RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Randolph youth now have the opportunity to show off their candid skills in a photography contest this month.
Submissions are being accepted from youths in four age categories through the end of September and winners will be announced in early October.
"Everyone who enters our contest is also automatically entered into a separate Texas 4-H contest and we will seek to enter them in as many similar contests we can find," said Jeri Peterson, Randolph Youth Center program director. "We want to get them recognized for their work."
There will be separate divisions for color and black-and-white photography and those divisions will be broken down by age group - nine and under, ages 10-12, ages 13-15 and ages 16-18.
"Our participation last year was a little slow so we want to get the word out in enough time to see what kinds of interesting work the children can produce," said Delia Castillo, Randolph Youth Center recreation assistant and activities coordinator. "There are a lot of talented young people on this base who come to the youth center, but the contest is also open to people who are not members of the center. We are encouraging everyone to participate."
Entries do not have to be matted on special canvas, Ms. Peterson said, and they can be submitted at the front desk of the youth center through Sept. 30. Photos should measure four inches by six inches and must simply have the person's name attached on the back.
For those without a camera, hope is in sight.
"On Sept. 9, children can come to the center and we will allow them to use our equipment to take photos," Ms. Castillo said. "Traditionally, what we've done is meet at the center at 5 p.m. and take youth in a vehicle to various points on the base where they have a scene they want to photograph."
Children will need a permission slip to ride with a youth center driver in a government vehicle. More information and permission slips are available at the youth center, or by calling 652-3298.
The contest is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Texas and 4-H.