Stillman Valley student wins scholarship for stunning drone photograph

STILLMAN VALLEY, Ill. (WTVO) — A 14-year-old Stillman Valley student took first place in his age group for the Illinois State Treasurer Cream of the Crop photo contest.

John Glendenning said, “I’m just happy that I won it.”

The 14-year-old student submitted a photograph that he took with his drone. His father, Josh Glendenning, said they use the drone to check on their crops throughout the year.

Once they learned about the contest, John’s passion for photography inspired him to submit his work.

“I kind of like to see what it looks like from a bird’s eye view,” Glendenning explained.

The fifth-generation farmer uses his photography to recognize the importance of agriculture.

“I’m gonna be a fifth generation for my family, so it’s just something to kind of show others what they can get into and they can get involved too,” Glendenning continued.

Glendenning received a $1,000 Bright Start college Scholarship for his photography skills. The photo will be featured in this year’s Cream of the Crop calendar and displayed at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield in August.

“I’m very proud of him; it’s a great thing,” his father said. “He’s been doing this since he was, I don’t know, five years old….he’s got a lot of practice.”

To see the full list of winners, visit the Treasurer’s Office’s website.