Kane County photography contest showcases student artistry

The Kane County Regional Office of Education is hosting a reception for its annual Student Photography Contest on Thursday, Dec. 12.

This year’s contest saw more than 2,000 entries from participating high schools. The 10-week competition ran Sept. 16 to Nov. 18, with weekly themes, like “Nostalgia,” “School Spirit,” “Action and Adventure,” and “Minimalism.”

Each week, submitted photos were reviewed by the photography review committee at the Kane County Regional Office of Education. The top 10 photos were selected and published on the ROE’s website and social media pages.

The reception will recognize and celebrate the talent within the art departments in the high schools as well as the knowledge and support handed down by instructors.

It will be held at 6 p.m. at The Dock, 150 First St. in Batavia. Attendees can enter through Water Street Studios and browse its new membership show. The gallery highlights resident artists, clay lab members, school of art instructors, and the artist member community.

All 100 featured photos from the contest will be on display. The top photo and student photographer from each week will also be recognized and receive an award.

The weekly winners for this year's Kane County Student Photography Contest are:

• Reflections: Ryan Fontana, Geneva High junior;

• Emotions: Nicholas DeLeon, Marmion Academy senior;

• Portrait: Joery Lagasca, Bartlett High senior;

• Flora & Fauna: Jaxon Voorhees, Jacobs High senior;

• Minimalism: Daisy Garcia, East Aurora High sophomore;

• Action & Adventure: Mason Whitt, Batavia High junior;

• Nostalgia: Hayden Kropp, St. Charles East junior;

• Contrast: Shannon Golly, St. Charles North senior;

• School Spirit: Jayden Lopez, West Aurora High senior;

• Texture: Ben Blackburn, Streamwood High senior.

All are welcome to join in this celebration of these creative students and their teachers. To see the 100 photos online, go to kaneroe.org/student-photography-contest/.