For the fifth consecutive year, a photograph taken by an Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child student will be featured in an exhibit at Drexel University as part of its highly competitive high school photography contest.

The photo, taken by Oak Knoll senior Jasmine Nazaire ‘16, represented a significant accomplishment and a link to her own family’s heritage, as the picture was taken during a summer trip to Haiti, where her family has roots.

“It is a reminder to me of the deeper connection I developed with myself while my family and I vacationed in Haiti,” said Nazaire, of Irvington. “I now know more about the place my family is from, which has allowed me to know more about who I am. The photo is very symbolic to me, because it represents my first time in Haiti. It is a memory I will never forget.”

Nazaire admitted she was initially unaware of the significance of her accomplishment, until Jennifer Breitenstein, photography teacher at Oak Knoll’s all-girls middle and high school, told her about the competitive nature of the competition.

“After hearing that, I felt proud of myself and very excited,” she said of the photo, which was taken from her hotel room in Haiti.

Breitenstein was similarly proud, noting the contest is open to submissions from high school students throughout the country. Of the 1,600 photos submitted, 110 will be featured in the exhibit, according to Drexel University.

“During her trip to Haiti, Jasmine strengthened her ability to create documentary photographs that communicated a great deal of atmosphere and information about life in a very different culture,” Breitenstein said, noting Nazaire’s use of natural light made the photo resemble an oil painting.

Nazaire’s work will be on display at the university’s exhibit from February 6 through March 4. Her photo will also be featured on the University’s Instagram account. Judges will announce six winners of the competition on January 14.