January 2016

Happy New Year! So far things are starting off well for me, and I hope life is positive for you as well. I found out I won the National Press Photographer's Association's Mid-Atlantic Region Clip Photographer of the Year contest which really surprised me since I tend to shoot mainly features and sporting events due to my evening shifts. But though it was a shock, I am so thankful to receive many virtual "pats-on-the-back" from the association members, colleagues, mentors, friends and family. I have felt that the smallest of kind gestures, such as a simple "congratulations",  really warms your heart and motivates you to make the most of each day despite the assignments you're given. 

Southmoreland's Jaden Datz sits in a hallway after his first round loss on Friday, Jan. 8, 2015 during the WCCA tournament.

Southmoreland's Jaden Datz sits in a hallway after his first round loss on Friday, Jan. 8, 2015 during the WCCA tournament.

Kiski Area's Collin Murray reacts while held by Mt. Pleasant's Mike Novak on Friday, Jan. 8, 2015 during the WCCA tournament.

Kiski Area's Collin Murray reacts while held by Mt. Pleasant's Mike Novak on Friday, Jan. 8, 2015 during the WCCA tournament.

Jefferson Morgan's Kayla Yorko, center, reacts with teammates after beating California during a girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 at California Area High School. Jefferson Morgan won 41-34.

Jefferson Morgan's Kayla Yorko, center, reacts with teammates after beating California during a girls basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 at California Area High School. Jefferson Morgan won 41-34.

Greensburg Central Catholic's Mikayla Bisignani reacts after winning the 50-yard freestyle event during the WCCA swimming championship on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at Derry Area High School.

Greensburg Central Catholic's Mikayla Bisignani reacts after winning the 50-yard freestyle event during the WCCA swimming championship on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at Derry Area High School.

Kiski's Josh Madzy competes in the 200-yard medley during the WCCA swimming championship on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at Derry Area High School.

Kiski's Josh Madzy competes in the 200-yard medley during the WCCA swimming championship on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at Derry Area High School.

Franklin Regional's Natasha Bayne dives during the WCCA diving championship on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at Greater Latrobe High School.

Franklin Regional's Natasha Bayne dives during the WCCA diving championship on Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at Greater Latrobe High School.

Alice Wilkinson, 8 of Hempfield township, looks up toward the top of a sledding hill at Hempfield Park on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, a day after winter storm Jonas.

Alice Wilkinson, 8 of Hempfield township, looks up toward the top of a sledding hill at Hempfield Park on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, a day after winter storm Jonas.

Steven Kaminski of Greensburg lifts his collar over his ears while smoking a cigar past a frosty window along Main Street in Greensburg on Monday, Jan 18., 2016. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory until noon Monday. Winds …

Steven Kaminski of Greensburg lifts his collar over his ears while smoking a cigar past a frosty window along Main Street in Greensburg on Monday, Jan 18., 2016. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory until noon Monday. Winds are expected at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph.

A statue and Jay Keenan of Pittsburgh's South Side (left), sporting strikingly similar flat caps, face toward the Westmoreland County Courthouse while looking at artwork inside the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg on Saturday, Jan. …

A statue and Jay Keenan of Pittsburgh's South Side (left), sporting strikingly similar flat caps, face toward the Westmoreland County Courthouse while looking at artwork inside the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016.

Connor Kok of Latrobe, a freshman student at Seton Hill University, plays hockey on a pond near St. Vincent College on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016. Kok's childhood idol was former Pittsburgh Penguin Jaromír Jágr.

Connor Kok of Latrobe, a freshman student at Seton Hill University, plays hockey on a pond near St. Vincent College on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016. Kok's childhood idol was former Pittsburgh Penguin Jaromír Jágr.