Photography Brings Family into Focus for Tess Markotsis

Tess Markotsis is one of Huntington High School’s Distinguished Seniors. She’s been involved in an assortment of after school activities and grown in a variety of ways. The teenager plans to pursue a degree in elementary education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

“My success in high school has come from staying on top of my homework and assignments, which helped me stay organized and focused,” Ms. Markotsis said. “One of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience has been the friendships I’ve made and the people I’ve met along the way. These relationships have made my journey more enjoyable and memorable.”

Ms. Markotsis has especially excelled in her Advanced Placement 2-D Art and Design course. The “sustained investigation” section of her final project is fascinating as the digital images she submitted reflects the theme that guided her photographic exploration.

“The question that guided my SI was ‘how can I portray relationships in my photos?’” Ms. Markotsis said. “I was drawn to the idea of the complexities of relationships and how we show love. What began as a simple inquiry grew more personal as I observed interactions between people I care about. My images changed and evolved throughout my project as I learned more about relationships around me.”

Ms. Markotsis chose photographs that are especially personal and meaningful to her. She was mentored through the final project by her longtime photography teacher, Pamela Piffard.

“One of the greatest gifts I can take away from the experience of this Advanced Placement course is truly recognizing the strength in the relationships in my own family,” Ms. Markotsis said. “Something I once took for granted is now something I see so clearly.”

The final project is a work of art in every way. “I’m incredibly proud of Tess for her thoughtful and intimate series on relationships; her ability to convey connection, vulnerability, and emotion through her images is truly exceptional,” Mrs. Piffard said.

The senior did her fair share of volunteer service with the high school Key Club chapter, including bringing children from financially challenged families shopping at Target in the days leading up to the holidays.

Huntington UFSD teachers were excited to learn that Ms. Markotsis will be studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst to be a teacher herself.