The
Hilton Head Sun
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 135 POSTAL CUSTOMER
March 6, 2024 • Volume 27, Issue 3 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
HHIHS Photography Teacher, Students Excel Together
Patty Schoelkopf-Lewis has taught photography at Hilton Head Island High School for the past 27 years. Hilton Head Island High School senior Karen McDonnell’s photo “Connected Souls” won a Gold Key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards last fall, and will be judged nationally in March in New York City.
BY AMY COYNE BREDESON Contributor Patty Schoelkopf-Lewis has taught photography at Hilton Head Island High School for the past 27 years. Over that time, she has seen countless students develop a love for the art of photography. Last year, the South Carolina Art Education Association named Schoelkopf-Lewis secondary educator of the year. She said only one other Beaufort County teacher has received the honor. Schoelkopf-Lewis, who also teaches yearbook class, said the majority of students walk into her classroom for the first time, expecting something completely different than what they get. They know
they’ll learn about the art of photography, but they don’t realize they will also learn about the history of photography and the science behind it. Schoelkopf-Lewis’s students are constantly impressing her with their talent. “So many students underestimate their abilities and say, ‘Oh, I’m not creative,’” Schoelkopf-Lewis said. “And the next thing you know, they are producing this awesome work.” Every year, Schoelkopf-Lewis’ students participate in multiple competitions, including the Kurtzberg Competition, the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, and the Photographic Society of America Youth Showcase.
The Kurtzberg Competition is put on by the Camera Club of Hilton Head Island in memory of the group’s founder, Larry Kurtzberg. The award was established in 1998 as a way to recognize HHIHS photography students for their excellent work. The club awards cash prizes and certificates to the winning students. Schoelkopf-Lewis credits the local camera club with much of the success of the high school’s photography program. “I honestly don’t think the program at Hilton Head Island High School would’ve flourished as much without their constant attention, their constant donations, their constant mentorship,” Schoelkopf-Lewis said. As a member of the PSA, the local club
PHOTOGRAPHY CONT. ON PAGE 14A
Local AI Forum Discusses Benefits For Businesses 6A
Annual Native Plant Sale Ushers In Spring 26A
Beaufort Memorial Receives $1M In Funding
12A
Don’t Miss Lunar, Solar Eclipse 29A