2012 Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Bessie Hardrick, grandmother of Kwatez Hardrick, a Vandercook Lake High School senior who drowned a few weeks prior to graduation, hugs Sergeant Michael Monroe of the Army National Guard who accepted her grandson's diploma to honor his dream of being a soldier. Hardrick's memory was honored and his last high school essay were read during Vandercook Lake's graduation ceremony.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Jackson High School sophomore Javon Greca, 15, waits on the sidelines during a 7x7 passing scrimmage at Dungy Field in Jackson, MI.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Ollie Deaton-Turner, 77, kisses the forehead of her former sweetheart Roscoe Terry, 88, at Nim Henson Geriatric Center in Jackson, Ky. Turner visits Terry at least once a week to bring him hot meals and the latest news.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

A baby filly was born to Ustealmysunshine at 10:15am Friday morning at Snow Ridge Farm in Clark Lake, MI. In a year and a half, that filly will begin training to race.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

David Nyssen, 18, holds his family cat Baby close after being reunited with him at Michigan State University's Veterinary Clinic in East Lansing, MI. Baby was shot in the head with a crossbow in the Nyssen family's neighborhood in Jackson, MI.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Darrell Gray, 42, had his left eye removed in January after doctors discovered he had melanoma. Gray has been driving forklifts for almost 20 years and management at Begley Lumber never questioned his ability to drive a lift after the removal of his eye. "I run into stuff sometimes," Gray said. "But it's alright."

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

A Hanover Horton High School football player sprints across the field during a 7x7 passing scrimmage at Dungy Field in Jackson, MI.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Zach and Chelsea Ellis met in high school. From the beginning, their relationship was riddled with complications. Chelsea's father, a strict disciplinarian and alcoholic, controlled his daughter's every move. He never approved of Zach. More than half of their relationship was kept a secret from her father. This wood, located in Fredericktown, OH, is one of the places they would meet in secret whenever possible.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Emma Stanton, 5, smiles up at her grandmother Kaye Richardson after receiving a sparkling pink manicure at His & Her Family Salon in Jackson, MI. Richardson, who brought her granddaughter along to her hair appointment, told Emma she looked like a princess with her shiny new nails.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Amanda Erb, 23, and her fiancé Mel Martin, 29, of Piqua, Oh, embraced after sharing wedding vows at a mock gay marriage ceremony in Cleveland. Erb and Martin had been together for five years before deciding to marry.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Sergeant Keith Mack, 31, rests outside before the deployment ceremony for the 1461st Transportation Company at Parkside Middle School. This will be Sergeant Mack's second tour overseas.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Chloe Rowland, 5, of Jackson, MI, played in the sand of an Ella Sharp Park softball field after watching her father play for Lansing Avenue Baptist's softball league.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Chistopher Klavon, 53, of Jackson, MI, is a burn survivor. His family van, with his wife and four kids inside, was broadsided by a drunk driver on May 31, 1991. Klavon's wife and mother of their four children, Kay, died on impact. Klavon was trapped in the burning vehicle and sustained severe burns over 75% of his body. Despite his injuries, Klavon uses his experiences to help others and save lives.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon holds a slide of a photo taken right after his accident. Seventy five percent of his body was severely burned. Doctors say it is a miracle he survived such a horrifying accident.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon catches up with burn survivor and former camper turned counselor Lee Eicher, 27, of Colon, MI, during the welcome procession at Great Lakes Burn Camp. Klavon started Great Lakes Burn Camp in the 90's to help young burn survivors find the strength to live in their new bodies. Eicher was a camper during the first few years of GLBC in the late 90's and remembers Klavon as one of his counselors.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon shares his story with a group of first-time offender drunk drivers at Village Hope Church on Cooper St. "I've done this so many times, but I still get a little nervous," Klavon said. "Every time I share my story, it's still hard."

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon eats a father's day meal with his second oldest son, Corey, left. At the time of the crash, Corey, 8, and his older brother Allen, 9, pulled their unconscious sister Erin, 4, from the burning vehicle, saving her life. Corey and Allen were the only passengers of the vehicle not injured in the crash.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon danced with new friend Carly Bernard during a fast song at the first Jammin' in Jackson concert event of the season. Klavon considers himself a ladies man through and through.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon rests against the side of his daughter Erin Klavon's truck after a long day at Great Lakes Burn Camp. It had been five years since Klavon, it's founder, had stepped foot on the grounds of the camp. "I think it bothers Dad that he's not so involved anymore," Erin said. "But he loves the place anyway. I think he's just happy he can help kids like him."

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon changes the bloody bedding from his father Walter's bed after wounds from a difficult oral surgery tore open in the middle of the night. He cares for Walter every day, cooking him three balanced meals a day. “I was 13 years old at the time, so I was thrust into the position of being the man of the house,” Klavon said. “So I’ve been taking care of the home here for many years.”

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Klavon places his father's favorite Detroit Tigers hat on his head during a visit to Allegiance Health Center where Walter was recovering from excessive blood loss after oral surgery.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Despite all Klavon has endured, he maintains a positive outlook in life and tries to pass that message on to those he meets. "It's really important to be happy with yourself and to help others when and where you can," Klavon said. “I do know that everything happens for a reason; the only thing you can control is how you think and react to things in life.”

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Mary Maske, a 76-year old retired social worker, was evicted from her home at Silver Oaks Place in Kent, OH, along with hundreds of other senior citizens.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Maske walked the halls of the Silver Center, the community building at Silver Oaks, for the last time after collecting a pile of old library books. Maske loved the sense of community and togetherness she felt living at Silver Oaks.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Mary comforted a friend and neighbor before her move in the Silver Center library.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Maske and a group of her neighbors formed a coalition to fight Capstone Development Corps., the Alabama-based housing company that bought Silver Oaks in order to transform it into student housing.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Maske discussed their fight against Capstone with a friend at the Respect Your Elders Rally in Kent, OH. Townspeople, retirees and prominent community figures gathered together to rally support for the Silver Oaks cause.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

The stress of being forced to move at the age of 76 took a toll on Maske’s emotional well-being. “It’s like I’m always on the verge of tears,” Maske said.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Movers hauled Maske’s life away in boxes on her moving day. The stress of packing and moving to a new place was emotionally and physically painful for her.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Maske signed documents to take ownership of her new apartment in Streetsboro, OH, a town 7 miles north of Kent. Although her new residence is closer to her only son, David, Maske was reluctant to leave her friends and sense of belonging she felt at her home in Silver Oaks.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

The stress of moving day and her new environment broke Maske down after an hour in her new apartment. The neurological damage caused by Post-Polio makes her feel stress and worry more deeply than most.

First place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Hannah Potes / Kent State University

Maske was one of the last seniors to leave Silver Oaks Place.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Introduction: After Century Aluminum closed the doors of its Ravenswood, West Virginia, smelther in 2009, they soon informed retirees of the plant that their health benefits had been terminated. Running under the slogan,"No peanuts for Century retirees," they soon joined the occupy movement and entered the political sphere in hopes of regaining their healthcare. Gloves and a bowl of peanuts sit on a table inside the Occupy Century Aluminum tent in Ravenswood, West Virginia, on February 22, 2012. Century Aluminum closed the doors of its Ravenswood smelter in 2009 and, within months, notified retirees of the plant that they would not be receiving their contractual health benefits. A movement soon formed among many of the retirees, resulting in the occupy site and numerous political proceedings.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Century Aluminum retirees gather inside the Occupy Century Aluminum tent as night falls on the site. Retiree Mike Gorrell, foreground left, said, "If somebody would’ve told me fifteen years ago this was gonna happen, that they was gonna try to beat us out of our benefits, I would’ve had a hard time believing it."

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Retiree Bill Stephens laces up his boots shortly after arriving at the Occupy Century Aluminum site.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Retiree Gene Nutter of Parkersburg, West Virginia, who spent thirty-four years working at the Ravenswood plant, reclines as the day fades at Occupy Century Aluminum. The occupy site was built in a median along the same road many of the retirees previously took to work.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Wife of retiree Mike Gorrell, Karen, sits on her back porch alongside her grandchildren in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, on April 30, 2012. Gorrell has taken on a position of leadership among the retirees. "My dad used to say, you gotta stand for something or you’ll fall for anything. And this is just something I decided I had to stand for."

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

A picture frame sits on the living room shelf inside the home of Karen and Mike Gorrell in Mineral Wells, West Virginia.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Retiree Lesley Shockey takes a moment to rest after an afternoon of meeting with politicians inside the West Virginia State Capitol Building in Charleston.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Karen Gorrell speaks with West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin inside the state capitol in Charleston, West Virginia, on March 10, 2012. The retirees garnered support from many of the state's representatives, which proved to be invaluable as Century Aluminum began to seek state-granted energy subsidies in hopes of reopening their Ravenswood operations.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Retiree Ron Dixon looks on during a Public Service Commission hearing regarding the reopening of Century Aluminum's Ravenswood smelter in Charleston, West Virginia, on July 30, 2012. Through political support, the retirees were able to reach a deal that would reinstate some of their health benefits, should Century accept the state's subsidies necessary for the reopening.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Karen Gorrell and Sonia Lovejoy pin a teeshirt used by the retirees during public events and appearances on a wall inside the Ravenswood United Steelworkers Union, where the retirees hold regular meetings. The retirees have already lost members of their cause since starting the movement. "There’s not anybody feeling like we wanna jump up and down and celebrate because it’s just not done yet," Gorrell said. "You know, there’s always doubts, we always have skepticism, and we just wanna see it done."

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Emma Call of Ironton, Ohio, stands inside the lemon shake up stand she runs alongside her husband, Benny, at the Circleville Pumpkin Show in Circleville, Ohio, on October 21, 2011. The couple does business at various public events across the region.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

A boy sips a drink as he walks through the Coney Island, New York, subway station.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Party goers take to the streets during the annual Halloween block party in Athens, Ohio.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

A couple kisses during Dave Rave at The Union Bar and Grill in Athens, Ohio. The black light themed dance is one of the most well-attended electronic dance parties in Ohio.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Crowds look on at the Albany Independent Fair Demolition Derby in Albany, Ohio. The derby attracted drivers and spectators alike from throughout the region.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

The Ohio University Women’s Crew team practices in the early morning mist of Dow Lake in Athens, Ohio. Practice typically starts well before sunrise, leaving only the moon and stars for light.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

An emergency response team member lies in the freezing water of Dow Lake in Athens, Ohio, before the start of the annual Polar Bear Plunge. The event raises money for the Ohio Special Olympics.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

A polar bear at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as seen through the thick glass of its enclosure.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

A boy floats atop the water of an attraction at the El Paso County Fair in Calhan, Colorado,.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Mason Wileder, 11, of Athens, Ohio poses on his freestyle BMX bicycle at the Athens Skate Park . Wileder spends time in the park after school not only to bike, but to spend time with friends. When asked about his mohawk hairstyle, he simply responded, "My favorite color is blue."

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Kent State University senior Ross Tice, bottom, works to pin down Ohio University's Miles Chapman during their meet in Athens, Ohio. The Ohio University Bobcats lost to Kent State 23-9 overall.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Shadows of on-looking goats are seen as Annie Warmke works inside the barn at Blue Rock Station in Philo, Ohio. With the large amount of livestock on the property, daily labor is necessary to keep operations running smoothly.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Ohio University senior Shareyna Spears competes in the long jump competition during the Ohio Women's Challenge in Athens, Ohio. Spears finished in 11th place.

Second place, Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship - Steven Turville / Ohio University

Josh Coen of Nelsonville, Ohio, wipes the sweat from his forehead as he is towed back into the pit after the Albany Independent Fair Demolition Derby in Albany, Ohio. Coen has participated in numerous derby events throughout southeast Ohio. “It’s fun when ya win, but it’s fun when ya lose, too,” he said.