A level Photography students from King Edward College have been awarded in a local photography competition specifically for young people.
Emily Rogers, a first year student from Nuneaton who previously studied at St Thomas More school, won first place in the local Arbury Rotary Young Photographer of the Year award 2016.
The theme for the competition was “My world is beautiful”, Emily, who also studies Art and Media A level, won £40 and her photographs will now be entered into the Rotary District competition.
She said “As humans we should appreciate all creatures placed upon our earth. Challenging the story of Adam and Eve, I have created an image where we harmonise with animals (such as snakes), and appreciate the true beauty of everything that has been put upon our world to admire.” She continued “I feel ecstatic achieving first place in the competition and I am happy that my photos are well liked.”
President Elect Roger Coopey, who presented the students with their certificates, said “Arbury Rotary Club are delighted that students from King Edward VI College have participated in the Rotary Young Photographers competition in 2016. It was a pleasure to see the variety of interpretations of the competition theme and to present the certificates and cheques to the winning three entries. Hopefully the winning entry will progress at the forthcoming District level competition.”
Second place went to Will Dewell who is also studying Art and Design, Physics and Maths A level alongside his Photography course; and third place went to Emily Grimstead who previously went to Etone college and is now in her first year studying English Language, Media and Photography A level.
Vice President of the Arbury Rotary Club Tony Robinson said “This is the second time that the Rotary Club of Arbury have sponsored students from KEC in this competition. It is one of a number of competitions run nationally by Rotary which encourage younger people to take part and express themselves. The response from the students was excellent, and we do offer this chance to other schools and colleges in the area in the hope of giving KEC some opposition.”
The college has been offering Photography A level since 2011 and currently has 70 students enrolled on the course. Photography teacher Jaskirt Boora said “This year’s entries for the Rotary competition were of a very high standard, and the students worked really hard to achieve a good response to the theme. It’s a great achievement for all those involved. I’d like to thank Arbury Rotary in being so kind and supportive to the students, it means a lot to them.”
Last years winner Sarah Garrett has gone on to study Photography at Bristol 
University after completing her A levels last year and achieving two A’s and an A* .
Principal of the college Uly Lyons said “The college has a long history of getting involved with the local community and the Rotary club competition is a great example of this. It gives our students ‘real life’ experiences of working as creative professionals and gives them a focus for developing their creative and technical skills.”