Bayside Academy students captured the spotlight in the 2024 South Alabama Land Trust (SALT) Photo Contest, a competition celebrating the natural beauty of coastal Alabama through the eyes of amateur photographers.

The contest, hosted annually by SALT, invites photographers to submit images that highlight the region's unique natural landscapes and wildlife. According to SALT, the contest aims to inspire appreciation for the environment by showcasing moments such as "the way sunlight touches a leaf" or "a baby sea turtle taking its first steps on snow-white sand." Winning photographs are prominently featured throughout the year in SALT's publications, website and social media channels.

According to a news release, Bayside Academy students achieved remarkable success, sweeping all three junior categories and earning a top-three placement in the open "flora" category. Senior Sophia Haines earned third place in the open "flora" division, competing against entrants of all ages.

In the junior divisions, eighth grader Burke Ramagosa took first place in both the "flora" and "fauna" categories, highlighting an exceptional eye for nature photography. Seventh grader Amber Clemens also made a strong showing, securing multiple placements in the "fauna" division, including second and third place.

2024 SALT PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS FOR BAYSIDE ACADEMY

Junior Flora

• First Place: Burke Ramagosa (Class of 2028)
• Second Place: Mary Helen Williams (Class of 2028)
• Third Place: Amber Clemens (Class of 2027)

Junior Fauna

• First Place: Burke Ramagosa (Class of 2028)
• Second Place: Amber Clemens (Class of 2027)
• Third Place: Amber Clemens (Class of 2027)

Junior People in Nature

• First Place: Austin Pete Williams (Class of 2028)
• Second Place: Henry Cunningham (Class of 2027)
• Third Place: Holden Gray (Class of 2028)

Open Flora

• Third Place: Sophia Haines (Class of 2025)

Bayside Academy, an independent college preparatory school serving students from preschool through 12th grade, expressed pride in its students' accomplishments.

"We are very proud of our talented students and the amazing work they produce," the school shared in the release.

The South Alabama Land Trust encourages the public to explore the winning entries and learn more about preserving the area's natural resources. The photographs can be viewed at visit https://southalabamalandtrust.org/salt-photo-contest/.