By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“I am proud to announce that Aaron Squires won first place in the Junior/Senior Photography Category for the States Superintendent’s Visual Arts Competition (this is out of the whole state),” said Pelham High School art and photography teacher Kim Hinds.

Hinds has good reason to be proud of her students. For the second year in a row, a PHS photography student is taking home the top scholastic photography award in the state.

Last year’s winner was Lauren Underwood from PHS.

Aaron Squires is currently a junior at PHS where he is also a member of the marching band.

His work was displayed at the State Capitol in February and he attended an awards reception on Feb. 11 where he was recognized and received his first place award.

Squires’ parents also attended the ceremony at the state capitol.

“Aaron does have a wide range of talents: Singing, playing musical instruments, he is creative and artsy and takes great photographs,” said his mother, Lisa Squires. “He is gifted academically. Many things come naturally to him—especially photography. He has an eye for it. He understands lighting and color. We look forward to seeing what he will pursue in the future. The sky is the limit for him!”

Known around school as a Renaissance man who seems to be good at every interest he pursues, Squires is a student whose talent is marking him as one of the state’s premiere student photographers.

“I am very proud of Aaron and very impressed with his creativity,” says Aaron’s dad, Dave Squires.

With his entire senior year ahead of him next year, Squires has many more chances to compete and succeed on the creative front.

“Aaron is very talented and has a great portfolio,” says Hinds. “He is very conceptual and has a great eye for composition. He has the ability to communicate through his photos.”

For his senior year, Squires plans to be in Photography II. He also plans to submit an AP portfolio in 2D Design.

Aaron Squires is a young man who has truly thrived in the creative environment of PHS.