On April 13, the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS) announced and awarded winners and finalists in the 11th annual “Ding” Darling-Theodore Cross High School Photography Contest at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, following a contest judging on March 28.
Sponsored by the Theodore Cross family, the competition invites high school students from Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades, and Hendry counties to compete for prizes, such as a Canon digital SLR camera package, a one-year subscription to Adobe photography software, and a one-year pass to “Ding” Darling.
The late Theodore Cross, the contest’s namesake, lived part-time on Sanibel Island. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; advised the Johnson and Nixon administrations on anti-poverty programs; wrote the influential book Black Capitalism, among others; and created Birders United, a birding website that ranked legislators according to their record of bird protection support.
Late in life, Cross decided to indulge his love for birds and photography and traveled the world to collect stunning portraits and stories to chronicle his adventures. He photographed often at “Ding” Darling, and a number of the images in his book reflect his love for the refuge. Cross published Waterbirds: Portraits and Anecdotes from Birding Adventures in 2009 at age 85; he passed away shortly after in February 2010. His family established the photo contest in his memory in 2013.
Refuge Ranger Jess Barry, professional photographer and refuge volunteer Jim Bennight, and Sanibel islander Nick Linsmayer judged this year’s contest. They reviewed 255 images taken by students from eight schools and selected three winners and 12 honorable mentions.
First place went to an image titled “Great Blue Heron on the Lake Side” by JuliAnn Davis of Cypress Lake High. Judge Barry complimented the photographer’s composition: “This is quintessential ‘Ding’ Darling,’ she said. “I love the lighting, and the lines in the background with the lines in its feathers.”
In second place, Leia Busby of Cypress Lake High named her portrait “Sunset.” “I can just perceive it as a 20-by-30 wall hanging” said Bennight.
Third place winner Savannah Patton from Cypress Lake High took third place with “Calm as a Butterfly.” “I love the fact that it’s almost camouflaged, but isn’t,” judge Linsmayer remarked. “It’s a beautiful butterfly, with great focus, too.”
Honorable mention winners are listed below.
Interns Claire Keeley and Jake Kelly coordinated the contest this year. “It’s always amazing, the quality of photos we get from these young adults,” said Keeley.
“We marvel at the unique perspectives and angles,” Kelly added. “The judges had a difficult time deciding the best photos.”
“Theodore Cross’ family made this contest possible, and it has become a solid success story,” said Ann-Marie Wildman, DDWS executive director. “We couldn’t be more thrilled the family wants its donations used in this way – to reach an age group that often falls through the cracks of conservation education. Thanks to the ‘Ding’ staff, high school teachers, and judges who made this all happen.”
“We are so happy to be supporting a contest in my father’s name, a contest that will get our youth involved with nature by looking at it – as my father so loved doing – through a camera lens,” said Amanda Cross.
To view winning images online and for information on the 2026 photo contest, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/photo-contests.
Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order by photographer)
“Sunsets like Childhood” by Juan Amador, Lehigh Senior High School
“Trapped” by Alastor Amores, Lehigh Senior High School
“Modern Dinosaur” by CJ Couse, Cypress Lake High School
“Sunbathing Smiles” by CJ Couse, Cypress Lake High School
“Trash Panda in the Park” by JuliAnn Davis, Cypress Lake High School
“Endless Horizon” by Mel De Freitas, Cypress Lake High School
“A Burrowing Owl Couple” by David Gonzalez, Ida S. Baker High School
“Orange Glow” by Zayne Kimpland, Cypress Lake High School
“Flare” by Mario Martinez, Clewiston High School
“The Coral’s Burrowers” by Maddox Morris, Lehigh Senior High School
“Red Waves” by Giovanni Rivera, Cypress Lake High School
“The Pretty Butterfly” by Anaixly Vega, Lehigh Senior High School
ABOUT DDWS
As a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, DDWS works to support J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s mission of conservation, wildlife and habitat protection, research, and public education through charitable donations and Refuge Nature Shop profits. To support DDWS and the refuge with a tax-deductible gift, visit dingdarlingsociety.org or Ann-Marie Wildman at 239-789-8991 or [email protected].
