Celine Ge ’26 and Sarah Zhu ’26 were accepted into the twenty-fourth annual Drexel University High School Photography Contest. Only 188 students were accepted into the show out of 980 applicants across 46 states. Celine was one of six winners, receiving an honorable mention for her piece, “Caged Sheep.”

Both Celine and Sarah credit their families with fostering their love of photography. “Photography is in my DNA,” shared Celine. “My mom’s parents did film photography.”

Sarah was introduced to photography through her dad; he frequently had a camera in hand throughout Sarah’s childhood.

The similarities between Celine and Sarah’s journey with photography don’t end there. Both of their photos that were selected for the exhibition explore parts of the world that Westerners may not be familiar with. Sarah’s photo was taken during a trip to Indonesia and Celine’s photo was taken in rural northwestern China.

An appreciation of the art of photography was instilled in Sarah at a young age by her dad, an avid hobbyist photographer. “My dad and I travel a lot,” said Sarah. “He always took his camera with him. When I was a kid, he gave me a toy camera to play with. In fourth grade, I asked for a camera for my birthday and this is the camera I continue to use today.”

Sarah took the photo that was selected for the exhibition during a walk with her dad in one of the poorest cities in Indonesia. Recognizing that many of the stories in this region are not often given a platform, Sarah sees her photograph as a way to uplift these untold stories. “Susan Ross [Arts Teacher] suggested titling the photo, ‘Silent Witness,’” said Sarah. “There was a silent story behind it. I don’t know the woman and what she’s been through; I think taking her picture shows respect and acknowledgement of that. A witness of another person’s life.”

"Silent Witness," by Sarah Zhu '26

Celine’s photo, “Caged Sheep,” also shed light on a part of the world many Western viewers have not been exposed to. She took the photo during a visit to an outdoor market in a remote area of northwestern China. “I wanted to show a culture in China that people would be interested in seeing–a part of Chinese culture different from my own,” said Celine. When she found out she was accepted to the exhibit – and received an honorable mention – she was shocked. “I was happy that this aspect of Chinese culture was going to be exhibited in a Western setting.”

"Caged Sheep," by Celine Ge '26

Director of Visual Arts and Photography Teacher Danielle Picard-Sheehan couldn’t be more proud of Celine and Sarah. “Celine’s passion for photography is boundless. Her street photography, particularly from her homeland of China, bursts with vibrant colors and masterfully captures decisive moments that reveal the quiet dignity of everyday life," said Danielle. "Sarah’s work spans from street photography to intimate portraiture, demonstrating her versatility in capturing a wide range of subjects. A dedicated student, she brings both precision and artistry to her craft. It is a privilege to teach these remarkable young artists.”

Through photography, both Celine and Sarah share similar goals as artists and witnesses to the world around them. 

“I aim to interpret the world through the camera lens,” shared Celine. “Capturing aspects of life we normally wouldn’t see and showing the beauty and reality of the world.”

“Photography ties me into a process of self-reflection and meditative process, grounding me in the world around me, and showing appreciation,” said Sarah. “It helps you notice things in a way that maybe if you weren’t holding a camera, you might have just walked by.”