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In front of a crowd of close to 150 people, students and The Charlotte Observer staff photographers were honored for their work over the past year. The event, held at ImaginON: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, was put on in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library for the third straight year.
“The opportunity to celebrate the excellence of student photojournalists and offer encouragement to them as they pursue their passion is a privilege and an honor,” said Rana Cash, executive editor of The Charlotte Observer.
“Even greater is the chance for them to see and hear from our staff photographers who produce some of the best work in the country. Even though I see their work every day, I remain in awe of their talent and the empathy they bring to our community on a daily basis.”
Three students received top honors in the second annual photo contest. The overall first place winner was Lydia Riley, a student at East Mecklenburg High School, for her portrait of a ballerina, “Dancer in Bloom.”
Second place went to Henry Yingling, a student at Myers Park High School, for his black and white portrait of Charlotte FC player Alfred Zaha, “Thank You, CLT.”
Third place went to Nahun Paz Puerto, a student at East Mecklenburg High School, for a black and white, night portrait of Charlotte’s skyline, “Queen City Never Sleeps.”
The top winners received a plaque and cash prize. The top three winning photos will be featured on The Observer’s social media platforms. Additionally, the top winner, Lydia Riley, will get to spend a day shadowing a staff photographer of her choice.
This story was originally published January 15, 2026 at 4:48 PM.
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Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez
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