Dear RSA Audience,
To those who participated in this year’s contest – your creativity, dedication, and passion for capturing the essence of rural life have truly shone through in this year’s submissions, and we are so thankful for your contributions. The contest aimed to celebrate the unique perspectives of rural communities and the agricultural significance that shapes them. Thanks to your efforts, we have a diverse and vibrant collection of photos that will inspire others for years to come. The stories behind each photo have helped bring the true spirit of rural life to the forefront, and we appreciate the hard work that went into every submission. We also want to highlight how encouraging it was to see participation from students across various backgrounds, including those from FFA, agricultural education, extracurricular sports, and other school programs.
For those of you who didn’t have a chance to participate this year, I invite your district to participate in the 2025-26 contest (stay tuned)! This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the rich and diverse stories of rural life, celebrate the unique experiences of your schools, and highlight the important connections between your school and surrounding area.
Through the lens of photography, we can bring to life the experiences, landscapes, and traditions that define our rural communities. Whether it’s a stunning view, community events, or the spirit of youth in agricultural education, your district has valuable stories to share. We encourage all students to get involved and share their perspectives.
This is not just a contest; it’s a chance to build a greater appreciation for the rural way of life, foster pride within yourcommunity, and provide students with a platform to express their creativity. Together, let’s make next year’s contest a celebration of all the things that make rural schools and communities so special. We can’t wait to see your district’s unique contributions in the year ahead and to continue telling the stories that matter most.
Andrea Durmiaki
Director of Communications and Planning
Student Entries
Agriculture Grand Prize Winners
Potatoes, Potatoes Everywhere
Livingston Manor Central School
Grade Level: 7-12
Our Plant Science took a field trip to a local farmer where we learned about the soil and how the nutrients in the soil are used by the potato plants to produce potatoes. Even though it was a chilly fall morning, we enjoyed picking the potatoes. Helping the local farmer so they can share with the community food bank and our school’s cafeteria.
Our Good Egg
Hamilton Central School
Grade Level: 7-12
This is a photograph I took of my sister with one of our chickens that we have at our house. I decided to use this photograph because it represents how agriculture is a very important part of my everyday life. Caring for chickens has taught me a good work ethic because I have to feed, water, and let them outside every morning and evening no matter the weather. My family also has to make sure the chickens have care when we aren’t home. We are rewarded for our hard work each time we gather eggs from the nesting boxes. Raising eggs has also brought my siblings and I closer together, which has shown me how valuable living in an agricultural area can be.
Community Connections
Grand Prize K-6
Igniting Curiosity in Volunteerism
Each October during Fire Prevention Month, volunteers from Perry and Perry Center Fire and Rescue companies visit Perry Elementary School for Fire Prevention Day. In addition to students learning fire prevention and safety tips from the guests, they also get to tour fire trucks and rescue vehicles, try out equipment and gear, and learn about volunteering in their community. It’s a great way for our students to learn more and connect with community members who are active volunteers. In the photo titled “Igniting Curiosity in Volunteerism,” a Perry Fire Department volunteer shows students some of the tools she uses during a fire rescue. You can see the intrigue and interest on the student’s face, and the pride on the volunteer’s face.
Grand Prize 7-12
The Road to Recovery in Rome
On July 16, 2024, a historic tornado struck the city of Rome, NY. Causing millions of dollars in damage, directly in the path were the softball fields utilized by the Rome Girls Softball Association (RGSA) at the Kost Memorial Complex. All 8 dugouts of the complex were either completely destroyed or heavily damaged, as well as the pavilion and batting cages. The RGSA reached out to the MOBOCES Carpentry senior class to inquire about a joint effort: the RGSA would raise funds to cover the cost of materials and the students would donate their time and labor as part of the learning experience. The class and their instructors have been more than happy to spearhead this rebuilding, supporting a community in need while honing their skills, and hopefully, having 4 dugouts ready for games this spring. Pictured are members of the class beginning the foundation work in December 2024.
First Place K-6
Teammates for Life
Students from a variety of Holley community summer teams come together after their games to celebrate their friendship.
First Place 7-12
Thankful Hearts, Helping Hands: A Community Food Drive
At Bridgehampton School, Thanksgiving is a time for giving back. This year, our elementary and secondary students partnered with the local Rotary Club to make a difference through a heartfelt food drive. Students formed assembly lines with Rotarians, packing boxes filled with a variety of food items, sealing them, and loading them onto delivery trucks for distribution. The boxes were all beautifully decorated by students from various grades prior.
Their efforts resulted in providing food for an incredible 594 families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays are the largest number of recipients to date. The dedication and teamwork of our students earned praise from community members, local leaders, and dignitaries.
This event exemplifies the true spirit of Thanksgiving’s gratitude, generosity, and community coming together to help those in need.
Club: Interact
Student Life
Grand Prize K-6
Our Right to VOTE!
At the Bridgehampton School, democracy comes to life for our elementary students during the annual student government election for class president. From Kindergarten to 5th grade, students experience the electoral process firsthand. Candidates deliver speeches, participate in peer-led Q&A sessions, and prepare campaign posters, commercials, and committees, embodying the spirit of teamwork and leadership.
This hands-on approach helps students understand the importance of civic engagement and the power of their voices. On election day, every student values their right to vote, casting ballots in a secure voting box, reinforcing the significance of fair and free elections.
At Bridgehampton, we strive to nurture informed, active citizens who understand their civil responsibilities and cherish the privilege of choice. By fostering these lessons early, we prepare students to be thoughtful leaders and engaged members of their communities.
Club: Elementary Student Government
Grand Prize 7-12
Lunch from the Inside
Our cafeteria staff feeds 112 kids 2 meals every day. This is what lunchtime looks like from the other side.
First Place Grades 6-12
School Pride
Grades 6 through 12, worked together throughout two days to learn about how to make evergreen garland. Students wanted to decorate the entrance of the school for the winter season. Students can’t wait to make more next year for more entrances into the school.
First Place 7-12
Teen Awareness
In my photo it showcases a fellow student whom I’m working with on a project for a county wide focus on the issues of teen drinking and vaping. Using our resources from our TV and Radio class we are trying to send out a visible message to inform those of the harm to teens.
Teacher and Staff Entries
Agriculture
We ‘Udderly’ Love Agriculture
Perry Central School District is
nestled in a rural farming community in Wyoming County. We proudly tout the fact that our county is home to more dairy cows than people. Due to this fact, its important that we as a District provide our students with ample opportunities to explore agriculture. This is accomplished through our full-time agriculture program and FFA chapter, as well as outreach programs, like Ag in the Classroom, that connect our students with local Ag leaders. On June 9, 2021, the District invited members of our Ag community to participate in Perry Elementary School’s inaugural Ag Day. Students learned about honey
bees, got to bottle feed a calf, climbed into a tractor, and much more. At one station, students could learn how to milk a cow using mechanical udders. The angle of
the photo successfully captures
the eagerness and concentration
of the student.
Community Connections
The Farm is a Part of Us
With second graders, we took a working field trip to Pleasant Valley Farm (Argyle, NY). We picked sweet potatoes and learned about life on an organic farm. The students loved digging in the soil for the treasured spuds, and this photo was taken on our way back to the bus from the potato fields. This photo represents all the experiences I’ve had with children and local farms. The farm is now truly a part of all of us.
Student Life
Mineville Rise Center for Success Graduates
Mineville’s Rise Center for Success Graduates were all for some creative Cap & Gown photo ideas and towered together on the playground for a group photo ahead of their graduation ceremony.
Questions? Contact Director of Communications and Planning, Andrea Durmiaki, at adurmiaki@rsany.org