The Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL) today announced the winners of the sixth annual Michigan Week Youth Photo Contest, coordinated by HAL, Michigan History for Kids magazine and Michigan State University Extension's 4-H Youth Development, with support from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network.

The 12 winning photos, from all regions of the state, depict the photographers' favorite Michigan historic sites. The photos are on display in the rotunda of the Michigan Library and Historical Center in Lansing through May 26, and will then travel around the state as part of 4-H exhibits at selected county fairs, libraries, museums and other venues.

Seventeen photos also were selected as regional winners. Both the statewide and the regional winners can be seen on the Michigan Week Web page at www.michigan.gov/michiganweek.

"It's fitting that as we celebrate both Michigan Week and National Historic Preservation Month, we're recognizing these young people who have captured some of Michigan's rich history and character on film," said HAL Director William Anderson. "I hope it inspires Michiganians of all ages to discover the unique historic treasures in their own communities and around the state."

The contest, which required that the subject of the photo include a building or object at least 50 years old, is part of the annual Michigan Week celebration. Its 128 entries came from 40 counties representing all regions of the state and both peninsulas, with contestants ranging from ages nine to 19.

Michigan Week 2008 Youth Photo Contest statewide winners are:

• Michelle Bicigo of Marquette, age 18, for Mackinac Bridge in the Fog (taken in the Straits of Mackinac)
• Jade Boone of Battle Creek, age 14, for Mackinac Bridge (taken in the Straits of Mackinac) - also named Best Artistic View
• Pavel Borisov of Ann Arbor, age 17, for Cobblestone Farm (taken in Ann Arbor)
• Ashley Byykkonen of Calumet, age 15, for Schoolcraft Cemetery Headstones (taken in Calumet)
• Robert Hayes of Dearborn, age 16, for Fordson High School (taken in Dearborn)
• Aaron Helwig of Lake Leelanau, age 14, for The Iris Farm (taken in Traverse City) - also named Best Barn Photo
• Cody Janczewski of Rose City, age 15, for Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse (taken in Ludington) - also named Best Black and White Photo
• Loren King of Burr Oak, age 9, for The Mint Jail (taken in Bronson) - also named Most Unique Building
• Erinn McCullick of Hudsonville, age 16, for Fishtown (taken in Leland)
• Geoffrey Mowry of Caro, age 13 for Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse and Museum (taken in Port Hope) - also named Judges' Choice
• Ashley Pozivilko of St. Joseph, age 11, for Kent-Bachunas House (taken in St. Joseph)
• Jessica Smith of Cheboygan, age 12, for St. Mary's Church (taken in Cheboygan)

Michigan Week 2008 Youth Photo Contest regional winners (runners-up) are:

• Michelle Bicigo of Marquette, age 18, for Mackinac Bridge (taken in the Straits of Mackinac)
• Ashley Byykkonen of Calumet, age 15, for Schoolcraft Cemetery (taken in Calumet)
• Jessica Craig of Midland, age 15, for Stutts Farms (taken in Midland)
• Kendra Durfee of Midland, age 15, for Chippewa Nature Center Homestead Schoolhouse (taken in Midland)
• Camille Figarra of Ypsilanti, age 13, for Cross Street Village (taken in Ypsilanti)
• Corinne Figarra of Ypsilanti, age 11, for Davenport Curtise House (taken in Saline)
• Justin Ford of Lowell, age 17, for Au Sable Light Station (taken in Au Sable)
• Meghan Anne Goulder of Mesick, age 19, for Frankfort Pier and Lighthouse (taken in Frankfort)
• Alexis Hott of Wayland, age 13, for Point Betsie Lighthouse (taken in Frankfort)
• Andrew Hutchinson of Shepherd, age 10, for H.F. Fairchild Family Barn (taken in Shepherd)
• Alexandra Langerfeld of Hubbard Lake, age 9, for Mackinac Bridge and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (taken in Mackinaw City)
• Alexis Marsh of Pinckney, age 10, for Dundee Grist Mill (taken in Dundee)
• Collin McCullick of Hudsonville, age 12, for Grand Traverse Lighthouse (taken in Northport)
• Cammy Seitz of Marquette, age 9, for Hotel Janzen (taken in Marquette)
• Kelli Shaw of Litchfield, age 18, for Litchfield Grain Company (taken in Litchfield)
• Tova Stratton-MacKay of Negaunee, age 11, for Michigamme Frosted Windows (taken in Michigamme)
• Jessica Tesch of Coldwater, age 16, for Mackinac Bridge (taken in the Straits of Mackinac)

Communities around the state celebrate Michigan Week with a variety of activities. For "how to celebrate" ideas, the governor's proclamation, resources for learning about and exploring Michigan, and more, visit www.michigan.gov/michiganweek.

Michigan History for Kids is a colorful, award-winning magazine designed to make history fun for young readers. Written at a fourth-grade reading level, each magazine is filled with interesting stories, activities and fun facts. For more information, visit www.michiganhistorymagazine.com/kids.

Michigan 4-H Youth Development is part of the Children, Youth and Family Programs of Michigan State University Extension and has programs in all Michigan counties. To learn more, visit http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/cyf/youth.

Michigan Week is a program of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan heritage, and fostering cultural creativity, the department includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).