February 2026 clip contest results

Winning images

Spot News
1st - Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal, "Parkside Fire"

Judge's comments:The condominium fire set a dramatic scene against the night sky, with light snow and the glow of the flames mixing with drifting smoke and the balanced blue tones from the firetrucks; a powerful, first-place spot-news image that might have been even stronger with a slightly tighter frame.

 General News
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Sax"
2nd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Ash Wednesday"
3rd - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Glass Blower"

 Judge's comments: First place - A strong image with excellent lighting, clean framing, and well-captured motion. The timing is precise, and the subject’s movement reads clearly, giving the photograph both energy and clarity. Second place - A well-executed photograph with controlled light and a solid sense of motion. The composition is stable and intentional, producing a visually coherent and expressive image. Third place - A nicely framed photograph with consistent lighting and a clear subject. The composition is balanced, and the overall execution results in a dependable, well-crafted image.

 Feature
1st - Addison Annis, The Blade, "Bingo"
2nd - Kurt Steiss, The Blade, "Ramadan"
3rd - Kurt Steiss, The Blade, "Valentines"

 Judge's comments: First place - A strong, engaging image. The excitement on the children’s faces is unmistakable, and the moment feels genuine and lively. It captures the energy of the event perfectly. Second  place - A joyful scene with kids enjoying sparklers. Their expressions show how much fun they’re having. A tighter composition focused more closely on the children’s faces would strengthen the emotional impact, as the current framing is a bit too wide. Third place - A clean, well-executed photo. The subject is clear, the moment reads instantly, and it works well as a solid newspaper image

Sports Action
1st - Bryant Billing, Dayton Daily News, "WSU Block"
2nd - Rebecca Benson, The Blade, "Face"
3rd - Rebecca Benson, The Blade, "Ouch"

Judge's comments: First place - Peak action captured at exactly the right moment. The timing is impeccable—the block is frozen at full extension, giving the image a strong sense of impact. The motion is clean, the athlete’s form is sharp, and the lighting works in your favor, highlighting the players and keeping the scene crisp. It’s a decisive, high-energy frame that stands out immediately. Second place - A powerful, split-second moment. The player’s hand making contact with the defender’s face is dramatic and unexpected, and you caught it with excellent timing. The expression, the tension, and the physicality of the play all come through clearly. It’s the kind of frame that tells the story of the game in one instant. Third place - Solid action paired with strong emotion. The movement is there, but what elevates the image is the wrestler’s expression—intensity, strain, and focus all visible in a single look. That emotional layer gives the photo more weight and helps it rise above a standard action shot.

Sports Feature
1st - Addison Annis, The Blade, "Missed Free Throw"
2nd - Bryant Billing, Dayton Daily News, "Brookville Celebration"
3rd - Kurt Steiss, The Blade, "Regional Hockey Celebration"

Judge's comments: First place - A tight, emotionally charged frame capturing fans erupting in celebration at the final buzzer. Their expressions—pure joy, disbelief, and pride—fill the composition with authentic energy. The close-up perspective pulls the viewer directly into the moment, highlighting the intensity of the victory and the community behind the team. A clean, decisive sports feature image with powerful storytelling impact. Second place - A dynamic, well-timed image showcasing players in full celebration after securing the win. The motion is crisp and expressive—players lifting their arms, skates cutting across the ice, and teammates converging in a burst of excitement. The photograph balances action and emotion, delivering a compelling narrative of triumph and team unity. Third place - A strong, technically solid photo capturing the decisive moment of victory on the ice. The composition highlights both the athlete’s reaction and the atmosphere surrounding the play, creating a complete story within a single frame. The image conveys the intensity of competition and the satisfaction of a hard-earned win, making it a standout sports feature entry.

Portrait
1st - Jeremy Wadsworth, The Blade, "Homers Cycles"
2nd - Kurt Steiss, The Blade, "Snake"
3rd - Bryant Billing, Dayton Daily News, "High Electric Bills"

Story/Essay
1st - Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal, "Spring Hill Apartments"

Judge's comments: Story needs more emotion, but solid start to a strong impactful story

Judged by Daniel Melograna, Georgia Gwinnett College