FOPBC hosts an annual Photo Contest with students of the Middleton High School (MHS) photography classes. Art teacher, Holly Stoenner, stressed the importance of the photo contest when asked if it too would be canceled along with face to face school. Here’s her response, “I would like to keep the contest open… many kids really look forward to doing it. Plus, this would be something they can do on their own and submit to me.”
The aim of the Friends photo contest is to get students outside in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy applying and practicing skills they learned in their MHS photography classes. These nature photos (up to five) for every student are entered in the contest. Lead judge, Tom Crozier with his team, Kathy Henning and Linda Pils had their work cut out for them. With 257 diverse scenery and wildlife entries, judging was difficult but also exciting and fun! One judge exclaimed, “This was a very talented group of participants and the judging was not easy because of the demonstrated expertise.”
And the winners are….Third place ($25) to Trenton Schultz, Second ($50) awarded to August Nelson and First place ($100) went to Natalie Cook, capturing a red fox youngster venturing out of hiding.
And what happens to these images? Our phenology calendar editor, Andrea Gargas will be able to publish these and select other contest photos in the Friends 2021 calendar.
During a normal school year, students spend limited time in the Conservancy trying to get that perfect shot. With so many other commitments and social media, young people spend 50% less time outside in nature than did their parents (Louv, 2008). This is taking its toll on human health and wellness as the new norm became Escape to the Indoors. One silver lining in the pandemic that has caused so much misery, sorrow, and economic pain is time available to go for a walk or a bike ride. More of our community is using and enjoying the Conservancy than ever before. Students found more wildlife to capture on film than we have seen in our contest over many years. Capturing wildlife takes patience and many trips back or possibly just luck but whatever the reason more time in nature is a good thing for mental and physical well being.
To our judges, Tom Crozier, Linda Pils, and Kathy Henning, many thanks. Jake Crozier of Picture Salon donated the prize money and we thank him for continuing the contest support his father, Tom, began many years ago. Also thanks to Holly Stoenner, Jacqueline Huckins and their photography students for continuing in this annual event. This is the ultimate teaching and learning experience that captures the best practices in education. Students learn about a topic, apply that knowledge locally, and then are published! Another reason to celebrate!