Contest Submission Deadline October 7, 2025

Award In Action Photo Contest - Now Closed

Do you have a photo that captures the spirit of the Award? We’re inviting Award Leaders  and Virtual Award Centre Participants 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! 

 

We’re looking for photos showcasing…

Teamwork in Action

Group volunteering, cooking together, planning a route

Mentorship in Action

peer check-ins, a coach offering guidance

Goal Setting & Reflection in Action

journaling, tracking progress, quiet thinking after an activity

Your Award Centre could win one of three $300.00 gift cards of your choice, a prize awarded to the top photo in each category. Submission deadline is October 7, 2025.

 

Submit your entry here Contest Rules Photo Consent Form

How to enter:

Snap a Pic

Capture a real Award moment that fits one of the contest themes.

Get Permission

Make sure anyone who’s clearly visible in your photo has given the OK to be included. Download the Photo Consent form here.

Send It In

Submit your photo using this form. Remember the submission deadline is October 7, 2025.

Quick Tips for Great Photos:

  • Capture action: Choose moments where something is happening e.g. 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. 

  • Consider composition: Use the rule of thirds to highlight your subject and create a focal point. 

  • Tell a story: Choose a theme and capture a moment that shows emotion, action, or connection. 

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] 

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. 

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 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

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. 

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

Voting Schedule:

  • Teamwork in Action
    Oct. 20 (12:01 p.m.) – Oct. 22 (11:59 a.m.) ET
  • Mentorship in Action
    Oct. 22 (12:01 p.m.) – Oct. 24 (11:59 a.m.) ET
  • Goal Setting & Reflection in Action
    Oct. 24 (12:01 p.m.) – Oct. 26 (11:59 a.m.) ET

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! 

How Voting Works:

  • One post per category will be shared on Instagram and Facebook, as a carousel (multiple images in one post).
  • Each photo = one finalist, clearly labeled (e.g., Finalist 1, Finalist 2, etc.).
  • Voters comment with the number of their favorite finalist to vote (e.g., “Finalist 2”).
  • Only one vote per person per category per platform will be counted.
  • Voting is open for 48 hours per category, following the schedule listed.