When faced with the challenge to capture the perfect wow picture as part of the Reflections PTA art contest at Deer Crossing Elementary school, Kailan Stewart, age 10, daughter of Jessie and Shela Stewart of New Market, Maryland and granddaughter of David and Nancy Stewart of San Saba, Texas, was anxious to step up to the challenge.

Although she had never used a camera before, she found that it fit like a glove and she had quickly found a new hobby. The beauty of nature was her first intrigue on this new pursuit. How was one to capture the picture to truly wow? As Kailan embarked on this assignment, the beauty of the fall foliage was truly a magnificent sight. As she took picture after picture, she just knew one of these would be the one. As she headed back home, two swans were swimming near the bank. This was a first. Kailan had never had the swans come this close to her before. She took picture after picture—intrigued by their beauty and gracefulness. Among those pictures was the one she would choose with the help of her Granny, Nancy Stewart, to enter into the art contest. It was a perfect pose by the swan—a picture with motion as water was captured dripping from the swan’s beak and making circle rings in the water.

Kailan danced with excitement when she learned her picture had won second place out of all the third, fourth, and fifth grade entries for photography in her school and was presented with a Toys R Us gift card and a $50 government savings bond. Her photo then went on to the Frederick County level for judging where she was thrilled to once again receive second place. She is beaming with excitement and anticipation as the next stop is the Maryland State level with judging taking place in Earl. Good luck and way to go Kailan!!

Written by Shela Stewart (per request by Nancy Stewart of San Saba, TX.)