2024 Photo Contest
The winners of the 2024 'The Wilderness is our Back Yard' Photo Contest were announced at the annual Photo Contest Reception, held on November 28, 2024, at the County Administration Building.
Participants and their families joined staff and Councillors for an evening viewing of the submissions and the presentation of awards.
Reeve Kristen Smith was present to announce the winners, aided in the presentation of Overall Winner by last year's winner, Anna Richard.
The exhibition is still available for viewing at the Christmas at the County event, to be held on December 5, 2024.
Each of the winners received a cheque and certificate and will have their images featured online, in the County calendar, and in various other publications. The overall winner also received a framed copy of the winning image and is invited to participate as a judge during next year's contest.
Youth
Public Choice
3rd Place Youth
Johannah Stahl
2nd Place Youth
Kaz Kaiser
2nd Place Youth
Johannah Stahl
1st Place Youth
Rylee Jassman
Adult
3rd Place Adult
Jo Ann Edey
2nd Place Adult
Brittany Dolen
2nd Place Adult
Judy Stahl
1st Place Adult
Miguel Maliwat
Youth
Judge's Choice
3rd Place Youth
Otto Fitzpatrick
3rd Place Youth
Johannah Stahl
3rd Place Youth
Kaz Kaiser
2nd Place Youth
Kaz Kaiser
1st Place Youth
Johannah Stahl
Adult
3rd Place Adult
Shelbie Le Clerc
3rd Place Adult
Mallory Kaiser
2nd Place Adult
Lyla Yanishewski
2nd Place Adult
Josiah Steinke
1st Place Adult
Mallory Kaiser
Overall Winner
This year's Overall Winner was a first for Saddle Hills County, seeing a youth participant, Kaz Kaiser, take the top spot. Congratulations, Kaz!
While Kaz wasn't able to be at the event to accept the award, his mother, Mallory, was there to accept it on his behalf.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's contest and braved the storm to attend the event. It was, yet again, a pleasure to see the amazing talent on display in our community and we can't wait to see what you have for us next year!
The Judges
Our judges this year come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, but all have ties to the Peace Country and Saddle Hills County and a passion for art and photography.
Anna Richard - 2023 Overall Winner
Anna became a photographer when she moved to Saddle Hills County five years ago and saw the beauty of nature.
“Wildlife in every corner makes it like a fairy tale. We have everything here to call it our little paradise.”
Anna loves gardening, art, reading world classics, travelling, hiking, and discovering new places. She is always learning and is currently attending two courses to improve her photography skills. Psychology is another of her passions and she is also taking a course on human behaviour. She loves to help people by encouraging and supporting them in whatever way she can. After Russia invaded Ukraine, she started to volunteer and assist Ukrainian families who sought refuge in our community.
“The Saddle Hills County Photo Contest is a great chance to see all kinds of beautiful photos and meet people who really love this place - and it's always exciting!”
Chris Young - Co-Principal, Savanna School
Chris has been a dedicated member of our community since 2012, moving here with his wife, Nikita, who is a teacher at the Bonanza School. They have built a wonderful life here, raising their three children, aged 1, 6, and 9. Starting as a high school Mathematics and Outdoor Education teacher at the Savanna School, Chris was appointed Co-Principal in 2016.
Under his shared leadership, the school has seen innovative projects, including a 1200 sq. ft. heated community greenhouse, a community-use freeze dryer, a rock climbing wall, a licensed daycare, a student firepit, and a junior high band program.
Chris is excited to judge this year’s Photo Contest. He looks forward to seeing residents showcase the beauty and recreational opportunities of Saddle Hills County. This contest is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the area's unique charm and natural splendour, and Chris is eager to see the participants' creativity and talent.
Yvonne Rempel - Community Relations Manager, Northern Lights Fiber
Yvonne is the Northern Lights Fiber Community Relations Manager, as well as Community Health Promotion Facilitator, and her face is likely familiar to those who have recently signed up for fiber under Project Aurora.
When she is not working alongside communities in Northern Alberta, she enjoys unplugging at her acreage just north of Fairview.
Enter the Contest
Send your photographs to us by August 31, 2024.
Photographs can be submitted online using our Photo Contest Submission Form
If you have any problems using the online form please contact our Communications Coordinator at communications@saddlehills.ab.ca or (780) 864-3760.
You may also bring your photographs into the County Office on a USB stick, with each photograph named.
Photos may be accepted via email in special circumstances.
We look forward to seeing all of your submissions! Happy photographing shutterbugs!
Contact Us
Saddle Hills
Junction of Hwy 49 & Secondary Hwy 725
RR1, Spirit River AB
T0H 3G0
T. 780-864-3760
Fax 780-864-3904
Toll-free 1-888-864-3760
frontdesk@saddlehills.ab.ca
Sign up to our Newsletter
Stay up to date on the Saddle Hills activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.