The 2013 Student


Photographer of the Year

Karissa Blunck

The Professional Photographers of Washington, Inc. has named Karissa Blunck of Tumwater High School (Olympia, WA) as the recipient of the 2013 Student Photographer of the Year Scholarship Award. Karissa was selected from applications submitted by student photographers representing schools throughout Washington State, and were seniors graduating in the year 2013. Karissa received a $2000 Scholarship grant, which will be used to further her study in the photographic arts. Karissa plans to continue her studies at Evergreen Community College. She aspires to be a high school art/photography instructor as well as a freelance photographer.

We surprised Karissa by awarding her the scholarship at the PPW Conference Banquet this year. Karissa, a member of PPW also received her Associate Fellow of Photography degree at this years banquet.

Karissa will also be presented the “Student Photographer of the Year” plaque at her school within the next month.

Students applied for the scholarship, presenting an application which included a portfolio of their work, an essay, and two personal recommendations from teachers or mentors in photography. Judges for our competition were members of our organization: Opal Johnson, Matt Weston, and Anita Weston-Student Scholarship Chairman.

In addition to Karissa, Rachel Davis of Lake Washington High School (Kirkland), Austin Saget of Kamiakin High School (Kennewick) and Mandy Rusch of Redmond High School (Redmond) rounded out our top 4 finalists.

Also note the following students who were selected for our top 10 finalists: Heidi Franz of Bainbridge Island High School (Bainbridge Island), Shannen Kennedy of South Kitsap High School (Port Orchard), Allison Pham of Tomas Jefferson High School (Federal Way), Alex Ramsey of Shorecrest High School
(Shoreline), Kirsti Forbes of Kennewick High School (Kennewick) and Shelby Mang of Bellingham High School (Bellingham). These top finalists were singled out for their high achievement in the photographic field, scholastic studies, and the student’s wish to further their studies in the photographic arts.

We applaud these schools for their quality teaching in the photographic arts and preparing their students for their future careers.

[ Above: Anita Westion presents the "Student Photographer of the Year" award and $2000 scholarship to Karissa Blunck of Tumwater High School (Olympia, WA) .]