Photos by Minnesota Connections Academy 7th grader Win Contest

Inver Grove Heights resident and Minnesota Connections Academy 7th grader, Gregory Dina, can add award-winning photography to his list of accomplishments, taking first place in two categories in the Friends of Whitewater State Park’s 2017 Annual Photo Contest.

Dina took top honors in both the Youth “Animals” and Youth “Plants” categories. He took the photos in October at the 2,700 acre park which is located in the southeastern bluff lands area in Altura, Minn.

"It's neat to be in nature and have the opportunity to capture special moments," says Gregory. "I’m honored to win first place in two categories,” he said. “It’s pretty cool."

Minnesota Connections Academy is a K-12 online public school that students across the state attend from home. It is a member of the Minnesota Transitions Charter School (MTCS), a K-12 academic community.