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2024 Finalists

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Winners

First Place: "Paths of Light and Strength” by Pooja Munishamappa Raju

Photo Location: Lower Antelope Canyon, Page, Arizona, USA
Student Home Country: India

"Life is like these intricate canyon walls—shaped by time, resilience, and the storms we endure. Even in the darkest depths, light finds its way, illuminating paths of breathtaking beauty. On a blazing hot day in Arizona, I stood in awe of the breathtaking beauty of these canyon walls. Their vibrant colors and flowing shapes felt like nature’s artwork, carved over centuries by wind and water. Walking through with my friends, I couldn’t help but wonder how something so magnificent came to be. Even now, I’m still amazed, thinking about the patience and power it must have taken to shape such a stunning masterpiece. I captured this picture to freeze that moment in time—a piece of nature's masterpiece to carry with me and keep as one of the most memorable photos I’ve ever taken."

Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona - Lower Antelope Canyon, Arizona Link to file

Second Place: “Afternoon Tea by Shaoxing's Waters” by Elaine Zhang

Photo Location: Zhejiang, Shaoxing, China
Student Home Country: China

"This was a photo taken in Zhejiang, Shaoxing and I love how tranquil the scene felt. On the left there's a tea house — it is somewhere that I could spend a whole afternoon just watching the willows and boats passing by."

Zhejiang, Shaoxing, China; Tea house on the water with boats floating by - Zhejiang, Shaoxing, China; Tea house on the water with boats floating by Link to file

Honorable Mention: “Siesta” by Yael Grimaldi

Photo Location: San Manuel National Park, Quepos, Costa Rica
Study Abroad Location: ICJE - Ignatian Center Immersions (Costa Rica) - Winter Break 2024

"I captured this photo in San Manuel National Park during my trip to Costa Rica. After hours of trekking through the park's lush landscapes and exploring the nearby beach, my group and I were exhausted but exhilarated by the park's biodiversity. Just as we were about to leave, I spotted a monkey nearby reclining on a tree branch. Unfazed by the hustle and bustle of tourists, it closed its eyes, indulging in a siesta- a moment of peace amidst the lively surroundings."

San Manuel National Park, Costa Rica; Monkey asleep on a tree branch - San Manuel National Park, Costa Rica; Monkey asleep on a tree branch Link to file

Honorable Mention: “Isola Madre” by Sophia Stumm

Photo Location: Isola Madre, Lake Maggiore, Italy
Study Abroad Location: Italy: Milan - Business Studies/IES- Fall 2024

"I went on a field trip with my program the first weekend to Lake Maggiore, and the view from this villa out to their private chapel was breathtaking. I love the contrast of the color of the lake and sky to the bright, cheerful church."

Isola Madre, Lake Maggiore, Italy; Looking through a window to see a chapel by a lake - Looking through a window to see a chapel by a lake Link to file

Finalists