Photo: Callum Davidson ,Senior Winner (Far left), Kenneth Chalmers, Intermediate Winner(2ND from left), Kathleen and Norman Laird (back right), Dr Bob Murray and Lena Levy (front) accompanied by the S1-4 pupils .
S1-4 pupils from Mintlaw Academy’s Additional Support for Learning Department have recently taken part in the local heats of Young Photographer of the Year, a competition sponsored nationally by the Rotary Club of Great Britain and Ireland and locally by Central Buchan Rotary Club. The pupils were given the theme “My Beautiful World” on which to base their photographs and their entries were judged by Peterhead Photography Club with Norman Laird (Chairman) and Kathleen Laird (Secretary) at the helm. Rotarian, Dr Bob Murray was instrumental in the success and co-ordination of the project by providing the link between the school and the Photography Club. A Prize giving event was held at the academy, which was attended by all the pupils who took part, Lena Levy (Central Buchan Rotary Club President), Dr Bob Murray, Norman and Kathleen Laird, Alan Horberry( Head Teacher) and various staff members. Dr Murray announced the winners as follows
Intermediate Competition-
1st Kenneth Chalmers, 2nd Danny Burnett, 3rd Sean Davidson
Senior Competition-
1st Callum Davidson, 2nd Lauren MacLean, 3rd Katie Matthew
Lena Levy presented the winners with trophies and all participants with a certificate from the Rotary Club. On behalf of the Rotary Club, Dr Murray presented the school with a Tripod. A selection of photos from all participants will be shown at the North East of Scotland Open Studio Art Exhibition in the Kemp Hall, Old Deer in September. Kenneth and Callum’s photos will now be entered at Rotary District 10/10 level to compete against young photographers from Shetland to Fife and out to the Western Isles. The importance of the positive impact on and skills developed by pupils through photography is highly valued by the Additional Support for Learning department at Mintlaw as is the encouragement and recognition of their achievements by the Rotary and Photography Clubs. Various photography courses are taught within the department by Mrs Heather Reid and since the introduction of the courses the S3 and S4 pupils have successfully gained an SQA qualification each year. The tripod gifted by the Rotary Club will be used in the teaching of these courses and for creating images for next year’s competition.
