Manalapan High School Student Wins Monmouth County Photography Contest

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — A Manalapan High School student has won first place in Monmouth County’s annual Archives & History Day High School Photography Contest.

The contest, which took place between Sept. 19 and Oct. 18, asked contestants to enter an original, black-and-white, or color photograph capturing something significant or special about Monmouth County life today that should be preserved for future generations.

Edmund Lee, of Morganville, won first place in the contest after submitting a picture of the Manalapan High School soccer team being interviewed by a reporter following the team’s 6-0 victory.

“This photo tells future generations that Monmouth County has a strong emphasis on youth participation in sports,” Lee said. “It shows how athletic activities play a significant role in developing teamwork, leadership, and a sense of community.”

In second place, Shore Regional High School student Avellana Cameron, of Oceanport, won for her aerial photo of a lone surfer amid a wave just about to crash.

In third place, Biotechnology High School freshman Sophia Villa, of Holmdel, and Red Bank Regional High School sophomore Dylan Czekajlo, of Union Beach, tied for their photos.

Villa submitted a photo of a deer at sunset which she said “highlights the natural beauty of Monmouth County,” and Czekajlo submitted a photo of seals resting off the shores of Sandy Hook, serving as a “reminder of the strong connection between Monmouth County and the natural world.”

The contest winners were honored at Archives & History Day on Oct. 26 at Brookdale Community College. In addition, each winner received a gift card prize ranging from $150-$200.

The winning photographs will be archived by the Monmouth County Archives and become property of the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office.

To see the winning photos, you can click here.

Related:

• Capture Monmouth County Life In Annual High School Photography Contest