Photojournalism
Photography is one of my favorite hobbies. I love getting the opportunity to cover any event, from graduation to any sporting event. Looking through different perspectives and angles helps me get unique shots and, most importantly, the story behind the lens. I've been able to cover almost every different kind of event possible at Prosper High School. Although I have many more photojournalism pieces on my staff page, the ones I included below are all a glimpse of what goes on in my community.
Seniors Celebrate 2024 graduation
Prosper hosts graduation at Children’s Health Stadium after weather re-schedule
Click here to view the full slideshow on our website.
*This slideshow won a national Best of SNO award*
Arm-raised senior class president Malick Katalika takes one last picture with the 2024 graduates. Katalika gave a brief speech to share his experience as class president this past year. He will be attending Oral Robert’s University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Caps in the air, senior Kaya Miller celebrates the conclusion of the graduation. PHS graduates, all 823, had their own favorite memories to share. “My last football game season was definitely memorable. I always went with my three friends and we would make a whole tradition out of it,” Miller said. “We would get ready, go to the game and then go to either dinner at Texas Roadhouse or In-n-Out.”
Seconds after entering the gates of the stadium, senior McKenna Mitchell and Taylor Nguyen catch up before the ceremony. “I’m excited to go to UT Austin, ‘hook’em,’” Nguyen said. “Just explore a new life, and make new friends.”
Moments after walking the stage, senior Michael Factor embraces his mom, Kelly Factor, who also teaches at Prosper High. Michael Factor attended PHS all four years of high school. He played in the football program during his time here.
As superintendent Holly Ferguson tells students to take out their phones, seniors Nada and Nelly Gad send a message to a loved one thanking them for their support. Nelly Gad will attend the University of North Texas in the fall. Nada Gad also plans to attend UNT.
Total eclipse brings students together to view once-in-a-lifetime event
School offers protective gear, opportunity to experience history
Click here to view the full slideshow on our website.
*This slideshow won a national Best of SNO award*
As they prepare to witness the total solar eclipse, science teacher Laura White tests out her solar eclipse glasses alongside other science teachers. Some teachers and students created their own viewing areas around the school. “I was very excited, I ordered a new shirt and earrings to celebrate the occasion,” White said. “This was the first solar eclipse that I’ve been in the path of totality for. It was such an awesome experience to be with my biology team hanging out in the darkness of the full eclipse and feel the temperature drop around us.”
Eye protection on, dance, and drill team members, alongside director Ashley Sharp, come together to watch the solar eclipse. The drill team just finished out their competition season on March 25 and now they are working toward their final performance on May 3 and 4. The theme for the Talonette Spring Show is "A Talonette Tale.'
I worked on this publication alongside the staff, and we also got a few students to showcase their photography from the ecclipse in our website as well. I love that I got to capture this unique moment and share it with my school.
‘Battle of the birds’ Tennis defeats Rock Hill 14–5
Varsity teams advance to next match against Plano Senior High School
Click here to view the full slideshow on our website.
Arm extended back, junior Charishee Modgil focuses on the ball and hits it to the other side of the net. This match marks the 10th game of the season. The next home game will be Sept. 6 at 4:30 p.m. The fall season started July 31, and it ends on Oct. 1. The team will start back up in the spring.
After a play, freshman Leighton Koe high-fives her teammate. Koe played doubles against the Rock Hill varsity girls tennis team. The next match will be against Plano Senior on Sept. 3.
Eyes on the ball, junior Nithin Jayakanthan focuses on his next play. This marks his third year in the tennis program. The tennis team has a season in the fall and will continue their matches in the spring.
Arm back, junior Charishee Modgil serves the ball to her opponents. Modgil plays doubles with her partner, freshman Leighton Koe. The match took place at the Prosper High tennis courts. The next game will be held at Plano Senior High School’s courts.
As she prepares for her next move, freshman Arshi Mehra serves the ball to the opponent without going out of bounds. This marks her first year being in the tennis program. Mehra plays doubles and singles.
Football kicks off season with scrimmage
Prosper beats Mesquite High School 12–3
Click here to view the full slideshow on our website.
One foot in front of the other, senior Leo Anguiano attempts to stop his opponent and run to the other side of the field. This marks Anguiano's fourth year in the program. The first game will be against Austin Westlake on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
Arms out, junior Trevor Ellis communicates with his coaches on the sideline during the game. The scrimmage was held at PISD Children's Health Stadium. The game started at 7 p.m.
Ball in hand, coach Coby Richards prepares the team for the scrimmage. Richards also serves as head coach for the boys track team. The first home game will be Sept. 6 against Rockwall-Heath.
Ready for the game, juniors Abigail Torok and Tatum Berliner support the football team on the sidelines. The PHS trainers make sure to wrap players' ankles and wrists and provide water and mouth guards. This is Berliner's third year in the program and Torok's second year. Both are also part of the Prosper Talonettes drill team.
Eyes on the field, coach Devin Lemons directs the Prosper High School football team. Prior to coaching, Lemons played football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team and also served as a linebacker for the Washington Commanders (formerly the Washington Redskins).
Varsity softball goes against Mckinney Boyd, loses 4-2
Team prepares for home game, looks ahead on season
Click here to view the full slideshow on our website.
As she puts her fist up, assistant coach Renna Bersosa prepares to do her handshake. "One way that the girls are motivated is they start out with, you know, playing music that they love to pump them up in the locker rooms," Bersosa said. "And then, it's important that we encourage them and remind them all things that they do well – positive affirmations. We remind them of all their strengths – and to believe in themselves."
Focused on her next move, junior Angela Hamilton prepares to throw the ball. This is her third year on the team. She also plays second base.
As they look toward the flag during the national anthem, manager Maddie Shirah stands alongside her teammates. Shirah is a junior. Her twin sister also plays on the varsity softball team.
As she throws the ball, junior Jeslyn Burghardt executes her next play. She is the pitcher for the team. The game took place in the softball field at Prosper High School.
Eyes looking forward, senior Ali Nunno holds on to the ball. This is the second time the team competed McKinney Boyd. They last played them on March 17 and took home a win 17-9.
Seniors come together at Sunrise for annual tradition
School year kicks off with 'Senior Sunrise'
Click here to view the full slideshow on our website.
Arms embraced, senior Lauren Richey focuses the camera on her friends. Richey is part of the Talonettes. She is also part of the 'Ready Set Teach' where she has an internship every morning. Richey will be attending Bringham Young University in the fall of 2024.
As she prepares to take a photo, senior Loretta Sofi spends time with her friends before going back to school. Senior Sunrise started at 6 a.m. on the PHS baseball field. The student council provided a light breakfast for seniors including donuts and orange juice.
Reuniting after the summer break, seniors Eli Hellrung, Malick Katalika, and Dawes Marlatt hold up the numbers of their graduation year '2024' as they prepare to leave. Katalika is the senior student council president. He will take part in planning many activities throughout the year, including senior activities.
As they come together, senior Anu Ganesh meets up with her friends during the senior sunrise event organized by student council. Ganesh came to PHS her sophomore year. This year, she will continue to take part in theatre and orchestra.