When student work earns national recognition, it is worth slowing down and paying attention. Not just to the award, but to the growth, the risk-taking and the people behind the camera.
That is exactly the case with Amy Ledezma Gonzalez, an assistant editor on the Torch yearbook staff at Orange Glen High School in Escondido, California. Amy’s photography was recently featured on the cover of JEA Adviser magazine, earned an honorable mention for her soccer photography and took first place in the JEA Clips & Clicks contest. For a student journalist, that is a rare and powerful trifecta.
But her story is bigger than a list of wins.
A Photographer Who Had “It” From the Start
Amy is in her third year on staff and currently serves as one of the Torch assistant editors. According to adviser Jessica Young, MJE, her talent was evident early on.
“I remember reviewing images early in her first year and seeing that she had ‘it,’” Young said. “Even before we had spent much time on technical skills, she had the instincts needed to get great shots.”
Amy was drawn to photography right away, particularly sports. Outside of school, she has built a reputation shooting club soccer, including serving as the “unofficial-official” photographer for the Nomads club team. She plays soccer herself, competing as a defender for both Surf Soccer Club and Orange Glen.
That balance of athlete and photographer shows up in her work. She knows where to stand, when to anticipate action and how to tell a story through a single frame.
She is also one of the staff’s strongest writers, regularly choosing writing sessions at camps and workshops to sharpen her storytelling skills.
“It Felt Very Surreal”
Amy first learned her photo was being considered for the JEA Adviser cover during the JEA National Convention in Seattle. When the news became official over the summer, the reaction was immediate.
“I was definitely emotional,” Amy said. “It was a complete shock. Just being considered was an honor.”
When copies of the magazine arrived on campus, Amy could not wait to share them. She brought copies to the teacher she photographed and took several home to her family.
The recognition did not stop there.
When Young told Amy about her Clips & Clicks wins, Amy thought it was a joke. Screenshots proved otherwise.
“Winning double awards days apart felt very surreal,” Amy said. “It was a really positive way to start my senior year.”
A Dream Passed Down
One of the most powerful parts of Amy’s story comes from her family.
Amy’s father worked in journalism for nearly 10 years in Mexico as a reporter, photographer and radio host. When the family moved to the United States, he left that career behind.
“The recognition of my daughter is my pride,” he said. “It makes me happy that she is accomplishing the same thing I did, but that I could not continue.”
For Amy, that connection runs deep.
“My parents did not have access to the opportunities I have here,” she said. “Being recognized like this feels like proof that their sacrifices paid off.”
What It Means to an Adviser
For Young, the awards are meaningful, but the bravery behind them matters just as much.
“It is scary to put your work out there,” she said. “When students are willing to take that risk, it tells me they trust the skills I’ve taught them and take pride in what they’ve created.”
That trust matters, especially at a Title I school in a highly migrant community.
“Our students face a lot of challenges,” Young said. “When they work hard, take risks and are recognized for it, it makes the long days worth it.”
A Win for the Whole Staff
Amy’s success was celebrated by the entire Torch staff. The culture, according to Young, is intentionally built on support and shared pride.
“A success for one of us is a success for all of us,” she said. “We celebrate our wins together. Cookies and cupcakes definitely help.”
That visibility also raises expectations.
“They see that someone from our school, with the same tools they have, can do this,” Young said. “It makes them want to push themselves, too.”
Telling Stories That Matter
Orange Glen’s staff was also featured in JEA Adviser magazine for its overall coverage. Amy credits the team’s focus on representation.
“We realized many families didn’t even know what a yearbook was,” she said. “So we tried to include every voice we could.”
That approach resonated beyond the classroom, helping the community feel seen.
Advice for Other Yearbook Staffs
Both adviser and student agree on one thing: authenticity matters.
Young tells her students she is their biggest advocate.
“I teach them their rights, legitimize their work and amplify their voices,” she said. “They know I have their backs.”
Amy’s advice is practical and direct.
“Get personal,” she said. “Use social media to find stories. It takes the student body to know the student body.”
