It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  For senior Kaydn Ito, his picture was worth the top award and the praises from judges and peers at the National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City, MO last week.

Ito walked away with the only Superior award in “Spot News Photography” at the convention’s National Student Media Contest.  For this event, participants submitted a picture shot this school year that occurred “on the spot” or without prior planning.  Ito submitted a picture of an Israeli-Palestinian protest that he witnessed during a college visit in New York City last Fall.  Judges praised Ito for his decision to take out his camera in the middle of the turmoil and begin shooting.  “What a great moment.  I love the emotion,” stated one judge on Ito’s critique sheet.

“As I came around the block I could see a vast sea of protesters, Palestinian and Israeli, separated by the street with barricades. I luckily had my press camera bag with me and jumped right into the fray to capture the moment,” said Ito, who plans to continue his photojournalism career in college.

Ka Moi Adviser Lionel Barona said that Ito’ s award was special “because he was the only photographer to earn a Superior.  Two honorable mention awards were also given out, and that was it. Kaydn was clearly the best of this category.”  Barona also claimed that Ito became an instant rock star after his live critique session that included approximately 400 photographers entered in the Media competitions.  Ito’s photo was on the big screen, while the audience was asked for the owner of the photo to identify himself/herself.

 “I raised my hand and explained how I got this photo by ‘jumping into the action’ when I saw it, completely impromptu,” Ito said.  Ito prefaced the situation by explaining that he was on a NYU college visit exploring around “Times Square” before stumbling upon the incident.

Dr. Bradly Wilson, one of the panel’s judges, validated Ito’s explanation and said that photojournalism is pivotal upon “jumping into action.” After that moment, Ito’s stardom began.

“At the awards ceremony, I overheard a student behind me saying, ‘that’s the kid from that Kama, Kama (sic) school who shot that incredible photo,’ ” Barona said.

Junior Noah Brooks received an Honorable Mention award in the Editorial Writing competition.  After attending a short press conference, Brooks was tasked with writing an editorial.

“I wasn’t expecting anything, but I am grateful for the experience and that I am able to learn from it,” said Brooks, who looks forward to implementing new ideas and skills for next year’s staff.

Barona concurred. “Ohu (Noah) went into competition blindly; nonetheless, she is a strong critical thinker so I knew she would say something important enough to capture the judges’ attention.  She’ll be a leader next year, so I think our future, as a staff, looks promising.”