2011 “Capture the Earth” Student Photography Contest

Sponsored by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet

“This photo shows my little sister and my father as they explore Broke Leg Falls. The subject is Playground Earth, and I do not know what better represents that than just going out into nature and seeing everything that there is to see. This photo shows that sense of discovery you get, taking in every thing around you, from high water falls to huge rock walls. Most children are so immersed in a world of video games, that they do not know that such beautiful places as this even exist, even when it is practically in their own backyard! If they do not just get out in nature, in the near future, these amazing places may be all but forgotten.”

2011 WinnerBroke Leg Falls by Zackery Smallwood

Grade 8Menifee County K-8 School

My photo is titled "Her Majesty's Playground." It's a photo of a tree stump in my backyard. My older sister, Ashlee and my younger sister, Hannah used to come with me and play on this tree stump. Whoever was on the stump was the royal princess, and the two others were the servants who had to bring flowers to the princess for her "royal ball" that would occur later. This represents the photo contest's theme of Playground Earth: Get Outside Kentucky! by showing that earth has natural playgrounds; natural things we can enjoy...even in our own backyard! :)

Honorable Mention

Lauren EdminsterGrade 7

Murray Middle School

The photo above was taken by a pond in my neighborhood on April 20th, 2011.  This photo represents the theme because it shows the true beauty of nature.  People always look down upon nature and being outside. There is too much time being spent indoors with technology.  My picture shows how we should all change our perspective of things and look "upwards" instead.  People should look at Earth as not just a place to build homes and factories, but as a playground.  Every tree limb is a swing.  Every pond is a whole ocean.  The Earth is a miraculous place!  All we have to do is open up our minds and see its real beauty.  

Honorable Mention

Cierra KeltyGrade 8

Bardstown Middle School

My little brother is autistic. His most favorite thing to do is to go outside and play, but what he loves more than anything is to swing.This is a picture I took of him swinging on the playground. I love this picture because he doesn’t smile a lot, but he has a big smile in this picture. I thought of this picture when I read the theme was, get outside, because that is when my brother smiles the most. When he is outside.

Honorable Mention

Savannah CorwinGrade 6

Twenhofel Middle School