Meet the 2025 K12 Art Competition Photography winners!

Students captured inspiration, emotion, and storytelling in the Photography category of the 2025 K12 Art Competition! From imaginative perspectives to technically impressive shots, this year’s entries truly stood out.

Each grade level includes a 1st Place ($250), 2nd Place ($100), and People’s Choice ($50) winner—part of more than $15,000 in total cash prizes across all categories.

Congratulations to our talented young photographers—and to every student who shared their creativity with us this year!

Watch a video showcasing the works of all the Photography winners here.

Kindergarten

1st Place: Leylani, California Virtual Academics
2nd Place: Krystabelle, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe
People’s Choice: Keilani, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 1

1st Place: Bella, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
2nd Place: Amelia, Ohio Virtual Academy
People’s Choice: Lukas, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 2

1st Place: Maryam, Ellen Hopkins Elementary School
2nd Place: Zamzam, Indiana Digital Learning School
People’s Choice: Emmalynn, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 3

1st Place: Bexar, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe
2nd Place: Roy, Colorado Preparatory Academy
People’s Choice: Bexar, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 4

1st Place: Sarnia, Washington Virtual Academies
2nd Place: Caitlynn, Virginia Virtual Academy
People’s Choice: Alyanna, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 5

1st Place: Harrison, Sunrise Elementary School
2nd Place: Pavithra, Stratford
People’s Choice: Andressa, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 6

1st Place: Gianna, Digital Academy of Florida
2nd Place: Aleysha, Florida Cyber Charter Academy
People’s Choice: Amyah, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 7

1st Place: Jacob, Arkansas Virtual Academy
2nd Place: Selina, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe
People’s Choice: Maya, Lone Star Online Academy at Roscoe

Grade 8

1st Place: Varavarnini, California Virtual Academies
2nd Place: Abigail, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
People’s Choice: Ashley, Cyber Academy of South Carolina

Grade 9

1st Place: Anna Grace, Indiana Gateway Digital Academy
2nd Place: Emma, Texas Online Preparatory School
People’s Choice: Abigail, Missouri Virtual Academy

Grade 10

1st Place: Konner, Cyber Academy of South Carolina
2nd Place: Nancy, Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy
People’s Choice: Gabriella Di, George Washington University Online High School

Grade 11

1st Place: Bodhi, Pacific Collegiate School
2nd Place: Natalia, Wisconsin Virtual Academy
People’s Choice: Zoey, Texas Virtual Academy of Hallsville

Grade 12

1st Place: Caden, Klein Cain High School
2nd Place: Darren Del, Carolus Online Academy
People’s Choice: Soleil, California Virtual Academies

How Photos Were Judged

Each photo was thoughtfully reviewed by our panel of judges using four key criteria:

• Creativity and originality: Does the photo capture a unique perspective or imaginative idea?
• Technical skill: How well does the photographer use lighting, focus, and other techniques?
• Composition and framing: Are the elements arranged in a way that draws the viewer in and enhances the story?
• Storytelling and emotional impact: Does the photo convey a message or feeling that connects with the viewer?

About the Competition

The 2025 K12 Art Competition invited students in grades K–12 to share their creativity and explore the arts in new ways. This year’s event encouraged self-expression across three exciting categories—Digital Art, Physical Art, and Photography.

Click here to see the winners of the Digital Art and Physical Art categories.

Congratulations again to our 2025 Photography winners—and to every student who shared their vision with the world! We’re so proud of every student who participated in this year’s competition. Your creativity, heart, and talent remind us that art has the power to tell stories, spark emotions, and inspire us all.

Be sure to check out all our current and upcoming competitions and keep the creativity flowing.