Washington County 4-H’ers showcase talents in annual photography contest
Machias, Maine — The creativity and dedication of local 4-H youth were on full display this year as part of the annual Washington County 4-H Photography Contest. Open to all enrolled 4-H members, the contest encourages participants to develop communication and expressive arts skills through photography.
This year’s entries captured everything from the quiet beauty of rural Maine landscapes to vibrant moments of daily life, reflecting not only technical skill but also a strong sense of storytelling and personal perspective. This year, eight youth submitted 21 submissions for consideration. Photos were displayed at the Washington County Fair in August, offering the public a chance to admire the hard work and artistic eye of the young photographers.
“The photography contest is more than just taking pictures,” said Gabrielle Brodek, 4-H youth development professional. “It’s about helping youth learn how to communicate meaningfully, observe the world around them more deeply and gain confidence in their creative expression.”
Top blue ribbons in the senior division, ages 14-18, were awarded to Independent member Peyton R. for “Smile” in the action category and Cobscook Currents 4-H member Soren D. for “Torrents of Water” and “Apple of my Eye” in the architecture and nature/landscape categories. Top blue ribbons in the junior division, ages 9-13, were awarded to Cobscook Currents 4-H members Théo M. for “Rango with a blueberry” and Ira D. for “Down by the bay…” in the animal and nature/landscape categories.
Judge’s choice awards were awarded to Cobscook Currents 4-H Club member Théo M. for “Rango with a blueberry” and Independent member Peyton R. for “Smile”. One cloverbud from the Crafting Clovers 4-H Club (ages 5-8) was awarded a judge’s choice award, Lux M. for “My Horse Loves Flowers.”
Photos were judged by Fern Hilyard, Marketing and Communications Assistant at Washington Academy; Cathy Lookabaugh, Community Outreach Manager at Maine Coast Heritage Trust and Robert McCollum, President of the Roque Bluffs Community Center.
The exhibit will be on view for the public at the Porter Memorial Library in Machias through the end of September. Community members are encouraged to stop by the library during regular hours to view the exhibit and support the hard work of Washington County’s 4-H youth.
For more information about the contest or 4-H, contact Gabrielle Brodek at 207.255.3345, 1.800.287.1542 (toll free within Maine) or gabrielle.brodek@maine.edu.
University of Maine Cooperative Extension
As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and help grow the food-based economy. Extension also leads Maine’s 4-H program, the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in the state. 4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing and are developed to fit a variety of backgrounds, interests, budgets and schedules. Participants complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement in a positive environment where they are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.