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Photos by journalism students on display in downtown St. Pete
Jan. 24, 2025
More than 100 photographic art pieces by students in the Journeys in Journalism program are now on display at Studio @620 in downtown St. Petersburg.
The exhibit, which kicked off Friday, Jan. 17, with a standing-room-only crowd, highlights the city's transformation through the eyes of young photographers, capturing everything from hurricanes to redevelopment. This year’s theme, Changing City, tasked the students with photographing different areas of the city and how they’ve changed.
Lakewood High students captured downtown, John Hopkins Middle focused on Salt Creek, and Melrose Elementary documented the Woodson African American Museum of Florida. Students also submitted photos of school happenings, family vacations and items of general interest.
The “Through Our Eyes” photo exhibit is in its 21st year and the Journeys in Journalism program, which supports students on a journalism pathway from elementary through high school, turns 25 next year.
The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion, where student journalists took the stage to discuss lessons learned, their favorite photos and their thoughts on journalism and media literacy.
“To have three photos this year means a lot to me, especially since I’ve been working really hard,” said Zephyniis Wharton, a Lakewood High School student. “Everything is fleeting, so to be the person who is capturing that one moment and being able to share that with someone else, it’s the best feeling.”
Superintendent Kevin Hendrick spoke on the importance of truth and integrity in journalism and applauded the students on their creativity and talent.
Kenya Woodard, the coordinator for the Journeys in Journalism program, couldn’t be more proud of her students.
“For them to realize that their photos are hung in a professional gallery and to let them know that their work has meaning, that it matters, and that people want to see what they see, it’s amazing,” said Woodard. “I am very proud of the work here on display tonight.”