Middle School photography contest for Earth Day | News

The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) has kicked off its second-annual “Capture the Earth” middle school digital photography contest for all Kentucky students in grades 6-8.  This year’s competition centers on the state’s 2012 Earth Day theme of “Celebrating Kentucky’s Forests,” in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Kentucky Division of Forestry.

The “Capture the Earth” photo contest is open to all Kentucky middle school students. Judges will look for originality and creativity, photo composition, and how well the photo represents the Earth Day theme of “Celebrating Kentucky’s Forests.”

Students should include a brief paragraph explaining the photo and how it represents Kentucky’s Earth Day theme of “Celebrating Kentucky’s Forests.”

Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters asked students to be creative and to keep in mind that forestry is more than just trees. “Kentuckians benefit from forests in numerous ways: forests provide clean air and water, and jobs making products from our timber resources and in caring for our forests to ensure their health and sustainability.  Students need to keep in mind that cities have ‘urban forests’ that provide a canopy for our city streets and downtown businesses. So there are many possibilities for taking creative photographs that show the story of Kentucky’s forests. Students in every area of Kentucky can participate.”

EEC will accept entries until 4:30 p.m. on April 9, 2012. The winner will receive two nights’ lodging at any Kentucky State Resort Park with his or her family. Middle school students may e-mail one photograph as an attachment to Kidsphotocontest@ky.gov. Official contest rules are available at http://eec.ky.gov/Pages/earthday.aspx.