Patrick Smith, a Towson Unviersity alumnus, freelance photojournalist and former Photo Editor at The Towerlight, placed third in the 68^th annual Pictures of the Year International (POYi) competition in the sports portfolio category.

His was one of more than 42,000 images that were submitted throughout the past year. Many of his works were taken at local high schools in Utah.

Smith said he was glad to win against many other prestigious photographers.

“[I am] humbled because there are a lot of other people who could have received this award,” Smith said.

His work has also been featured in many other publications around the world and is recognized by professional organizations such as the Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Press Photographers Association.

Smith, who graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in mass communication of the journalism and new media track, previously worked as a staff photojournalist for the Daily Harold in Provo, Utah, and currently resides in the Baltimore area as a freelance journalist.

He said students should follow a career path they enjoy doing, no matter where they work.

“You can do good things even in a small place. If you have the talent and the drive you can do anything, anywhere. Do what you love,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”