In a last-minute decision, I brought my camera to school on the day when the Boys Track & Field team had their DCL championship. This photo was taken minutes after Newton South won the Boys 4x400 meter relay -- one of the team's greatest celebration moments. This photo helped me comprehend the power of photography -- freezing our school's most important moments in time.

Photographing sports is one of my favorite activities because the result is always about capturing the frame at the right time -- down to the millisecond. On days I didn't have much homework, I would always spend hours out on the field, whether it's at a track meet or a soccer game, photographing my friends compete. With Denebola's large social media presence at Newton South, I found myself returning again and again to the field with my camera to experience the boom of the crowd and share more photos on Instagram for my peers to experience the same energy-filled moments I witnessed.

In the middle of my junior year, the Newton Teachers Association expressed disapproval regarding Newton's teacher contracts. Months of negotiating took place, ultimately leading to a teacher strike in late January and a contract resolution soon after. In an unprecedented time like the teacher negotiation period, I knew it was time to capture these events on camera. Seeing my fellow students speak on behalf of their teachers and the NTA negotiate with the City of Newton helped me appreciate the unity of both students and teachers -- and how they had each others' backs in the most uncertain times.

My annual tradition of photographing graduation started when a couple of my senior friends requested me to cover their graduation. Having never thought of the idea, I agreed. Looking back, I knew I have made the right decision. Experiencing graduation -- even if it's not for me -- enabled me to see the kin-like connections graduates had with one another. It was a moment where everyone finally puts their differences aside and enjoys the final ride together.