Below is a sample of some of our Senior Capstone course Projects in Photojournalism. The student’s will take the entire semester to work on one project of their choosing. Enjoy the stories.
Ben Severence – “Leaving a Legacy”
“I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.” -John Steinbeck
The nationally renowned journalism program and award winning student newspaper at Western Kentucky University have not always been so prestigious. From humble beginnings and through controversy they were formed by the work of thousands of friends, colleagues and students.
This is the story of a little newspaper in Kentucky that would stop a nothing to be the considered the best and one man who for over 40 years guided the paper, touching the lives of every student involved.
Zach Conkle – “Wright’s Law”
An amazing educator in the Louisville School System, Jeffrey Wright pours his heart and emotion into the well being of his students. Little do they know that Wright’s life at school is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the love he carries for his own family.
Leslye Davis – “My Blessing, My Boy”
When Andrew Holland was 13, he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma after a tumor was discovered in his spine. Doctors gave him 50-50 odds of survival.
On March 14, 2012, he underwent his last chemotherapy treatment. Less than three weeks later, his mother Regina received a phone call from the hospital. An MRI revealed four new tumors in Andrew’s spine. He immediately returned to chemotherapy as doctors worked to determine what his treatment options would be.
Andrew and Regina worry that a bone marrow transplant will be a tragic step in his journey to recovery.
“It’s just scary because to do that, they have to take the kids as close to death as they possibly can.” Regina said. “We’ve been coming here for a while and I’ve seen too many kids die from it.”
“I don’t think I’m going to die,” Andrew said. “ I think I can come really, really close to it— just not going to die.”
Even in his hospital bed, he will sing to his mother, his visitors, and even the nurses as they come and go on their routines.
Some day Andrew hopes to be an author. Although he rarely betrays the optimism that defines his character, through his writing a darker side to his struggle is revealed.
Alyssa Orr – “Loving Mallory”
Adam Dobson of Bowling Green, Ky., gets his life on a more positive track after getting involved with drugs. The unconditional love and support coming from Adam’s mom, Cathy, continues to strengthen the bond they share.
Kelly Lafferty – “Young in Heart”
56-year-old Brenda Smith revolves her life around her family. She experiences life’s joys and struggles as she raises her grandson and takes care of her ailing father.
