The 2025 Gotcha! Photo Contest drew dozens of submissions from Alberta teachers. Here are the judges’ top three picks, along with some honourable mentions.
Prizes are awarded as follows:
First $200
Second $100
Third $50
The contest judges were:
Michael Parillas, ATA graphic designer
Lindsay Yakimyshyn, ATA News managing editor
Kristine Wilkinson, ATA News editor-in-chief
FIRST PLACE | TREE-MENDOUS
Grade 1 students cheer to Arbor Day, a day during Forest Week that serves to promote tree planting, forest conservation and environmental awareness. Grade 1 students received either a lodgepole pine or white spruce seedling to plant at their homes.
Photographer: Ashley Sunde, Swanavon School, Grande Prairie
Date of photo: May 8, 2025
Judges’ comments: The photographer has captured a fun, energetic classroom moment with impressive sharpness and framing, a testament to skilled timing and focus amid high energy. These elements are matched by the storytelling, making the image both visually engaging and technically strong.
SECOND PLACE | HAPPY TRAILS
The best classrooms have no walls! Outdoor education students from West Ridge School out on the trail during a day hike in Kananaskis.
Photographer: Tyler Dixon, West Ridge School, Calgary
Date of photo: Sept. 2024
Judges’ comments: A striking balance between the expansive landscape and the subjects draws you into the scene. The thoughtful composition, with the line of students curving around the corner, creates interest as well.
THIRD PLACE | LAMB'S BEST FRIEND
Student Korver feeds his lamb during an outdoor loose parts lesson.
Photographer: Michelle Dickie, Varsity Acres School, Calgary
Date of photo: Mar. 12, 2025
Judges’ comments: This photo captures meaningful student engagement and reflects authentic learning through play. Technically, the image is sharp with balanced lighting and natural composition that draws attention to the subject, enhancing both clarity and visual storytelling.
HONOURABLE MENTION | PADDLE TIME
Grade 8 outdoor education students from West Ridge School learn the basics
of kayaking on the Glenmore Reservoir.
Photographer: Tyler Dixon, West Ridge School, Calgary
Date of photo: Oct. 2024
HONOURABLE MENTION | GREEN THUMB
Raphielle waters her classroom sunflower. All Grade 1 students planted a sunflower seed in January when they were learning about the needs of plants and animals in science class. Raphielle knows that her plant needs water, sunlight, soil and a warm environment to grow.
Photographer: Ashley Sunde, Swanavon School, Grande Prairie
Date of photo: Apr. 25, 2025
HONOURABLE MENTION | PIE FOR PI
Teacher Jamie Boyce getting a face full of pie during Pi Day at Eastglen High School.
Photographer: Mark Knoch, Eastglen High School, Edmonton
Date of photo: Mar. 14, 2025
HONOURABLE MENTION | TEAM SPIRIT
Senior Varsity slo-pitch, smiling after a win!
Photographer: Amanda Omilon, Catholic Central High School, Lethbridge
Date of photo: May 5, 2025
HONOURABLE MENTION | LAB LESSON
Grade 8 students were dissecting pig lungs. One student was trying to inflate the lungs.
Photographer: Kathryn Gauthier, St. Stephen’s School, Valleyview
Date of photo: Dec. 16, 2024
