Wow! That’s the title of Zeke Hampton’s photo entry in the 2009 Reflections Art competition, held recently.
The letters represent “Walk on Wind,” the name the Pioneer Middle School sixth grader gave to a photo of his friend, D’avaughn Anderson. The shot featured Anderson in mid-leap over Zeke, who was on his back to capture a different point of view.
Zeke’s entry was one of 17,000 state entries in this year’s PTA-sponsored competition. His photo was selected as one of 103 finalists in the local award ceremony held at the Sea-Tac Double Tree Inn.
“The Reflections Program provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts,” according to the program’s website. The competition is “designed to enhance, rather than replace, a quality arts education.”
Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to create and submit works of art in dance/choreography, film/video production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts such as drawing, painting, print-making, and collage.
In its more than 30-year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to create works of art.
Proudly displaying his photo, ribbon, and Certificate of Excellence, Zeke said that he originally had dreamed about one day playing for the NBA. He’s reconsidering that idea now.
“I’d like to become a news photographer,” he said.
Eleven-year-old Zeke is the son of David and Elisa Hampton of DuPont. Zeke would rather be “behind the lens than in front of it,” said his mother, during a telephone interview this past Tuesday.
“He takes photos as often as he can.”
This summer, Zeke says, he plans to add to his photo portfolio, with the goal of winning a national award next time for his entry.