By Charles Ballard
SJNT correspondent
COLDSPRING — San Jacinto County’s stunning scenery and vibrant communities took center stage this week as the San Jacinto County 4-H Photography Club proudly hosted its very first student photo exhibition.
The show highlights the incredible talent and fresh perspectives of young photographers from across the county, capturing moments and landscapes from places like Oakhurst, Coldspring, Shepherd, Point Blank, and Cape Royal.
The club’s membership is as diverse as its subject matter, with students ranging from sixth-grader Westin Cooper of Lincoln Junior High to Jaxon Chamblee, a junior at Shepherd High School.
Westin shared his excitement for his newfound passion: “I now have a new love for photography. I really enjoy shooting landscapes because of the amazing colors you can capture.”
Jaxon, meanwhile, has his sights set on the thrill of the game: “I love fast-action sports like football. Shooting sports keeps me on my toes and I like the speed and energy.”
For Anna Gale Ruegamer, a student at Riverside Academy, the journey into photography was unexpected — but rewarding. “At first I didn’t want to join, but I really wanted to go on the field trip,” she laughed. “Now I love the artistic side of photography. It fits my creative personality.”
Latasha Ruegamer, who founded the 4-H Photography Club just last November, couldn’t be prouder of her students. “This club has been a huge success,” she said. “Our goal is to encourage students to explore their creativity and showcase the beauty and stories of San Jacinto County through their lenses.”
Visitors to the show will find impressive photos that capture everything from sweeping landscapes to everyday moments, each image reflecting the unique vision and emerging skills of these young photographers.
The exhibit is open all week at the San Jacinto County Innovation Center, right next to the County Shelter. Admission is free, and the community is encouraged to see the remarkable work of these budding artists — and maybe leave inspired to pick up a camera, too.
Don’t miss the chance to witness local talent in its purest form — and celebrate the students who are telling the story of San Jacinto County, one photo at a time.
