Taffy Jones-Hayes

Jones-Hayes' "Picture Perfect" project increases the academic abilities of at-risk grade-school students through involvement in a photography club. Using a digital camera and printer, students become photojournalists, chronicling school and community events. Students write captions for the photos and, as their writing confidence builds, create articles to share with the school. Material is also submitted to a local newspaper specializing in educational activities. The project improves self-esteem by providing a fun environment for students to develop visual/spatial, technical, and writing skills.