A collaborative project to promote National Preservation Month has resulted in a first place award for a student in Switzerland County.
Kayla Hall, a fourth grade student in the Gifted and Talented Program at Jefferson-Craig Elementary, won in the 12-and under category of a photo contest sponsored by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology.
Angie Satterfield, Gifted and Talented teacher at Jeff-Craig, said that Kayla Hall’s photo was at first judged to be tied for first place at the state level, and after further judging, Kayla’s photo earned first place honors.
Her photo is of the doorway of the Hall House on Market Street, and was taken as part of a GT project.
Several county organizations worked together to make local participation in the state project possible.
When Switzerland County Historical Society president Martha Bladen heard about the GT class studying historic architectural styles, she contacted Pam Acton, executive director of the Community Foundation of Switzerland County with a project idea.
The plan was to provide children with cameras so architecture can be viewed from their perspective; and then process, print, and prepare their work for display.
Pam Acton, also a member of the Switzerland County Camera Club, loved the idea, as did GT instructor Angie Satterfield. The historical society then presented an application to the CFSC and was awarded a $300 grant to cover expenses.
Members from the camera club gave the students photography advise and accompanied them on a walk of Vevay’s historic District; where the pictures were taken.
Each student had their own one-time-use camera. Their pictures were processed onto a CD that they viewed in the school’s computer lab. The students selected the shots that would be printed.
Due to the excellent quality of the student’s work, more shots were printed than was originally planned.
The DNR had two categories — 12 and under and 13 and over. Each photographer could submit up to three photos. All entries will be on display at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis from May 1st through May 12th.
The GT student’s photography will also be on display at the Switzerland County Public Library in Vevay beginning May 5th until the end of the month.