By Tamas Mondovics
Vying to earn the respect and recognition of their peers, not to mention some extra cash, Randall Middle School students as well as teachers are putting their artistic talents to good use this month in participation of the school’s annual photography contest.
The community event that also serves as an annual arts and crafts fair featuring dozens of local arts and craft vendors, food and refreshments and is organized by the Randall Middle School PTSA to showcase the students’ work, is scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 20 from 11 a.m.-2.p.m. at the school.
According to PTSA Co-President Terri Fischer, once again, selfies will share the roster of categories with nature/landscape, wildlife/pets, and close-up, to complete the four categories, all with a chance to win a number of prizes.
Fisher said that, while this year’s categories are a little different, the prizes and awards are as they were during the first contest held last spring.
“There will be a first place $100, second place $50, and third place $25 prize for each category,” Fisher said. “The community is invited to come out and vote for their favorite picture, as the ‘People’s Choice’ award.”
It is noteworthy that school officials said that this year’s contest made room for a separate contest just for teachers to submit a picture with no categorical restriction, allowing them to be more than just observers while enjoying the competition.
“The teachers’ submissions will actually be judged by the students,” Fisher said, adding that their participation serves as a boost for the students to get involved with the contest.
Last year’s event featured nearly 100 photos and drew more than 300 people from the community, a turnout that event organizers are hoping to match in hopes of drawing attention to the art, as well as boosting the students confidence of self expression.
“This event is all about a chance for the kids to express their artistic talents,” Fisher said. “We are also hoping to turn this contest into an annual event here at Randall.”
For more information about the Randall Photography Contest, visit www.randall.mysdhc.org.
