Contest Objectives: The purpose of this photo contest is to celebrate and showcase the unique stories and vibrant connections within rural school communities across New York State. By highlighting agriculture, local industries, and collaborative efforts among students, teachers, and communities, we aim to promote a greater understanding and appreciation for rural life and education.
Criteria for Submission:
Photos should reflect one or more of the following themes:
1. Agriculture and Farming: Capture the essence of agricultural life, including farming practices, FFA activities, or any aspect of rural agricultural education.
2. Community Connections: Showcase interactions within school communities, such as sports events, collaborative projects, or joint school programming that highlights teamwork and neighborly support among districts.
3. Student Life: Portray students engaged in learning, leadership, and community service, emphasizing the role of education in rural settings.
Creativity and Originality:
Submissions should demonstrate creativity and originality in both composition and subject matter. Photographers are encouraged to share unique perspectives and stories.
Technical Quality:
Images should be high-resolution and well-composed. Consider factors like lighting, focus, and framing to ensure the best representation of the subject matter.
Storytelling:
Each submission should include a brief description (150 words max) that explains the story behind the photo, the connections made, or the agricultural significance. This narrative will help judges understand the context and impact of the image.
Inclusivity:
Encourage participation from all students, including those involved in FFA, agricultural education, and various school programs. Aim for representation from diverse backgrounds within rural communities..
Submission Guidelines:
Photos must be submitted electronically in a high-quality digital format (JPEG or PNG).
Each participating school can submit up to 20 photos maximum.
A teacher or staff member, which will be called the “mentor” of the photo contest must be identified from each participating school. The school must identify only one member to be a mentor. This mentor will be responsible for submitting all associated contest materials.
- Individual students, groups of students, classes, clubs, (or otherwise identified by the mentor) may participate.
- The school mentor will be responsible for setting restrictions and rules for their school entries regarding the number of photo submissions allowed per student, student groups, classes, or clubs.
- Student names will not be collected during the entry process. RSA will work directly with the mentor of the selected winners to retrieve this information.
An attestation to release images of students and members of their community must be submitted upon entry.
Judging Criteria:
Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, technical quality, storytelling, and alignment with contest themes.
Prizes and Recognition:
Winners will be awarded cash prizes and all entries that match the criteria will have their work showcased in a virtual gallery. Submitted photos may be used in RSA marketing, emails, print materials, website, and other media platforms.
Prizes will be awarded for Grand Prize and First Place for each theme:
1) Agriculture 2) Community Connections 3) Student Life
Each prize will be available for the age categories of K-6 and 7-12 for a total of 12 prizes available.
Grand Prize Amount: $500
First Place Amount: $250
Deadline for Submission:
All entries must be submitted by January 31, 2025, allowing ample time for judging.
Winners will be announced in the Spring of 2025.
NEW: Teacher and Staff Entries
Teachers and staff are highly encouraged to submit a photo entry to the contest. This component is separate from the student entry process.
Categories and criteria for judging will be the same as the student submissions.
Teachers and staff may submit one photo each. There is no cap for teacher and staff submissions per district.
Each category will have one grand prize winner, who will receive a $500 award. The prize will be made payable to the winning school district.
Questions? Contact Director of Communications and Planning, Andrea Durmiaki, at adurmiaki@rsany.org
Contest prizes are available to RSA Members only. If you are interested in becoming an RSA Member, please contact Director of Member Services, Scott Bischoping at sbischoping@rsany.org