Groton School student photographers earn Secondary School Photography awards

Groton School student photographers were well represented at the Griffin Museum’s 2025 Secondary School Photography Exhibit, held this year in the school’s own Christopher Brodigan Gallery.

Alejandro Hassan ’26 took home honorable mention for his “Blue,” and Abby O'Neil ’25 won the People’s Choice Award for “Shadows.” Hazel Beastrom ’26 and Seb Lewin ’26 also had their work displayed.

“I started taking photography two years ago and really dived into it over the last year or so,” said Alejandro. “Winning the award was neat because there were a lot of really creative pictures there, so knowing people saw mine as to that level was really cool.”

“My grandma taught me photography when I was younger, but I was only able to take formal classes starting in Fourth Form,” said Abby. “I felt incredibly honored and grateful receiving my reward. It showed that the work I did with [Groton photography faculty members] Ms. [Monika] Andersson and Ms. [Blake] Fitch has paid off and it motivates me to keep pursuing photography as a storyteller.”

Since 2019, the Winchester, MA-based Griffin Museum has sponsored the Secondary School Photography Exhibit, showcasing the talent and vision of young photographers from across the greater Boston area. Students from both independent and public high schools were invited to participate, and seventeen schools took part. Photography teachers from each school selected four outstanding images to represent their programs. 

Crista Dix, executive director of the Griffin Museum, was on hand May 18 to present awards at an opening reception for the exhibit. First place went to Jillian Falcione from Stoughton High School, second place to Bain Coyne from Milton Academy, and third place to Elio Franco Harrinzon from Framingham High School.