Central Illinois students earn top spots in state photo contest

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Young photographers across Central Illinois dominated the highest ranks of the statewide Cream of the Crop Photo Contest.

Students ages eight to 18 were able to submit up to two photos to the contest. Judges then reviewed the photographs and selected the winning entries.

“The students showed amazing creativity and talent with these photos,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. “The images beautifully capture the wonderful diversity of Illinois agriculture.”

The nine top-three winners earned Bright Start college savings scholarships and will have their works displayed in the Treasurer’s Tent at the Illinois State Fair. First-place winners also received $1,000, second-place got $500, and third-place earned $250.

Also at the State Fair, first-place winners will join Treasurer Frerichs at a reception for Agriculture Day on Aug. 9. Additionally, the winning photographs will be featured in Ag Invest marketing materials, like their 2024-2025 calendar.

Here is the list of winners for the 12th Annual Cream of the Crop Photo Contest:

8-10 Age Bracket Winners

1. Chase S., “ Golden Fields ” – Forsyth (Macon County)
2. Claire M., “ Rural Soil Preparation ” – Neoga (Shelby County)
3. Alex E., “ Corn as Seen from the Ground ” – Waterloo (Monroe County)

11-14 Age Bracket Winners

1. Lily D., “ County Fair ” – Indianola (Vermillion County)
2. Anna P., “ Nap Time ” – Mason City (Mason County)
3. Caroline L., “ Mama and Baby ” – Wellington (Iroquois County)

15-18 Age Bracket Winners

1. Adan S., “ The Beauty in Planting ” – Plano (Kendall County)
2. April V., “ Planting ” – Champaign (Champaign County)
3. Allison H., “ This Is How We Roll ” – Mulberry Grove (Bond County)

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