A pair of local students are heading to the Illinois State Fair, well… at least in spirit, after earning scholarships in the 2026 “Cream of the Crop Photography Contest,” sponsored by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs and his office.
Carter Storm of Windsor took first place in the 11-14 age bracket with a photograph titled “Cutting Wheat,” earning a $1,000 ‘Bright Start 529’ college savings scholarship. Graham C. of Camargo earned second place in the same age bracket with an entry called “Beginning to Sprout,” taking home a $500 scholarship!
The contest drew 152 entries from students ages 8 to 18 across Illinois, all centered around the theme of Illinois agriculture. A panel of judges selected the top three finishers in each of three age categories, with scholarships ranging from $250 for third place up to $1,000 for a first place finish.
Carter’s first-place photo will be displayed in the lobby of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in Springfield, and both winning photographs will be on display at the Treasurer’s Tent during the Illinois State Fair, running August 13th through the 23rd. Carter has also been invited to a special reception on ‘Agriculture Day’ at the Illinois State Fair on August 14th.
Both photos will also be featured in the 2026-2027 Ag Invest Calendar. We would like to say congratulations to both Carter and Graham on their first and second place finishes!
Carter Storm – Windsor – 1st Place (11-14 years old) for “Cutting Wheat”
Graham C. – Camargo – 2nd Place (11-14 years old) for “Beginning To Sprout”
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