Thrills and Chills - Wonderful moment captured with the young girl getting in a quick prayer before the ride she is on takes a plunge. We've all probably said a prayer within this situation; this youngster wanted to make sure hers was heard. Photo appeared on the cover of "The Catholic Spirit" newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen.

Photo by George J. Evans, Jr.

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Bishop's Reading Program Footprints in the Sand

Asbury Park Press: "He was not praying for recognition. However,

snapping a shot of a young girl, hands clasped in prayer, has brought just

that to a Freehold Township photographer.

"With more than 40 years of experience behind him, photojournalist

George J. Evans, Jr. was recognized recently when one of his photographs

garnered a first-place award for Best Feature Photo from The Catholic

Press Association of the United States and Canada.

"The photograph, entitled 'Thrills and Chills' appeared last July on the

front page of Catholic Spirit, the weekly newspaper of the Catholic diocese

of Metuchen. It captures a young girl on a roller coaster at the 18th annual

La Asuncion Festival in Perth Amboy getting in a quick prayer before the

ride takes a plunge.

"In reality the ride wasn't that severe, but I looked over and there

she was," Evans said. "It was one of those rare opportunities that makes

the job so much fun."

"Evans began his free-lance stint with the Catholic Spirit 10 years

ago and has since covered many religious ceremonies, school activities

and happenings within many of the Catholic parishes that form the

Diocese of Metuchen.

"I sort of migrated into this," Evans said. "When I am shooting,

I respect the religious ceremony and look for th life and the diversity

of the church."

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