Award in Action Photo Contest

June 17, 2025

Award in Action Photo Contest

Do you have a photo that captures the spirit of the Award? We’re inviting Award Leaders across Canada to submit photos that show the Award in Action. Whether it’s a young person reflecting on their progress, being supported by a mentor, or collaborating with a team – we want to showcase the impact of the Award across Canada! 

What We’re Looking For 

Each photo should showcase one of these three themes: 

Show us how the Award is delivered — whether it’s a mentor check-in, peers supporting each other, or participants reflecting on their progress. We’re looking for the moments that make the Award meaningful to you. 

Prizes 

We’re awarding three $300 gifts cards of your choice (subject to availability) — one for the top photo in each category. 

  • The prize will be awarded to the Award Centre that submits the winning photo. 
  • VAC participants who win will have their prize split as a discount toward their next level registration.
    • PLUS: All eligible VAC entries are entered into a $100 gift card draw  

Finalists will also be featured on our website and social media channels.

Contest Phase & Dates

Contest Launch: June 18, 2025

Submission Deadline: October 7, 2025

Judging Period: October 8–15, 2025

Public Voting: October 21–26, 2025

Winners Announced: November 4–8, 2025

How to Enter  

Award Leaders/Award Centres submit your photos online using our contest form:
Submit Your Photo 

You can enter as many unique photos as you’d like. You must ensure all recognizable individuals in each photo have given consent.

How Entries Are Judged 

A panel of judges will review all eligible entries and select finalists based on the following weighted criteria: 

Connection to Theme: 30%

Visual Impact & Storytelling: 30%

Composition & Technical Quality: 20%

Public Vote (via social media): 20%

Judges will also aim to showcase a diverse range of Award Centres from across Canada. 

Public Voting 

Finalist photos will be shared on Award Canada’s Instagram and Facebook accounts (@dukeofedcanada) during Award Awareness Week, October 21–26.

Anyone can vote by commenting on their favourite photo. Votes count toward the results so make sure your network is ready to show their support! 

 

For Award Leaders 

This contest is a great way to: 

  • Celebrate your participants and highlight their journey 
  • Build awareness in your school or organization 
  • Engage your group ahead of Award Awareness Week! 

Consent is key — but the process is simple. You can either: 

  • Upload signed consent forms, OR 
  • Confirm that they are on file at your Centre (you don’t need to submit them unless requested) 

Need help? Check out the Photo Contest Toolkit (coming soon) or reach out to [email protected] 

For Participants 

Excited to share your story? Talk to your Award Leader about submitting a photo on your behalf! 

If you’re part of the Virtual Award Centre (VAC), you can submit your photo using the VAC-specific form provided by your Award Leader. Don’t forget to include a completed consent form for anyone recognizable in your photo. 

 

Quick Tips for Great Photos 

  • Capture action: Choose moments where something is happening—learning, collaborating, problem-solving. 
  • Use natural light: Whenever possible, take photos outside or near windows. 
  • Think about framing: Focus on the subject and eliminate distractions. 
  • Tell a story: A photo that sparks curiosity or emotion always stands out. 

 

Helpful Links 

  • Toolkit for Leaders (coming soon)
  • Info for Participants (coming soon)

Let’s celebrate the incredible moments happening across Canada — and show what the Award in Action really looks like. 

Lights, camera… Award in Action! 

Enter the Photo Contest Today!

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