In an age where smartphones, tablets, and social media dominate our daily lives, our ability to focus has become increasingly compromised. Studies show that excessive screen time, especially at an early age, can contribute to attention deficits and memory loss. The constant influx of notifications, messages, and digital content makes it difficult to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. However, the practice of focusing—both in the literal and figurative sense—is a skill that can be nurtured, particularly through the arts.
At Laureate College, a private STEAM-Gifted Arts High School, we place immense value on the power of focus. The arts, in all their forms, offer an escape from digital distractions and provide students with a means to engage in meaningful self-expression and deep observation. Whether it’s through painting, music, sculpture, or photography, the act of creating demands mindfulness, patience, and attention to detail.
This is why we are thrilled to announce our 2025 Laureate Photography Contest, centered around the theme of Focus. This competition encourages students and the broader community to step away from screens and into the real world, where they can explore their surroundings with an observant eye. A close-up of tree bark, a delicate footprint in the snow, or the gentle ripples of water in a pond—these are the small, yet powerful, moments that deserve our attention.
Photography is not just about capturing an image; it’s about being present, looking closely, and appreciating the unnoticed details that make up our environment. By participating in this contest, students will not only refine their technical photography skills but also develop a heightened sense of awareness and appreciation for the world around them. This practice strengthens cognitive function, improves memory retention, and fosters creative thinking—essential skills that will benefit them beyond the arts.
Our Gifted Arts Curriculum and Afterschool Music and Art programs are designed to nurture creativity and self-confidence while promoting focus and discipline. We offer diverse programs in piano, choir, painting, sketching, illustration and character design, fine arts, and adult art classes in morning and noon sessions. Through these programs, students learn to detach from technology and connect with their own emotions, thoughts, and artistic instincts.
We invite you to join us at Laureate College to experience the profound impact of the arts in developing focus, confidence, and creative exploration. For more details about our 2025 Photography Contest and our extended Arts and Music programs, visit our website or contact us today!
Let’s refocus on what truly matters—one moment, one image, one masterpiece at a time.
Ixchel Suarez
Co-Artistic Visual Arts Director
Afterschool Arts Programs
