Reese Washington, a student at Busch Middle School in St. Louis City, has been named the winner of the Camera for Kids Photo Contest. Chris Kuban, Chemistry Multimedia’s founder officially presented Reese with the prize of a Sony A3000 digital camera, which is sure to serve her well as she pursues her hobby of photography.

Through a collaboration between the Eboni Eyes Foundation and Chemistry Multimedia’s 314Photos.com, the Cameras for Kids Photo Contest encouraged students to see photography as an expression, art and as a possible career choice. Launched in February, the Cameras for Kids photo contest consisted of classroom instruction, various activities and submissions of students’ photos.

The Eboni Eyes Foundation worked with teachers to encourage reading and understanding the basic principles of photography, along with exploring potential career options in the field of photography. Their facilitators visited classrooms, read and discussed photography, basic principles of photography, and the importance and significance of photography in society.  The Eboni Eyes Foundation also loaned cameras to some of the participating schools to help facilitate the learning and creative process among teachers and students.

Created in 1993 by founder Charleese Malone-Sampa, the foundation seeks to reinforce the value of education by providing educational programs in elementary, middle and high schools across the country. Chris Kuban founded 314Photos in honor of his father, Larry W. Kuban, a professional photographer and native St. Louisan who passed away in 2013. Chris’ mission through 314Photos.com is to showcase the historical, scenic, and architectural beauty of St. Louis, as well as provide support to a diverse group of St. Louis’ aspiring photographers by selling their rich images of the St. Louis region.

Reese’s winning photo was taken from the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, highlighting the beauty of the City of St. Louis. We wish Reese the best in taking more amazing photos of St. Louis!