Holland Rotary Clubs 'Peace in Nature' photo contest announces winners

HOLLAND — The Holland Rotary Charities of Holland recently announced the winners of this year’s "Peace in Nature" 2025 Photo Contest, a community-wide fundraiser open to photographers of all skill levels.

Participants had the opportunity to win up to $1,000 in cash prizes while supporting meaningful service initiatives.

This joint effort is organized by three local service clubs: the Holland After Hours Rotary Club, Holland Noon Rotary and the Lakeshore United Rotaract Club. Proceeds from the contest will benefit a range of impactful programs, including school enrichment, Heart Safe initiatives, youth exchange opportunities and other community and international service projects.

All projects reflect the Rotary's theme, "Service Above Self," in one of seven areas of focus: peacebuilding and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community economic development, and the environment. 

The winning photos will be available for purchase at the Great Rotary InterNational Cookoff 2026.

This year’s winners: 

From the public vote category:

• First place: Kathy DeVries, $1,000, "El Capitan"
• Second place: Gary Bogle, $500, "Look Both Ways"
• Third place: Bob Nida, $250, "Surveying the Area"

From the juried category:

Entries were juried by Stone Peng, an internationally recognized and award-winning photographer known for his compelling visual storytelling and global exhibitions.

• Anneke Van Ast, a Hope College student, $1,000, "Mirroring the Heavens"

The awards will be presented at noon Dec. 4 at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, 2157 S. Shore Drive, Macatawa. Lunch is $20.

View all the entries at givegrove.com/holland-rotary-charities-2025-photo-contest/vote.

— Submitted by Linda Miskovetz Falstad, Rotary District 6290 Grants Chair. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.