New York City’s sanitation workers were recently recognized through a photography contest aimed at spotlighting their daily efforts to maintain the city’s cleanliness. The competition, titled Snap the Sweep, invited high school students across the city to capture images that showcase the vital work performed by Department of Sanitation crews.

The contest was organized by Joseph Englander, a senior at Ramaz High School and founder of Snap the Sweep, in collaboration with the International Center of Photography (ICP) and the Sanitation Foundation. Its goal was to bring attention to the often-overlooked contributions of sanitation workers who play an essential role in keeping New York’s streets and sidewalks clean.

Last weekend, the winners were announced. Avery Schiamberg, a senior at Trevor Day School, secured first place with a black-and-white photograph depicting a garbage truck navigating a rainy street. The image conveys the resilience and perseverance of sanitation workers despite challenging weather conditions. Nathaniel Ottensoser, a sophomore at Ramaz High School, earned second place for a vibrant, color portrait capturing a sanitation worker clad in the department’s signature yellow uniform behind the wheel.

Both winners will receive classes through ICP’s Teen Academy and will have their photographs exhibited in the lobby of the International Center of Photography. The initiative highlights the broader efforts to recognize the people who keep the city running smoothly behind the scenes, often unnoticed unless service interruptions occur.

By engaging young photographers and showcasing their perspectives, Snap the Sweep aims to foster greater public appreciation for the essential labor performed by New York City’s sanitation workers.