The South County News team presents results of the fourth annual South County News February Cover Contest for Vicksburg High School photography students.
The theme: “My Hometown.”
Art and photography teacher Tony Lindeman presented the project to his three photography classes in late September, which allowed over three months for students to capture their best images to express the project theme. Fifty-three students submitted entries for consideration. The top five are recognized and presented by the South County News team this month. Included with each photo is the artist’s statement.
Judges were impressed with the representation of the theme in student photographs and statements, and there were many interesting photos to choose from.
The winning cover photo, taken by Bryce Sherwood, features his family’s farm truck and explains its importance in his statement. The judges found his use of color and perspective interesting. The 2nd place photo, captured by Elise Howard, shows one of the area’s quilt barns in the fall. The pastoral scene is interesting and pleasing. The 3rd place photo, taken by Lainey Wilson, makes use of various textures in contrast to the frozen lake. The 4th place photo, taken by Grace DeRyke, shares a maple in blazing glory at Prudential Nursery, and the 5th place photo by Elizabeth Sparks spotlights a dramatic scene during a high school production.
Artists’ Statements
1st Place, Bryce Sherwood: This photo is of the rusted front of a classic Ford dump truck, captured in the “golden hour” of sunset. I chose this truck because it deeply represents Vicksburg’s farming heritage and the hard work of my family. These trucks were the essential workhorses that built our community by hauling grain and materials every season. They were also the lifeline of our farm, hauling every single harvest we brought in for decades. I used the camera setting f/2.8 to make the front super sharp, with a blur in the background, focusing all the attention on the rust. The image is a tribute to endurance and dedication that defines Vicksburg and my family.
2nd Place, Elise Howard: I took this picture of a barn I pass every day on my way to school. I don’t usually stop and think about it, but in the fall, it always stands out to me. The colors around it change, the air feels different, and somehow the barn feels quieter and more noticeable. It’s been there through so many mornings, early car rides, tired days, good days and it’s become part of my routine. Taking this photo made me slow down and really look at something I usually just drive past. The worn wood and empty fields remind me that even ordinary places can hold meaning if you pay attention. This barn feels familiar and comforting, especially during a season that’s always changing.
3rd Place, Lainey Wilson: When we were told we had to take a picture of something that reminds us of wintertime, I knew exactly what I wanted to take a picture of. On Long Lake in Scotts, Michigan, specifically the view from my aunt’s house, there were so many memories made. Every winter, my cousins and I all meet up at least once and ice skate on the frozen lake. The fun part is that nobody really even knows how to skate. We would be out there for hours, laughing and falling continuously, but no amount of bruises would ever take away from the fact that it was the best part of winter.
4th Place, Grace DeRyke: My dad and I were driving home from school one autumn afternoon when we passed by the Prudential Nursery Co. in Vicksburg. Behind the property, he noticed the most beautiful, bright orange trees growing near the fields. For the longest time, I have always been fascinated by the delicacy and uniqueness of nature, but especially during the fall here in Vicksburg. As soon as I start to see the leaves change colors and feel the breeze begin to chill, I can’t help but admire how intricate and detailed this village really is. So, when I saw these trees behind the nursery, I knew they were the perfect spot to shoot at. I am so grateful the owner of this nursery allowed my dad and me to get the chance to experience such a dazzling view, and I absolutely loved being able to be so close to such a rare wonder of nature.
5th Place, Elizabeth Sparks: The location I picked for My Hometown is the theater. I live in Portage and have for my entire life, but ever since I was little my mother has run the theater program here. I would go with my mom to almost all the rehearsals, and shows, and I was in Vicksburg almost all the time. I would be running around the school, standing backstage or doing my own dances in the choir and band room. I grew up eating Yogis in the Performing Arts Center sitting in awe of all the older kids on stage. Now that I now go to Vicksburg it is truly my hometown and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
