By Shayna Freisleben 

Four Advanced Photography students have been named Spotlight
Award semifinalists.

Nick Merrill ’09, Annie McGrath ’08, Erik Haake ’08, and
Katie MacDonald ’08 were selected in the visual arts category, with applicants
from various counties in Southern California.

The program, run by the Music Center for Performing Arts of
Los Angeles County, is designated for high school students in categories of
performing arts and visual arts, and includes cash prizes and various
scholarship opportunities, according to the Music Center website.

The work of the semifinalists will be displayed at the
Bergamot Station gallery in Santa Monica later this month where the finalists
will be announced, photography teacher Kevin O’Malley said. The semifinalists
had interviews with judges at the Music Center last Saturday, and presented
their original work. The grand prize winners will be announced next month at a
ceremony at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.