First place: David Sokol, Medford Transcript

About this entry: David Sokol’s entry proved his ability to tell a visual story through both a series of images, like his submission of local educators visiting the Marine Corps Educator Workshop, or through just a single image, like the celebratory photograph from an area graduation ceremony.

Teachers from around New England watch the "Motivational Run" a day before the recruit graduation on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 at the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina. Teachers got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

Teachers from around New England watch the “Motivational Run” a day before the recruit graduation on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015 at the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina. Teachers got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

A crowd of educators take photos of the Parris Island MCRD's mascot, Lance Corporal Legend, after watching Marine recruits graduate on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

A crowd of educators take photos of the Parris Island MCRD’s mascot, Lance Corporal Legend, after watching Marine recruits graduate on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

Malden High School House Principal, Marilyn Slattery looks at former Malden High School graduate and now Marine Pvt Nafcerlyn Corney after her graduation on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

Malden High School House Principal, Marilyn Slattery looks at former Malden High School graduate and now Marine Pvt Nafcerlyn Corney after her graduation on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

A Marine recruit is seen here during the crucible, the final test before becoming a Marine, when teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

A Marine recruit is seen here during the crucible, the final test before becoming a Marine, when teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Saugus High School director of guidance, Leanne Mottola rappels off the 50 foot Holberton Tower when educators from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Saugus High School director of guidance, Leanne Mottola rappels off the 50 foot Holberton Tower when educators from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Marine Sgt. Jose Murillo takes a photo of two of the educators as they rappel off Holberton Tower during their experience of what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Marine Sgt. Jose Murillo takes a photo of two of the educators as they rappel off Holberton Tower during their experience of what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Medford High School intern Sarah Shoemaker, center, receives a helping hand from a Marine, right, as she tries the obstacle "Dirty Name" as part of the Confidence Course when teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Medford High School intern Sarah Shoemaker, center, receives a helping hand from a Marine, right, as she tries the obstacle “Dirty Name” as part of the Confidence Course when teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Malden High School house principal Marilyn Slattery, receives instructions on how to an M16 when teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Malden High School house principal Marilyn Slattery, receives instructions on how to an M16 when teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Marine recruits are seen cleaning their M16 rifles during the crucible, the final test before becoming a Marine, when teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Marine recruits are seen cleaning their M16 rifles during the crucible, the final test before becoming a Marine, when teachers from around New England got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Marine Erik Walker, primary marksmanship instructor, gives a demonstration on how to use an Beretta firearm, to teachers from around New England when they got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Marine Erik Walker, primary marksmanship instructor, gives a demonstration on how to use an Beretta firearm, to teachers from around New England when they got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Teachers from the New England area listen to Marines from the Beaufort, South Carolina Marine base, when they got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Teachers from the New England area listen to Marines from the Beaufort, South Carolina Marine base, when they got a chance to see what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Educators from around New England stand at attention in the symbolic "yellow footprints" upon arriving on Parris Island. Teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Educators from around New England stand at attention in the symbolic “yellow footprints” upon arriving on Parris Island. Teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Educators from around New England run back and forth while be put through drills while learning about what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

Educators from around New England run back and forth while be put through drills while learning about what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015.

United States Marine SSgt. Carolin Chavez, barks out orders to educators from around New England during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

United States Marine SSgt. Carolin Chavez, barks out orders to educators from around New England during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015. Teachers from around New England got a chance to experience what life would be like for Marine recruits during the Marine Corps Educator Workshop at Parris Island in South Carolina.

View online: Medford administrators go to Marine boot camp, Medford hold ‘Guns N’ Hoses’ hockey game

Follow David on Twitter @DavidSokol3

David Sokol’s entry, the Marine Core Educators Program in particular, includes some nicely comprehensive storytelling. The work really hangs together while engaging the audience with smart moments cinematic pacing and variety.

Second place: Joshua A. Bickel, ThisWeek Community News

About this entry: Joshua A. Bickel’s visual storytelling knows no bounds, whether it’s telling a story through a series of images or through just one.

Jay Davis, center, rallies his team following their 77-0 loss to Bishop Hartley. The Thunder would go on to lose all their games this season, finishing 0-8, while Hartley would go on to claim a state championship.

Jay Davis, center, rallies his team following their 77-0 loss to Bishop Hartley. The Thunder would go on to lose all their games this season, finishing 0-8, while Hartley would go on to claim a state championship.

Reigning Sports Academy's Rob Anderson, center, returns the ball into Hartley territory after receiving the second half's opening kickoff. It was the Thunder's longest gain of the night, but they failed to convert any points.

Reigning Sports Academy’s Rob Anderson, center, returns the ball into Hartley territory after receiving the second half’s opening kickoff. It was the Thunder’s longest gain of the night, but they failed to convert any points.

Players huddle up before the start of the second half.

Players huddle up before the start of the second half.

Reigning Sports Academy's Keoni Sims (8) listens to Coach Haywood during halftime of the Thunder's football game against Bishop Hartley. Despite being behind, 63-0, at halftime, Coach Haywood implored his team to not quit and to keep playing as hard as they could.

Reigning Sports Academy’s Keoni Sims (8) listens to Coach Haywood during halftime of the Thunder’s football game against Bishop Hartley. Despite being behind, 63-0, at halftime, Coach Haywood implored his team to not quit and to keep playing as hard as they could.

Thunder Running back Tavarus Parker (1) reacts after being brought down by the Hartley defense.

Thunder Running back Tavarus Parker (1) reacts after being brought down by the Hartley defense.

Reigning Sports Academy's David Cook, left, looks at the play chart along with teammates during a timeout.

Reigning Sports Academy’s David Cook, left, looks at the play chart along with teammates during a timeout.

Head coach Sterling Haywood pumps his team up before taking the field against Hartley. Haywood, who was a national champion in Division I-AA at Southern Illinois University in 1983, started the team to give kids who couldn't play on their respective high school's team a chance to play. "For most of these kids, it's behavior issues or things they won't tolerate in schools," Haywood said. "They're not playing at their school for a reason. A lot of these guys are getting a second chance."

Head coach Sterling Haywood pumps his team up before taking the field against Hartley. Haywood, who was a national champion in Division I-AA at Southern Illinois University in 1983, started the team to give kids who couldn’t play on their respective high school’s team a chance to play. “For most of these kids, it’s behavior issues or things they won’t tolerate in schools,” Haywood said. “They’re not playing at their school for a reason. A lot of these guys are getting a second chance.”

Quarterback Raymond Spangler rests on the ground after a sack from Bishop Hartley lineman John Anderson.

Quarterback Raymond Spangler rests on the ground after a sack from Bishop Hartley lineman John Anderson.

Team captain Jay Davis, of Reynoldsburg, adjusts his bandana before leaving the locker room for the Thunder's game. "I like the family part of the team," said Davis, who tried to be a part of his high school's team. "I don't know where I'd be without this team."

Team captain Jay Davis, of Reynoldsburg, adjusts his bandana before leaving the locker room for the Thunder’s game. “I like the family part of the team,” said Davis, who tried to be a part of his high school’s team. “I don’t know where I’d be without this team.”

Shaniqua Scott, center, stretches with some of her teammates before the start of the game.

Shaniqua Scott, center, stretches with some of her teammates before the start of the game.

Rob Anderson, right, checks out his new uniform in the locker room mirror as teammate Tavarus Parker, left, listens to music before the Reigning Sports Academy Thunder's first varsity high school football game against Bishop Hartley on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 at Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio. The Thunder are composed of players throughout Columbus who don't play for their high school football team for a variety of reasons, including grades, behavior, or issues with other players or coaches. For many of the players, the structured team environment keeps them out of trouble.

Rob Anderson, right, checks out his new uniform in the locker room mirror as teammate Tavarus Parker, left, listens to music before the Reigning Sports Academy Thunder’s first varsity high school football game against Bishop Hartley on Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 at Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio. The Thunder are composed of players throughout Columbus who don’t play for their high school football team for a variety of reasons, including grades, behavior, or issues with other players or coaches. For many of the players, the structured team environment keeps them out of trouble.

Sally Crane Cox, center, of Gahanna, sits atop her horse as a pack of hounds circle around her after calling them during a fox hound demonstration as part of the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt Benefit Show and Hunt Team Challege on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Redtail Ridge Farm in Johnstown, Ohio.

Sally Crane Cox, center, of Gahanna, sits atop her horse as a pack of hounds circle around her after calling them during a fox hound demonstration as part of the Rocky Fork Headley Hunt Benefit Show and Hunt Team Challege on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at Redtail Ridge Farm in Johnstown, Ohio.

Community members surround Shirley Andrews-Sharer during a prayer vigil for her three daughters, Megan, Erin and Kelsi, on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Grace Point Community Church in Powell, Ohio. The sisters were reported missing in Teton County, Wyoming while backpacking. As of July 8, the sisters' car had been found at a trailhead and nine search teams were looking for the girls. They had about five days worth of food. The next day, the sisters were found after a local guide tipped search and rescue officials to a location with no trails where he had seen someone walking.

Community members surround Shirley Andrews-Sharer during a prayer vigil for her three daughters, Megan, Erin and Kelsi, on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Grace Point Community Church in Powell, Ohio. The sisters were reported missing in Teton County, Wyoming while backpacking. As of July 8, the sisters’ car had been found at a trailhead and nine search teams were looking for the girls. They had about five days worth of food. The next day, the sisters were found after a local guide tipped search and rescue officials to a location with no trails where he had seen someone walking.

Follow Joshua on Twitter @joshuabickel

This portfolio includes some ambitious storytelling and some touching moments. In the essay on the football club for at-risk players, the photographer has gone beyond the obvious to make us want to know more about the individuals that wear those uniforms.

Third place: Alyssa Stone, Scituate Mariner

About this entry: Alyssa Stone’s entry proved her photography skills at capturing the essence of a seemingly endless amount of subjects.

Sharon Harrington, from Scituate, recites a prayer in unison with the congregation. St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

Sharon Harrington, from Scituate, recites a prayer in unison with the congregation.
St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

A light from outside illuminates one single stained- glass window at St. Francis, one of Jesus. St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

A light from outside illuminates one single stained- glass window at St. Francis, one of Jesus.
St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

Shea Morley, from Scituate, says a prayer during Communion while sitting next to his cousin Justin Beresford, Scituate. St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

Shea Morley, from Scituate, says a prayer during Communion while sitting next to his cousin Justin Beresford, Scituate.
St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

The children in attendence come up to the alter to hear a Christmas story and recieve candy canes. St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

The children in attendence come up to the alter to hear a Christmas story and recieve candy canes.
St. Francis X Cabrini holds what may be the final service at St. Francis on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2015. Wicked Local Staff Photo/Alyssa Stone

Follow Alyssa on Twitter @astonephoto

Alyssa Stone submitted an ambitious entry with wide variety and some nice moments. What made this work stand out in particular, were the unexpected images with a unique point of view. Images like the upside-down child silhouetted against the dark sky at the carnival make this portfolio memorable.