Springfield, IL – Young photographers from across Illinois will see their work celebrated at the upcoming Illinois State Fair, as State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced winners of the 2025 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest. The annual competition highlights the creative perspectives of students ages 8 to 18, showcasing the diverse landscape of agriculture throughout the state.
According to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, nine students were selected as top photographers out of 205 entries submitted for the contest’s thirteenth year. The winners will receive Bright Start 529 college savings scholarships ranging from $250 to $1,000, and their photos will be displayed August 7-17 at the Treasurer’s Tent during the Illinois State Fair.
The contest, which divides participants into three age groups, rewards the first-place winner in each group with a $1,000 scholarship. Second and third place winners receive $500 and $250, respectively. Winning entries, along with additional submissions, will also appear in the 2025-2026 Ag Invest calendar and in the lobby of the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in downtown Springfield.
Judges for the competition included Scott Rhoads of Carrollton Bank, Gary Mueller of Havana National Bank, and Riley Wells from the Illinois Foundation FFA. Treasurer Frerichs will host an August 8 reception on Agriculture Day at the State Fair for the first-place winners.
The Cream of the Crop Photography Contest is part of the Ag Invest program, which supports Illinois farmers and agri-businesses through financial partnerships. Since 2015, Ag Invest has assisted more than 13,000 borrowers and collaborated with over 80 financial institutions across the state.
For more information about the contest, scholarships, or to view the winning photographs, visit the State Treasurer’s website. Details about the Bright Start and Bright Directions college savings programs are also available online.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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