2026 Kane County Student Photography Contest

The Kane County Student Photography Contest is an annual competition hosted by the ROE every fall. This event is designed to recognize and celebrate the talent within the art departments in our high schools, as well as the knowledge and support handed down by instructors. Each week, submitted photos are reviewed by our Photography Review Committee at the ROE, and the top 10 photos will be selected and published on the ROE’s website, in newsletters, and social media channels.

WHEN IS THE 2026 CONTEST?

The 2026 Kane County Student Photography Contest will run from Monday, August 31 – Monday, November 3.

This celebration will conclude with our annual Photography Contest Reception on Thursday, November 18 at 6:00 p.m. at Interiors for Business, Inc. in Batavia, IL. All featured photos from the contest will be on display. The top photo and student photographer from each week will also be recognized and receive an award.

HOW CAN MY STUDENTS PARTICIPATE?

Kane County High school educators—whether from public, private, or homeschool settings—need to email the ROE’s Communications and Marketing Coordinator, Kourtney Lipps (klipps@kaneroe.org) to register their class and take part in this contest.

  • Submissions are due every Monday by 3:30 p.m. (or Tuesday if there’s a holiday).
  • Teachers are responsible for submitting and verifying the authenticity of their students’ photos.

2026 WEEKLY SCHEDULE AND THEMES

  • Week 1 (August 31): Monochrome
  • Week 2 (September 8): Portrait
  • Week 3 (September 14): Texture
  • Week 4 (September 21): Architecture
  • Week 5 (September 28): Close Up
  • Week 6 (October 5): Autumnal
  • Week 7 (October 13): Humor and Hijinks 
  • Week 8 (October 19): Flora and Fauna
  • Week 9 (October 26): School Spirit
  • Week 10 (November 2): Artist’s Choice

QUESTIONS?

 
KOURTNEY LIPPS

Communications & Marketing Coordinator
klipps@kaneroe.org
(630) 444-3092

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We provide timely and relevant support to educators in their journey to meet the ever-increasing demands of teaching and leading through a variety of synchronous and asynchronous online workshops. All offerings provide participants with research-based, relevant resources and help address the critical issues facing educators today. 

Through these opportunities, educators are empowered to make immediate and long-lasting changes in their professional practice to help increase student achievement while also meeting their social and emotional needs.

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By statute, every administrator must complete a minimum of one approved academy annually and a minimum of five in each administrator certificate renewal period.  

The Illinois Online Academy provides a range of online academies that meet this criteria while providing research-based strategies to help you on you journey. Topics range from combatting educator burnout, meeting and presentation tips, restorative practices, and more.