2020 Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Drew Mason holds his son, Luke, while his daughter Natalie climbs on the family playset on Nov. 11, 2020. The Mason family has two golden retrievers, Sadie and Toby. The family loves spending time outdoors and being active.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Jerry Ferris shakes hands with a fellow patron at an event held to recognize Mason, OH as becoming a purple heart city on Nov. 9, 2020. This event was done to honor veterans, purple heart veterans, and the veterans that are no longer with us.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Ohio University students Brogan Lake (front) and Cord Haubert (back) ride a Spin scooter at the corner of E. Union St. and S. College St. on Feb. 19, 2020. The two travelled around campus looking for charged scooters to ride.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Father Ethan Moore of McCartyville, Ohio poses for a portrait on his motorcycle on Sept. 14, 2020. Father Ethan has recently relocated from Dayton to Cincinnati to the University of Cincinnati Catholic Church, St. Monica St. George parish.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Ohio University head coach, Jeff Boals, hypes up the team before their game against Kent State on Jan. 16, 2021. Ohio University lost 89-79.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Ohio University guard Lunden McDay (15) steps back to shoot the ball at a home game against Kent State on Jan. 16, 2021. Ohio University lost 89-79.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Dan Thatcher rides his motorcycle with shrubs hanging from it at the Circleville Raceway Park on Sept. 5, 2020. Thatcher had gone off the track and into shrubbery that continued along the track with him. The race was momentarily paused so the grass could be removed to continue the race safely.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Reid (left) and Ben (right) Scruggs help their father Michael, put on his motorcycle racing jacket before a race at Circleville Raceway Park on Sept. 5, 2020. The race is an endurance race where Michael would tag team with his friend Dan Thatcher and Cousin Jimmy Cross. The trio raced for about four hours before the event ended.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Bill Corbett holds out his USA hat with one hand and his political sign with the other on Oct. 28, 2020 at the corner of Mason-Montgomery and Escort Dr. in Mason, Ohio. Corbett is a Korean war veteran that supports President Donald Trump because he is seeing how our country is turning towards communism. Corbett states that “Donald Trump is the only one who can save our country.”

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Ken and Chris Koncelik, of Cleveland pose in their front yard with their Trump signs in Mason, on Sept. 18, 2020. Ken Koncelik looks at his politics through the lens of running his business. Whoever is in office, deeply affects how his year goes. “The only three layoffs I’ve ever had to do where between 2008 and 2016. The best years I have had has been the past 3 years” says Ken. Chris looks through a broader political lens when it comes to what Trump wants to do. “Trump: promises made, promises kept.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Tim Henderson, 64 of Kettering poses on his front porch with his Trump flags in Lytle, Ohio on Sept. 20, 2020. While having multiple Trump signs now, Trump wasn’t Henderson’s first choice as a president back in 2016. Henderson didn’t want the opposition to win, so he voted for Trump. “As I’ve watched him (Trump) and some of the things that he has done, he has been true to his word, so I’ve become very fond of him. Do I like everything he says? No. But that is alright. He is not my pastor in chief, he’s the commander in chief. So, I’ve been able to separate that.”

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Nick Francis (left) and Matt Francis slackline at Pine Hill park in Mason, Ohio on March 17, 2020. Matt has been slacklining for five years and has introduced his brother, Nick to the sport two years ago.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Before I Leave- If it wasn’t for the pandemic, I don’t think I would have ever photographed my community. I realized I was creating this body of work as a last goodbye to my hometown. I returned to places I once explored with new photographic eyes and captured what I saw. Once I leave, I am starting a new life, I needed to photograph Mason one last time. Tim Lutmer sits in his combine after plowing part of a field. Lutmer had to stop plowing the field after noticing the transmission wasn’t allowing him to switch gears. “Just another roadblock that is slowing us down”, Lutmer says after realizing the rest of the fields weren’t getting plowed that night.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Plant seeders at the Natorps farm on Nov. 16, 2020. These are used to fertilize and grow the seed before it is planted outside. “Every plant we grow, no matter its size, starts here” said Matt Bartlett, the head container grower for Natorps.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Luke Mason climbs out of the back of the family car, while his sister, Natalie plays in a box on Nov. 11, 2020. The box is used by the Mason family to fill up with food supplies for the upcoming thanksgiving holiday to be donated to families through their church. “Mason does a nice job from a community standpoint of up keeping the area and also attract a lot of businesses that make it a desirable location” said Lauren Mason, their mom. “We were initially drawn to Mason for the school district that has consistently been highly ranked and has a lot of opportunities available for children as they progress.”

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Father Elias Mwesigye blesses patrons at St. Susanna Catholic church on Nov. 12, 2020. Mwesigye is from Uganda and has recently come to Mason to be Priest. “In the priesthood, the church can send you anywhere, and I got sent here. It has been great living in Mason” said Mwesigye.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Proctor & Gamble research and development facility located on Mason-Montgomery on Nov. 5, 2020. P&G has brought many families to Mason, as it is one of the largest employers in Mason. The land was previously owned by the Natorp family, which was then sold to P&G to build the new facility.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Jack Boling poses with handcrafted memorabilia display dedicated to his daughter on Nov. 10, 2020. Boling's lost his daughter in 2019 while she was serving in the military. He created this in memory of her.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Glenn Knight, Brian Grey and Ryan Najszak play golf at the City of Mason Golf Center on Nov. 9, 2020. The trio frequently plays at the golf course throughout the year. The golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and was originally named The Grizzly. Over the years it has also been known as The Kings Island Golf center. Mason purchased the course in 2015.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Cheryl and James Wesley stand for a portrait outside of their house on Nov. 16, 2020. The house was built on 1902 and was originally a doctor’s office. The house has been changed over the years from medical to dental practices to residential. The couple moved into the house in 1985. “We love Mason, the changes are all for the best. Houses, industrial, all of it is for the better of the city.”

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Poinsettias sit inside a greenhouse at Natorps farm on Nov. 16, 2020. The poinsettias will be sold for Christmas online and in person. “This year we have done seven times more online sales than last year” said Matt Bartlett. “Due to COVID most of the sales are done through our website.”

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

A pathway has been created between two pieces of a broken fence that sits at the back corner of the Yost Pharmacy parking lot on Nov. 30, 2020. New beginnings lie ahead.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

A day in my life today is a lot different from what it was a year ago. I’m sure everyone shares that same thought. But I think life is supposed to change. We are meant for stages. This project fostered the thoughts of progression through life. What was I like at different times of my life? Why did I like certain things then, but not now? Where am I going next? This past year my life had become a routine. The morning light pours into the windows of Tanner’s room onto his bed, after it was made on. He makes his bed in some sort of fashion each morning for the Zoom calls that follow later in the afternoon.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Tanner has a healthy breakfast of strawberry yogurt from Trader Joe’s and a banana on the morning of Sept. 7th, 2020. Breakfast is the key to having energy in the morning.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

After breakfast, Tanner begins on his schoolwork for the day on August 27th, 2020. Morning fades into the afternoon as class work and Zoom calls are completed one after another. The view outside the window causes distractions every once in a while, but never disappoints.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Masks are hung to dry from a hanger in the family laundry room on August 24, 2020. The new normal shows itself in many ways around the house.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Tanner takes a self-portrait in his bathroom mirror on Sept. 1st, 2020 after a shower. Taking time to himself to reflect and relax is a crucial part of keeping a healthy mind and body.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

On the afternoon of August 25th, 2020, Grace Wilson takes her bike off of her Jeep. Tanner and Grace spend afternoons outside, away from the screens to take time to themselves. Activities include riding bikes, taking hikes, and walking around the neighborhood.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Palmer licks Tim McDonald on the head while Melissa Pearson laughs on Sept. 3rd, 2020. The three love to spend the afternoons outside on the deck patio enjoying the weather.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Tanner removes his contacts after a long day on August 26th, 2020. He has been wearing contacts for the past four years and prefers them over glasses.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

The dash of Tanner’s car on Sept. 4, 2020. Tanner drives back and forth to Graces house multiple times a week. The thirty-five-minute car drive is passed along by listening to music and podcasts.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Tanner works on editing photos for class on the evening of August 27th, 2020. He ends a lot of his nights working on the computer, as there seems to always be work that needs to be done. Switching to online classes makes it hard to determine what is class work and what is homework.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

In the city of Mason, sits the last bit of “Rural” farmland. A town once known for its deserted streets and spacious farmland; Mason has had an economic surge of commercialized land. Home to P&G, one of the world's largest corporations, this farmland has rapidly shifted from an airy farm town to the best place to raise a family. Land in Mason was shifted to either residential housing, or commercial businesses. Danny Scruggs throws bread out to the ducks and geese that live on his property. Feeding the birds is a part of his daily routine. He usually throws out a loaf of bread to feed everyone.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

The Hy Vue barn on Oct. 21, 2020. The barn is two tiered. The top holds hay, while the bottom holds cattle in the winter as well as farm equipment. When Becky was growing up, the family could fit around 8,000 square bales of hay in the upper part of the barn. “We would have so much hay in here you could climb up and touch the ceiling” said Becky. Chutes were cut out of barn walls to allow hay to be thrown down to cattle.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Danny Scruggs throws weeds into the back of his pickup truck on Oct. 21, 2020. “It isn’t a pretty truck, its rusted out in places, but a farm truck doesn’t have to be nice” said Danny. He uses the farm truck around the property to haul items from one location to another. Danny stocks the front seat with any kind of tool or clothing he would need while out working.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Cows fight for a treat from Becky on Oct. 21, 2020. The Scruggs have fifteen cattle total. One bull, seven cows, one steer, and six calves.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Becky Scruggs kisses her horse, Star, on Jan. 3, 2020. The Scruggs have two horses, Third and Star. She takes care of them daily. Becky used to ride them, but recent injuries for both horses has prevented that. Becky still loves them the same.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Becky Scruggs pulls off a piece of a mushroom she found in her field on Oct. 23, 2020. Random mushrooms can be found around the property, some of which are edible. Becky said when she picked up the mushroom, “I think if it’s pink on the bottom it’s okay to eat.” She then proceeded to clean the piece off and pop it in her mouth.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Danny Scruggs talks with Lanny Leach on Nov. 2, 2020. Danny has bought hay from Lanny for the past three years. Lanny strictly sticks with hay as the crop for his land.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Danny Scruggs unloads hay from his trailer while his cat, Hershey watches on Nov. 2, 2020. Danny named the cat Hershey because they got him from Hirshberg scrapyard in Lockland, Ohio. Danny said Hershey also has “a little bit of a chocolate color”.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Ducks fly into the Scruggs’ pond on Nov. 2, 2020. Despite any weather conditions, you will find the ducks out on the pond. One doesn’t have to wonder where the ducks go in the winter.

First Place - Larry Fullerton Photojournalism Scholarship , Tanner Pearson / Ohio University

Danny Scruggs in the lower section of the barn on Nov. 2, 2020. The lower part of the barn is loaded with as much hay as possible, while the rest is taken to the upper level.