KINGSTON — Wolfle Elementary fourth-grader Vicky Camp has a knack for photography, but she’d never won an award.
Vicky’s father Brad Camp is an award-winning local photographer and she said she’d often admire his wall of awards.
She wanted one of her own.
Vicky got what she hoped for.
She submitted to the Washington Parent Teacher Association Reflections program a photo she’d taken of a lady Viking basketball player helping a teammate who’d just sprained her ankle.
Reflections is a national PTA cultural arts competition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to create and submit works to the Reflections program in six categories: literature, music, visual art, film/video, dance and photography.
The photography category had 900 entries. In Vicky’s division, ages 8-10, 86 photos were submitted. Out of the 86, Vicky’s earned top honors as it was awarded Outstanding Interpretation. Maureen Monson, state Reflections chair, said two judges critiqued the photos. Both judges chose Vicky’s photo.
She is the first Wolfle student to ever receive such an honor.
“I was really surprised and amazed,” Vicky said. “My dad inspired me and he taught me a lot of stuff. I was proud of myself and my dad because he inspired me.”
Before the photo made it to state, it was first judged by the North Kitsap School District PTA council. The council liked what they saw, so Vicky’s photo was sent on to the state level of competition.
“That one was chosen because of the composition, good use of the frame, and it was more journalistic,” said Carmen Gale, NKSD PTSA president. “We know that Vicky was paying attention and it took some work and effort to get the shot.”
Vicky said she took the photo with Reflections in mind because the theme for this year’s Reflections contest was “I can make a difference.” Vicky’s photo captures the essence of making a difference by helping others.
“It was hard to get in the right spot at the right time, because it’s not like you can rewind it,” Vicky said.
Vicky was recognized at a banquet on May 3 in Seattle.
“When I found out it went to state and I finally got an award that made me even happier,” she said.
Vicky likes to capture her puppy Pixel, her family and events of life and nature on film using her professional Cannon camera. And Vicky said she’s going to keep taking photos.
Gale was hoping Vicky would continue to dabble in photography.
“If she has some innate ability she should be rewarded for it and motivated to keep pursuing it,” Gale said. “We kind of hope she’ll be running around with cameras more often.”
A total of 43 NKSD students submitted works of art to the district’s PTA chapter and 13 were selected for the state competition.
Gale said all the entrants were incredible. So much so she’d like to host a reception so the community can admire the students creations.
“We’re trying to find a local venue so we can show everybody what the kids have done,” Gale said. “It’s amazing.”
Local restaurant, gallery or business owners who’d like to host a reception for the Reflections Program submissions can contact Carmen Gale at (360) 626-8222.
NKSD PTA state submissions
Thomas Adams, Vinland Elementary, Literature; Michael Bonus, Poulsbo Elementary, Literature; Cassandra Blair-Ludwig, Wolfle Elementary, Literature; Abigail Moosmiller, Poulsbo Elementary, Literature; Ainsley Mackenzie, Hilder Pearson, Literature; Carson White, Wolfle, Visual Arts; Anna Schroeder, Vinland, Visual Arts; Olivia Chaney, Hilder Pearson, Visual Arts & Photography; Joseph DeCota, Hilder Pearson, Photography; Vicky Camp, Wolfle, Photography; Alexis Johnson, Vinland, Visual Arts; Alicia Newberry, Poulsbo Elementary, Visual Arts; and Abby Hansted, Poulsbo Elementary, Visual Arts.
