WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Some local students are turning photographs into opportunities, earning a Helping Hand from 12 News and Devaughn James Injury Lawyers.

These Gordon Parks Academy students have been working to master their photography skills. That effort led to a photo contest and an opportunity for them to take a trip to Paris.

“Delvyn’s work was submitted and his photo actually won second place — and with that, he won $75,” Gordon Parks teacher Mary DeVellchio said of one of her students. “That was huge, but then Mr. Cheers, who is putting on the contest, honored Delvyn with a full scholarship to Pars because of that photo.”

“I was surprised,” Delvyn said. “I didn’t even know I was going to win.”

Photographer Gordon Parks, the school’s namesake, also took students on a trip to Paris during one of his assignments, and now all of these photography students are raising money to help perfect their photography skills.

“This is life-changing,” DeVellchio said. “How many middle schoolers get this opportunity – how many adults get this opportunity to follow a legend like Gordon Parks?”

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