A maximum of 12 images that reflect a strong sense of identity or narrative.
First Place: Kate Magsaysay
More Than Forty Six – The Adirondack 46ers are not defined by summits alone, but by the people they become through the journey—through healing, stewardship, mentorship, resilience, and community.
Brian Hoody, former president of the Adirondack 46ers, longtime 46er correspondent and trail master. Hoody continues to travel to the Adirondacks each year to help maintain the High Peaks trails. He also brings his trail expertise home, caring for and maintaining the paths around Williamson Elementary School in Williamson, N.Y.Ryan Homsey and Joe Cematori, both aspiring 46ers, sit atop Nippletop Mountain in the Adirondacks in September 2025. The pair have completed 28 of the Adirondack High Peaks together and plan to finish all 46 as a team. Ryan and Joe participate in the Adirondack 46ers Correspondent Program, where climbers seek guidance and log their progress toward becoming official 46ers.Mark and Kathy Simpson, longtime members of the Adirondack 46ers, stand on a bridge they built in the region in 2023. The couple completed the 46 High Peaks together years ago and now dedicate their time to maintaining trails across the Adirondacks in upstate N.Y., including constructing bridges and lean-tos. Mark serves as a trail master within the 46ers, and together they also serve as historians for the organizationPaula Brown, Adirondack 46er, winter 46er and trail steward, stands on the summit of Kane Mountain in Caroga, N.Y., in February 2026. After beginning her hiking journey at age 50 following her divorce, Brown found healing and purpose in the Adirondacks. She now stewards the fire tower on Kane Mountain, the first mountain she ever climbed, where she helps educate hikers and inspire others to explore the outdoors.Melina Thibault, Adirondack 46er, embraces her dog Bandit on the trail toward Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, N.Y., in February 2026. After lupus flare-ups once left her unable to walk more than a few steps, Thibault gradually rebuilt her strength through hiking and went on to complete all 46 Adirondack High Peaks with Bandit by her side. The pair now continue winter hiking together as Thibault works toward becoming a winter 46er.Julie McGuire, backcountry skier and Catskill 3500 Club board member, stands on Mount Jo in the Adirondacks in January 2026. McGuire is working to become the first woman to ski all 46 Adirondack High Peaks. Beyond her own ski mountaineering goals, she gives back through her work as a South Bronx English teacher, introducing students to winter sports and trail stewardship through volunteer programs.
Posted: April 29, 2026 by Hannah Murphy
2026 Portrait Series First Place
A maximum of 12 images that reflect a strong sense of identity or narrative.
First Place: Kate Magsaysay
More Than Forty Six – The Adirondack 46ers are not defined by summits alone, but by the people they become through the journey—through healing, stewardship, mentorship, resilience, and community.
Category: Uncategorized