At Goddard High School (GHS), freshman Jaxton Hutton moves through the hallways with a different perspective than most of his peers. While other students might be catching up with friends between classes, Jaxton is often scanning his surroundings for the perfect photo opportunity, a habit he's developed since discovering photography in middle school.
"It started in 7th grade," Hutton shares. "I just thought it would be cool to take pictures with my mom's camera and see how they would turn out." What began as simple curiosity has evolved into an eager pursuit, one that has found a strong foothold in the classroom of Jennifer Chism, GHS Art Teacher.
Chism, who has been teaching at GHS for five years, brings her own artistic journey to her role as a mentor. "Growing up, art class was always my favorite place. I guess I found a way to never leave it," she shares about her inspiration to become a teacher. This drive towards creative expression is something she now works to cultivate in students like Hutton.
The teacher-student dynamic has been especially effective in enhancing his technical abilities. "She taught us how to use the manual functions on the camera and how to edit them. It makes everything look better," said Hutton. With Chism's guidance, he's moved beyond simple point-and-shoot photography to understanding the complexities of aperture, shutter speed, and post-processing techniques.
Chism finds great fulfillment in this aspect of her work. "I love watching my students master new mediums," she says. "It dramatically builds their self-confidence. They begin to understand that they can create anything they can imagine, and that is a powerful feeling." This transformation is evident by Hutton’s growing portfolio, which showcases not only technical improvement but increasing artistic vision.
When asked what brought her to Goddard Public Schools, Chism explains, "I moved here five years ago with my family. I was drawn to Goddard because of all the opportunities they offered to their students." The school district’s investment in artistic educational opportunities has created a productive and rich environment for students to discover and develop their talents.
Perhaps most interesting about Hutton’s journey is his specific fascination with various methods and modes of transport, specifically within the school realm. While many young photographers are drawn to landscapes or portraits, he has developed a unique niche. "I especially love photographing transportation," he shares.
This specialized interest has shaped his future aspirations as well. "I think it would be cool to be a district photographer and take photos for the school district," Hutton said, when asked about his goals. While some might pursue photography purely as a creative outlet, he already envisions a practical application that combines his passion with professional possibilities.
For other students who might be curious about photography, Hutton offers straightforward advice: "Just try it and you'll find something you like." This simple encouragement reflects his own journey—one that began with casual practice and has evolved into a driven pursuit with potential career implications.
As Hutton continues to develop his skills, in Chism's classroom and beyond, his story illustrates the important role that supportive teachers play in helping students discover their talents. For Chism, Hutton represents the best of what art education can accomplish: fostering technical skills while simultaneously building confidence and opening doors to future possibilities that students might never have otherwise considered.