By Dave Roberts, CT State Grange Lecturer

The Connecticut State Grange Lecturer’s 2025 Photography Contest concluded with a colorful display of talent and creativity during this year’s State Grange Family Festival on August 3rd. Grangers from across the state submitted 41 of their best shots in a variety of categories, showcasing the beauty of America, agriculture, animals, and more. Judging took place on Sunday, August 3rd, at Hillstown Grange in East Hartford, with all entries arriving by 9:00 AM. Our thanks go to judges Pat Tarca and Irene Percoski for their thoughtful review of each photo.

The contest was open to all Grange members—Junior, Youth, 1+, and Adults—with two distinct competitions for Adults and Junior-level participants. Winning entries will be proudly displayed at the 2025 State Grange Convention in October at Norwich before being returned to their photographers. Cash prizes are being awarded for First ($6), Second ($4), and Third ($2) place in each category.

Adult Division Winners:

America the Beautiful 

1- Dave Roberts (Riverton)

2- Judy Doyle (Granby)

3- Irene Percoski (Vernon)

Agriculture/Farming 

1- Michelle DeDominicis (Hillstown)

2- Carol Innes (Granby)

3- Dave Roberts (Riverton)

Say It With Flowers 

1- Wally Oliver (Riverton)

2- Barbara Foskett (Cheshire)

3- Dawn Percoski (Vernon)

Bridges 

1- Diane Calabro (Cheshire)

2- Dawn Percoski (Vernon)

3- Judy Doyle (Granby)

Junior, Youth, 

and 1+ Division Winners 

Animals/Pets

1- Manny Oliver (Granby)

2- Natalee Roberts (Riverton)

Water

1- Joe Roberts (Riverton)

Best of Show

Wally Oliver (Riverton) – Say It With Flowers (Iris)

Congratulations to all our participants and winners! Your creativity continues to reflect the values and beauty of Grange life. We look forward to seeing even more entries next year!  A special shoutout to Cheshire, Granby, Hillstown, and Riverton, who once again strongly supported this competition this year.  And thank you to Hillstown Grange for hosting the 2025 Connecticut State Grange Family Festival this year for both the Family Activities and Lecturer Department Activities.  Your support is greatly appreciated!