by Alex Griebel – South O’Brien FFA Chapter Reporter
South O’ Brien FFA Chapter members participated in the FFA State Fair Photography Contest. 434 exhibitors from 94 chapters entered 1113 pictures at this year’s contest held at the Iowa State Fair.
11 South O’Brien FFA members entered a total of 38 photos in the contest with South O’ Brien placing 3rd as a chapter in the contest.
South O’Brien FFA Chapter Eric Kumm stated, “It’s always fun to see what pictures the members bring in to enter. They all have captured some really unique photos for the various categories. Each member can enter a total of four photos and they have thirteen different categories to choose from. We just need a few more members to enter and I think we’d have a legitimate chance at bringing home the overall champion chapter banner.
Individually, Samantha Wilbur placed 1st Place in Animals/ Bird/Wildlife, 3rd Place in the Contemporary/Creative Category, and had the Overall Champion Photo. This is the third year that Samantha brought home the Overall Champion FFA photo trophy.
In addition, Jasper Johnson won 1st Place Still Life Category and 3rd Place in the Theme Class of Fences/Gates. Jasper stated “ The state fair was rewarding for me because I worked hard by taking unique and visually interesting pictures. I learned to think differently about perspective, color, and space.”
Other chapter exhibitors included Abby Woodall, Austin Negus, Bensen Rohwer, Eliot Boardman, Ethan Schwarz, Gabe Moermond, John Puhrmann, and Sarah Puhrmann.
Abby Woodall stated “ My favorite part of the contest was choosing what mats to put my pictures on. I learned that this contest is not difficult and more people should participate in it.”
As a whole, the chapter members took home 15 blue, 12 red, and 11 white ribbons.