HEBRON — Mengdong Zhuang, a member of the class of 2012 at Hebron Academy, took first, second and third prize in the spring “Through the Lens” photography competition hosted by Lyceum Gallery in Lewiston. Zhuang’s “Grace” took first, while “The Trees” and “Through Gas” took second and third, respectively, setting a new precedent for the contest. One onlooker even purchased a Zhuang photograph.

The photographic works of five other Hebron Academy students and one Hebron alumna were also selected to appear in the “Through the Lens” competition. Hebron students’ pieces comprised all but three images in the category.

Of her accomplishments, Zhuang said, “I was surprised to receive this kind of honor of wining all three prizes, especially having one of my photos sell for the first time. I thank my teachers who introduced me to the art and who have inspired me to pursue photography for the rest of my life.”

Hebron students from this year’s competition include Haley Grimmer ’13 of Lewiston, “Glacier;” Riley Hemmings ’16 of Hebron, “Descenso,” “Tectum;” Abigail Kinens ’13 of Houlton, “Flautist;” Soo Yeon “Anna” Kim ‘12 of Korea, “Descend;” Sydney Randall ’13 of New Gloucester, “Nails and Horsehair;” Mengdong Zhuang ’12 of China, “The Trees,” “Grace,” “Transformation of a Girl,” “Through Gas;” and Lauren Tardif ‘07 of Auburn, “Pyrotechnic,” “Claire’s Hands.”

Jeanine Eschenbach and Jennifer Lonergan of Hebron’s art department both submitted works to the gallery for exhibit.

Students from across the state of Maine were able to enter their work in one or more categories with a maximum of four photo entries. Categories included black and white, color and computer composed. Selected students were eligible for cash prizes.

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