo-competition.”

NMB Executive Director Elena Strong shared: “Thanks to Mrs. Grundy and our local sponsors A.F. Smith, Phoenix Stores, and Clarien Bank, this competition has had impressive growth over the past six years. The calibre of submissions continues to rise year over year! The competition helps students develop creativity, patience, and visual literacy, encouraging them to see the world in new ways. For those not selected as finalists, keep exploring and sharing your perspective—there’s always next year!”

A spokesperson added, “Mark Lewis, won his age group [15-18] in the Bermuda Nature and Wildlife category, winning a $500 Iron Kids account, and was selected as runner up in the People of Bermuda category, winning a $150 gift card to Brown & Co. His entry was also chosen as Best in Show and was presented with a Canon DSLR camera with lenses, memory card, filters and monopod, donated by Mrs. Grundy.”

Finalists list:

School with the highest percentage of submissions: Bermuda Institute

Primary [ages 7-10]

Bermuda Buildings
Winner: Rayn Wilson, Victor Scott Primary
Runner-Up: Mia Yammine, BHS
Honourable Mention: Finley Olivia Gilmar, Somerset Primary

People of Bermuda
Winner: Evelyn Mora, Warwick Academy
Runner Up: Jori Bailey, Northlands Primary
Honourable Mention: Zaedyn Furbert Downs, East End Primary

Bermuda Wildlife & Nature
Winner: Dallas Hinds, Northlands Primary
Runner Up: Isaiah Tankard, Bermuda Institute
Honourable Mention: Joseph Herron, Somersfield Academy

Middle School [ages 11-14]

Bermuda Buildings
Winner: Julia Stoppa, MSA
Runner Up: Henry Lill, Warwick Academy
Honourable Mention: Siena Walters, Warwick Academy

People of Bermuda
Winner: Hanora Kirwan, Saltus
Runner Up: Henry Lill, Warwick Academy
Honourable Mention: Seri Fisher, Warwick Academy

Bermuda Wildlife & Nature
Winner: Savana Walters, Warwick Academy
Runner Up: Siena Walters, Warwick Academy
Honourable Mention: Thea Dyer, Homeschool

High School [ages 15-18]

Bermuda Buildings
Winner: Yari Mello, Cedarbridge Academy
Runner Up: Amelia Currie, Warwick Academy
Honourable Mention: Jonah Every, Somersfield Academy

People of Bermuda
Winner: Jonah Every, Somersfield Academy
Runner Up: Mark Lewis, Warwick Academy
Honourable Mention: Tabari Burgess, MSA

Bermuda Wildlife & Nature
Winner & Best in Show: Mark Lewis, Warwick Academy
Runner Up: Zoe Mir, George School
Honourable Mention: D’Angelo Williams, MSA