Champaign, Ill. – The Moments That Matter Photography Contest has announced its statewide winners, highlighting 4-H youth who used photography to tell powerful stories and showcase real-world skills. Open to 4-H members ages 8-19, the contest provided an opportunity for young photographers to develop technical expertise, creativity, and storytelling abilities.
“This contest is a fantastic way for youth to apply visual communication skills, an increasingly valuable asset in today’s workforce,” said Danielle Gapinski, University of Illinois 4-H youth development specialist and contest co-sponsor. “By capturing Moments That Matter, they are building both artistic and technical competencies that will serve them in future careers.”
The 2024 contest winners were recognized for their ability to blend technical photography skills with storytelling across multiple categories.
“This year’s theme, Moments That Matter, is all about capturing the meaningful experiences that shape us,” said Gapinski. “Whether it’s a moment of accomplishment, connection, or discovery, these images tell stories that reflect the growth and skills young people are developing through 4-H.”
Statewide Winners
Willard Rozanas of Boone County took first place, with second place going to Ezra Brust of DeKalb County, and third place going to Lilah Johnson of Lawrence County.
In addition to overall winners, specialty category winners were also announced.
The image with the Best Use of Theme went to Clayton Snyder of Hancock County, Most Powerful Story went to Aubree Specogni of Perry County, Best Use of Lighting went to Emma Bafaloukos of DuPage County, Rising Star went to Nora Rozanas of Boone County, Best Use of Leading Lines went to Resmiranda Small of Shelby County, and Best Use of Perspective went to Sophie Rieckenberg of Randolph County.
To learn more about 4-H visual arts programming in your area, contact your local Extension Office.
About Illinois 4-H: Illinois 4-H is the flagship youth development program of University of Illinois Extension and administered through the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. 4-H grows true leaders, youth who are empowered for life today and prepared for a career tomorrow. The hands-on approach in 4-H gives young people guidance, tools, and encouragement, and then puts them in the driver’s seat to make great things happen. Independent research confirms the unparalleled impact of the 4-H experience, demonstrating that young people are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.
For Further Information Contact:
Source: Danielle Gapinski, 4-H youth development specialist, des85@illinois.edu
Writer: Carissa Nelson, 4-H Media Communications Manager, carissa7@illinois.edu
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.