Sophomore photography students National award winning photo will be displayed at Carnegie Hall, New York.

Alec Martinez along with hundreds of other contestants across the nation participated in The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. His photograph won The Gold key award, which only a few students will win, but just last week Alec found out he had also won Nationals and The Best in Grade award, which only 2 people in every grade across the nation win and get awarded a bonus 500 dollars. His work will be showcased at Carnegie Hall, New York, on June 8th in which he will be attending along with his family.

“At first it was surreal, I couldn’t imagine going to New York for my art, but I’m just amazed, and thankful I got it,” Alec said.

“ I’m really excited for him and excited for the opportunity Langham Creek has to shine and be the best in the district,” Photography instructor Elizabeth Martinez said.

According to Alec, the picture featured a triptych kind of photograph, the photograph’s title was “The existence of a black man in a white society”. It featured senior, Bejon Iscandri as the model.

“ I wanted to bring some controversy into the picture to get some attention, I think the name put many different meanings into the photo,” Alec said.

Alec also let us know that although it might seem easy to just go out and take a picture of someone , there’s a lot more to creating such a powerful photograph.

“ Anybody can go and take photos on their phone or whatever, but having an artistic eye is something that you have to develop, it’s not something that comes to everybody,” Alec said.

“ I have had students win Gold key awards before, but it can be very difficult, there are schools in Houston where the entire school will compete and no one will win the gold key award”, Mrs. Martinez said.

Alec’s photograph will be showcased at Carnegie Hall in New York. He and his family along with other students who also won nationals will be attending this event. Ms Martinez is also planning to attend this event

“I’m excited for New York, that was my goal in mind when I submitted for Scholastic, I really wanted to go back to New York, cause I love the place,” Alec said.

According to Alec he had already been to The Carnegie hall the year before for band.

Alec said that he plans to compete again every year to come.