• Editor’s Note: Kane County Connects is proud to showcase the outstanding work being done by Kane County photography students. We’re especially grateful to Ellen Kamps and the Regional Office of Education, who conducts the contest and writes these articles, and to Water Street Studios for taking part in this wonderful program.

Back by popular demand, the Kane County Regional Office of Education presents the 2^nd annual Kane County Student Photography Contest on Kane County Connects.

“Our students are composing exceptional photographs and our Kane County teachers are making their creativity possible throughout the school year,” said Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo.

To celebrate the talent in our public and private high schools, the ROE kicks off this nine-week contest with an exciting announcement:

For 2015, the Kane County Regional Office has partnered with Water Street Studios in Batavia for the 2^nd annual Student Photography Exhibition. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, all student photographers and community members are invited to celebrate contest artwork with a recognition ceremony, music and hors d’oeuvres.

“We believe in supporting and advancing art education and appreciation,” said Danielle Hollis, executive director at Water Street
Studios. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to support these talented students in their artistic pursuits.”

The Top 10 Photos for Week 1

1. “Control” — Tyler Cabrera

• St. Charles North High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Karissa Schulten

2. Untitled (Scarf) — Lyra Cummings

• Aurora Central Catholic High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Samantha Wascher

3. “Realize” — Sophia Sandrzyk

• St. Charles North High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Karissa Schulten

4. Untitled (Soda Pop) — Sydney Hylton

• Aurora Central Catholic High School
• Freshman
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Samantha Wascher

5. “Life is a Boar” — Therese Niedbala

• Geneva Community High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Danica Fahmy

6. Untitled (Clock Tower) — Cole Hanlon

• St. Charles East High School
• Freshman
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Nathan Shackelford

7. “Circles” — Natalie Stellato

• Bartlett High School
• Junior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Michelle Zappia-Eickmeier

8. Untitled (Fallen Leaf) — Cody Sanchez

• St. Charles East High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Nathan Shackelford

9. Mad Hatter — Eileen Burke

• Geneva Community High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Danica Fahmy

10. Untitled (Ferris Wheel)— Melissa Siona

• St. Charles East High School
• Senior
• Digital Photography
• Instructor: Nathan Shackelford

Would you like to participate in the Kane County Student Photo Contest? All public and private high schoolers are welcome to participate! Please have your art or photography teacher contact Ellen Kamps at the Regional Office of Education for more information. The top 10 photos are posted for the next nine weeks, every Wednesday morning on Kane County Connects. All the featured #1 photos will be used to decorate the Kane County Regional Office of Education.

• This article was written by Ellen Kamps of the Kane County Regional Office of Education. Sign up for the Kane County Regional Office of Education’s newsletter here.