From the Nominator

We set out to showcase the student drag association and its upcoming show, Transform, as well as its leader, Jaime Aranzabal. Aranzabal founded the House of Lewan in 2022 with a goal “to formally bring drag to Dartmouth College by providing a safe space for students to learn from each other, practice performance, and inspire the Dartmouth campus to appreciate drag as an art form.” In honor of this goal and all the work to bring drag so successfully into the Dartmouth culture, we wanted to feature Jaime in a dramatic photo that ran alongside an advance story promoting the upcoming performance. The photo is also a play on a classic Dartmouth slogan “Welcome to the Woods.” In highlighting both an individual student—and a group of students—bringing something different and courageous to the Dartmouth community and culture, we created a broader sense of who belongs here. Part of the goal of the written piece and the accompanying artwork was to boost attendance for their drag shows. But it also was meant to serve as a point of connection for alumni, parents, and prospective students, highlighting Dartmouth’s dedication to safe spaces for students to explore their identities in relation to the world. We successfully gave a voice to this pocket of the student body, expanding our greater community’s awareness of this burgeoning cultural addition and students’ love for it. Current, former, and prospective students shared that they were pleased we had taken time to highlight an often-marginalized community.

From the Judges

Rooted in a clear and intentional vision, this photo reimagines the campus phrase “Into the Woods” through an inclusive lens. The bold contrast between the subject’s vibrant attire and the natural backdrop draws the viewer in—underscoring the power of visibility and self-expression.