Thank you, dear readers, for supporting the mission carried out by us at The Post through the stories we publish to inform and engage Ohio University’s student body and the Athens community.
As time winds down, I can attest that the staff I have been given the privilege to lead has left a monumental impact on my life while I have watched our freshman and sophomore photojournalists grow into finding their photographic voice. Each and every one of our dedicated visual storytellers have impressed me with their sheer talent and drive. Whether it’s Election Day or Super Bowl Sunday or even a snow day, the images I have seen come back from them leave me confident in the future of The Post and the leadership that will soon be filled in upon graduation day.
This year’s photo editor, Jesse Jarrold-Grapes, has been my rock. Since day one on our first assignment together as I mentored him back in 2019, his ambition and creativity cements his place as a one-of-a-kind photojournalist.
Jesse, your big ideas, lightning-sharp energy, and overall presence never fail to make me smile knowing how far that will take you. Our shared compassion and sensitivity in editing the right photos for stories, discussing the state of photojournalism and laughing about life, among other things, make it bittersweet for me to leave Athens and The Post after making endless memories and connections here. But rest assured, I have the utmost faith in the marks you will make and the mountains you can move as you fill in the shoes as director of photography. They are in good hands.
This year’s photo edition is an ode to the universal language in imagery by portraying moments from this year’s most crucial news, uplifting stories of life, culture and community, the energetic athletic matches that bring everyone together and an additional photo essay about moving forward. Please enjoy this collection of work made by our esteemed photojournalists–the eyes of Athens.
Nate Swanson is a senior studying photojournalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post.
