Hailey Haar, a junior, broadcasting major from Lincoln, won the top prize in the 2022 Philip Perry Photojournalism Challenge on March 6 for her essay titled, “Echoes of a Matriarch.” Haar will receive a $7,000 scholarship to complete her studies at Nebraska. The essay examined the impact of the death of a matriarch on a Nebraska family.
Second place was awarded to Aeriel Frey, a junior broadcasting major from Vermillion, South Dakota, for her essay titled, “Life After Loss.” Frey will receive a $2,000 scholarship.
Third place was awarded to Lauren Penington, a sophomore journalism major from Parker, Colorado, for her essay titled, “Life After Invasion.” Penington will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Naomi Delkamiller, a freshman advertising and public relations major, and Jordan Moore, a sophomore journalism major, also placed in the top five and received honorable mentions.
The annual competition is a test of determination and drive. This year, 18 students had 24 hours to shoot and compose a photo essay of up to 12 images around the theme of Life After. The competition kicked off at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 4. Each participant was provided equipment by the college and then released to shoot and compose their essay for 24 hours. They are free to interpret the theme and produce an essay at any location of their choosing. Essay submissions were due on Saturday, March 5 at 5 p.m.
All essays were judged by five photojournalism professionals in two rounds. In the initial round of judging, participants are narrowed to five finalists who are invited to present their essays to the panel of judges and the general public. Following the presentations, the judges meet and confer to select the winner and first and second runner-up.
This year’s judges were Allen Schaben, staff photographer, Los Angeles Times; Calla Kessler, freelance photographer, NYC; Robert Cohen, staff photojournalist, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Steve Smith, professor of visual communication, University of Connecticut; and Anna Reed, photojournalist, Omaha World-Herald.
The Perry Photojournalism Challenge is supported by generous donations from Philip Perry, CEO of Perry Reid Properties.
