A soccer workforce, an underground music scene, a canine park, a Native market, a mountain climbing health club: Within the photograph essays beneath, the runners-up of our “The place We Are” contest introduce you to small however vibrant communities throughout, and present you the locations the place they collect.
As all the time, we invite you to go away feedback for these younger photojournalists to inform them what you thought. And for those who haven’t already, please additionally benefit from the work of our winner, and discover a record of all finalists right here.
Be aware: With their permission, we’ve condensed the work of the runners-up to 4 photographs and an edited model of their unique introduction and captions.
A 4-Legged Group for Everybody
By Madeline Leluc, 15, North Charleston, S.C.
When Livia Brooks relocated to Mount Nice, S.C., two years in the past, she confronted the daunting prospect of beginning recent in an unfamiliar metropolis. “These preliminary months had been actually difficult,” she recalled. “I didn’t know many individuals, and being in a totally new surroundings was powerful — so I did what lots of people do once they’re lonely and rescued a canine.”
One afternoon, as Livia retrieved her mail at her condominium complicated, she stumbled upon a flier on the group board. The flier bore a easy message: “Have a canine? Need associates? Come to the James Island County canine park Thursday at 5 p.m.”
For Livia and her fellow membership members, these weekly Thursday conferences are a chance to overlook about life’s stresses and simply be themselves. “Actually, I don’t know what I might do with out the brand new folks I’ve met in my life, they’ve develop into household,” she stated. “Plus, Lola, my canine, has made so many associates, each Thursday she nudges me out of the door.”
“I believe Lola is aware of how joyful being on the park makes me,” Livia stated.
Peanut wearing a lei for the membership’s “Tradition Day.” Her proprietor, Koa Iona, struggled with homesickness after shifting to South Carolina from Hawaii. “I truly met somebody from the identical island the place I grew up, and we immediately clicked — it was like I used to be again in Oahu,” she stated.
On heat evenings, the membership enjoys taking part in quite a lot of video games, together with mini golf. With the assistance of some associates, Livia arrange a makeshift course with obstacles and flags. But, as a rule, the ball is kidnapped by a canine and disappears into the pond.
Since attending her first Thursday meet-up, Livia has maintained an unbroken attendance report. “Each time I see somebody new across the neighborhood, I instantly invite them to return, no matter whether or not they have a canine,” she stated. “I hope this surroundings may help others as a lot because it helps me.”
A Soccer Workforce That Teaches Its Gamers The way to Be Brothers
By Jaewon Yoon, 15, Salisbury Faculty, Salisbury, Conn.
Yearly, on the Thursday proper earlier than the final recreation of the soccer season, the Salisbury Knights collect behind the bleachers. The solar is sort of gone, and within the onset of the gloaming they mild a hearth. The exhilaration and exhaustion from the conditioning of the day wears off, and the chilly of the New England autumn air nips at their naked arms.
The hearth is for a ritual referred to as The Burning, the place the workforce spends a second remembering the time gamers have spent with them. The seniors step ahead and feed one thing essential to themselves to the hearth, which grows taller and taller with each reminiscence fed to it: gloves, cleats, arm sleeves. They share their tales with the circle of teammates by the pyre.
Yr after yr, the grueling physicality of soccer and the emotional vulnerability that comes with failure, victory, private struggles and trusting in teammates makes the Salisbury soccer workforce extra like a household than a sports activities workforce.
In the beginning of preseason, the pinnacle coach, Chris Phelps, proclaims, “Respect is given, and it’s as much as the particular person that you’re giving it to to maintain it.”
Earlier than video games, the locker room is deafening. Audio system blare music and the gamers go well with up, hyping each other up, electrified with bravado.
Then, everybody gathers collectively and the room turns into silent. In prayer, the workforce turns into one. Everybody is aware of that battles are largely fought within the thoughts and coronary heart.
The idea of brotherhood is named Sarum on the Salisbury Faculty, a boys boarding faculty in New England. Sarum additionally represents honor and loyalty, each of that are key components of a Salisbury gentleman. Earlier than every dwelling recreation, the fan part collectively runs right down to the sector, waving flags and beating drums, Sarum radiating from their gestures and shouts.
Tino Harper, heart, a operating again, blocks for Bailey Coleman, proper, a large receiver, for a big achieve on the third down. In soccer, belief in your teammates is essential. In any case, it’s a sport the place you’re placing your physique on the road.
Belief is the glue that retains a workforce collectively.
The Final Reindeer Herders of China
By Andrew Li, 17, Tsinghua Worldwide Faculty, Beijing
The Reindeer Tribe represents China’s solely reindeer herding tribe, and is located within the Inside Mongolia area of China. In the present day, this particular department of Ewenkis, an ethnic group Indigenous to sub-Arctic Asia, solely has a pair hundred members remaining. Maliya Suo, the final feminine chieftain of the tribe, handed away two years in the past. In 2003, the federal government confiscated their rifles, compelling the tribe to relocate to settlements beneath the mountains. As they moved out of the mountains, their language, tradition and folks slowly pale into the mists.
Nonetheless, Budongxia Bu and her husband, Xiaoliangku Xiao, had been among the many few who opted to remain within the deep forest of their dedication to preserving their nomadic way of life. As such, Budongxia stands as one of many ultimate guardians of their ethnic tradition. Their solely son went to town for college and has lengthy since been unable to adapt to life within the mountains. Budongxia stays the only member of the family fluent within the Ewenki language.
Their era grapples with the fragile stability between heritage preservation and the encroaching affect of contemporary society. The stability of the previous, the current and the longer term is the best problem. On this delicate dance, a photographer’s lens captured their essence, freezing moments of resilience amid minus-45-Fahrenheit winds.
Budongxia, carrying conventional Ewenki clothes, herded the reindeer into the deep forest to feast on lichen. “Because of the deteriorating surroundings, our reindeer have gotten smaller and fewer in quantity, compelling us to enterprise deeper into the forest looking for lichen,” she defined.
The couple favor their primitive tents over the trendy ones. After the federal government confiscated their rifles, they made scarecrows out of bearskins to scare the wolves away. “Individuals suppose that is the Ewenki method,” Xiaoliangku stated, “however the true method is lengthy gone and solely exists in our recollections.”
Budongxia and Xiaoliangku are among the many final of the Ewenki individuals who nonetheless embrace a nomadic way of life. Periodically relocating, their tents afford them the effectivity wanted for this lifestyle.
All reindeer put on bells round their necks to allow their herders to establish their location. Some reindeer have particular bells that produce distinctive sounds, aiding of their identification.
Each a part of a reindeer is helpful to the Ewenki folks. Components such because the antlers are offered, and the meat is used for meals.
“The reindeer are our life,” Budongxia stated. “With out them, we’re nothing. However the fashionable world is leaving us behind.”
The N.Y.C. Underground Teen D.I.Y. Music Scene
By Allison Park, 16, Ramapo Excessive Faculty, Franklin Lakes, N.J., and JD Noonan, 16, New Design Excessive Faculty, New York Metropolis
It doesn’t matter whether or not it’s a bar, any person’s basement or a rental house: These New York Metropolis highschool college students can flip anyplace into their very own kaleidoscopic soundscape. Amid the flickering lights and thrumming bass traces, free souls groove to the rhythm they’ve made. Welcome to the underground.
Creating an electrifying vitality the place teenagers mingle and mosh, these younger musicians are forming bands and collaborating to arrange their very own exhibits throughout town. Reasonably than reserving studios and sound engineers, they self-record of their bedrooms and blend the music themselves. Pulling inspiration from different genres like shoegaze, screamo and synth-rock, the clashing sounds come collectively in harmonious chaos.
Autumn Rhythm was shaped when Sam Levine, Jesse Mair, Isen Ritchie and Joey LaRosa met at exhibits. Joey, 17, a guitarist and vocalist, characterised the scene as “a bunch of bands who’re roughly united by their need to do issues themselves at a younger age.”
Every musician experiments and performs with a pedal board personalized to challenge a signature tone.
“No two bands actually sound the identical right here, and I believe that’s what makes the group we’ve so compelling,” Joey stated. “Individuals wish to get entangled to craft and categorical their very own distinctive sound.”
All of it comes again to friendship and unity. “The attractive factor about these levels is that it doesn’t really feel just like the band after which the viewers,” stated Autumn Rhythm’s guitarist, Isen, 20. “We’re form of one in the identical as a result of everyone knows one another — folks within the bands and folks within the crowds.”
This can be an underground group, nevertheless it’s not one that’s gatekept or unique. “A simple false impression is that there’s a barrier to entry, however the true fact is it’s so welcoming,” stated Jesse, 18, a bass participant.
“You discover a widespread band with somebody after which you’ve got a good friend,” Joey agreed.
Made for teenagers and by children, this group has develop into a vessel of connection, expression and escape: a spot to seek out your voice and make it heard.
Jingpo Kids Are Branching Out With Their Personal ‘Prop Roots’
By Ruixin Zhang, 16, Tsinglan Faculty, Dongguan, China
Because the moon ascended above the countryside, a gaggle of individuals aged 3 to 26 trekked up an empty mountain street. Amid the cricket chirps and peals of laughter, the little youngsters wove between trudging grownup legs, pulling on the arms of keen associates.
At daybreak, they reached a banyan tree over 20 meters tall and 10 meters huge. Clinging to outdated vines, these children weren’t scared in any respect. With a push, they clambered up! They began exploring each gap with the older youngsters watching beneath.
They’re from Prop Roots, a nongovernmental group co-founded by Li Yang and her husband, Dr. Anton Lustig, within the Yingpan village in Yunnan Province, China, in 2009. This village, situated on the border with Myanmar, is dwelling to the native Jingpo ethnic group. It’s a stunning space, however it’s tormented by violence and different harmful elements.
“Children right here want profession anchors,” Li stated. “As a substitute of vulnerability, I hope they see their distinctive benefits and skills given by their distinct ethnic tradition and nature.” So far, Prop Roots has served over 200 youngsters, educating them to color, {photograph} and even carry out Jingpo folklore puppet exhibits — something associated to their ardour.
“Even taking part in geese and drakes effectively provides you a way of accomplishment,” one member, Nongkan Pai, defined.
Jiafeng Solar performed with rocks at Longjiang River. On her face is a skinny layer of yellowish paste referred to as “Thanaka,” a particular characteristic of Jingpo aesthetic tradition that symbolizes religious effectively being, magnificence and a shared id.
In her free time, Jiafeng learns Henna drawing, seen within the intricate designs alongside her leg.
As a substitute of a sheet of strict guidelines, the kids abide by the phrases of the “Kitchen God” whereas cooking on this shared kitchen. This Kitchen God, made by the Prop Roots household collectively, represents the caring, heat souls of the Prop Roots group. It’s additionally an embodiment of Jingpo animalistic beliefs.
Skipping rocks alongside the riverside is a standard exercise at Prop Roots.
With the backing of Prop Roots, children right here have the braveness to “skip additional” and go for his or her desires.
After Years of Indigenous Trauma, This Honest and Market Unites All Walks of Life
By Sydney Voorhees, 17, Willow Canyon Excessive Faculty, Shock, Ariz.
Because the beaming March solar rose over downtown Phoenix, folks of all types congregated on the bustling Heard Museum grounds to expertise the 66th Annual Indian Honest and Market.
From the principle entrance to the truthful, rows of white tents marked the websites of over 600 American Indian, Alaska Native and Canadian First Nations artists showcasing their handmade work, beadwork, carvings and extra, seamlessly mixing custom with fashionable innovation.
Chi’Chino Spirit O’Odham dancers led Indian Honest and Market attendees within the spherical dance, pictured above, a practice that unites communities by way of therapeutic and the celebration of life. “Once we share our tradition, we embrace the livelihood of our ancestors whereas corroborating the continued existence of our folks and lifeways,” stated one dancer, Gabe Garcia.
As one of many largest American Indian artwork markets on the earth and the most important artwork market in Arizona, the truthful stands as a beacon, striving to advance Indigenous artwork and, in response to the Heard Museum Guild, creating “a spot for shared experiences and connections that echo the rhythms of cultural heritage.”
Above, River Webb, a Two-Spirit of the Nez Percé and Meskwaki tribes displayed their beadwork. The artist, alternatively generally known as Killer Butterfly Lady, referred to their Native folks of their Iowa hometown: “We’re a tiny tribe, however we’ve maintained ourselves as a result of we all know who we’re.”
Louie Dosela flashed a piercing gaze as he performed the coyote within the Quail Dance with the Chi’Chino Spirit O’Odham Dance Group. The ethical of the Quail Dance is that everybody is an instance to somebody youthful, and to develop into a superb ancestor, temptation (the coyote) should be fought.
This yearly celebration serves as a chance for Native folks to embrace their roots, in addition to to reveal non-Native folks to an evocative, resilient tradition of expression and group. The change of emotion and data between Indigenous and fashionable Western cultures is a therapeutic, transformative expertise. “I really feel liberation of their freedom,” stated Aspen Galanyuk, a Russian immigrant and queer lady, who mirrored on how the truthful provided her peace in her personal id battle.
On this photograph, a six-time World Champion Hoop Dancer and well-liked Indigenous musician, Tony Duncan, and his son Naiche Duncan carry out collectively.
Tony defined to the gang: “To bop is to heal. To bop is to wish.”
At Maumee Valley Nation Day Faculty, Fifth-Grade Women Unite for District Championship Desires
By Jiajia Lengthy, 17, Maumee Valley Nation Day Faculty, Toledo, Ohio
Individuals who don’t know higher may view the Maumee Valley Nation Day Faculty fifth-grade women’ basketball workforce as only a typical center faculty women’ workforce taking part in a match. However for these women, the workforce is a journey deep into friendship and dedication
In a health club echoing with historical past, Valencia Kaatz, one of many gamers, shared her emotions: “I wish to make historical past. It looks like ceaselessly since our college gained the district title in fifth-grade women’ basketball, practically a decade now. Though we’re nonetheless younger and generally coaching is exhausting, our workforce has obtained one another’s again. It’s the workforce spirit that makes me suppose we will win.”
The health club buzzed with vitality because the athletes educated laborious, surrounded by symbols of previous victories.
Coach Chris Kaatz’s basketball teaching board was seen inside an open sports activities bag on a picket bench. Each recreation requires strategic planning.
Elyse Moebius, heart, pretended to offer her teammate Samiyah Hayes water from the water jug, reflecting a second of pleasure and playful bonding amongst these younger gamers.
After they face muscle aches and the weariness of apply, they empower each other. They know that by trusting and serving to each other, they’ll accomplish one thing massive collectively.
At This Rock Climbing Fitness center, ‘Everybody Belongs’
By Finn Feldman, 17, Centaurus Excessive Faculty, Lafayette, Colo.
Residents of Louisville, Colo., trip their bikes throughout a elegant mountain panorama to a spot merely referred to as The Spot — an industrial constructing half-hour from Denver that homes not solely one of many first bouldering gyms within the nation, however a household of mountaineers from all walks of life.
The Spot has the perks of pristine tools, however the business feeling ends there. All who stroll in are greeted by smiling workers, unruly youngsters and veteran seniors.
“After I first began, I used to be actually scared, however everybody was very supportive,” stated Sonya Soloman, a 15-year-old on the comp workforce, the health club’s competing stage. “They actually don’t care what ‘grade stage’ you’re at; they only care how laborious you’re employed.” Even the veterans cheer and provides optimistic suggestions on each climb.
To align with their mission of accessibility, The Spot launched for the primary time this yr a nonbinary class for competitions, Marian Prather, a entrance desk workers member, introduced excitedly. The Spot additionally provides a sliding scale, offering considerably discounted memberships to these in want.
Climbers can come to The Spot on their very own or be part of a workforce. Addie Bliss, a 15-year-old on the comp workforce, stated: “This winter, I ripped a tendon in my wrist and was unable to climb for about six weeks. Whereas it was a tough time for me and my bodily well being, I used to be extraordinarily grateful to go to practices and have teammates situation with me, in addition to simply discuss to me regardless of my harm.”
Mountain climbing is a sport with a person nature, but athletes at The Spot declare the isolation leaves when you step into the health club. Connor Earle, 17, heart, referred to as out to his teammates Addie, Ocean Reamer and Jamie Singh for assist earlier than a climb.
Clare Naughton, Josh Condon and Marian and Rain Mclean work the entrance desk. They handle check-ins and do hourly checks on security. When strolling round, they’re greeted by smiles and “like-minded individuals who additionally love climbing,” Marian stated.
The Spot homes each bouldering and cord climbing. When top-rope climbing, athletes are strapped right into a harness that connects to a belay system, letting them scale up increased. Bouldering requires climbers to make use of solely sure colour holds, with a crash pad beneath to catch those that fall.
“Everybody belongs right here,” Marian stated. “We provide a social night time each Thursday and different occasions that actually assist separate The Spot from only a mountain climbing health club.”
The Boys in Ballet
By Hannah Tang, 15, Western Academy of Beijing, Beijing
“Do you want to bounce?” I requested the little boy. He chuckled, shrugged and ran off to hang around together with his associates.
It was my first encounter with these younger boys, slender and small, all trying considerably embarrassed to enter the studio. Clad in white shirts worn inside out and black pants scrunched up beneath dusty white socks, they had been a sight to behold. However gosh, they had been hilarious.
“I can’t match my toes within the shoe!” one stated, and with half his foot left exterior the dance shoe, he entered the studio.
This was their first time placing this gear on, but additionally their first time going to a dance class. They’re a gaggle of Chinese language boys, aged 7 to eight, who turned orphans in infancy and now reside with their adoptive dad and mom in Beijing. They obtain assist from the Conservatory of Worldwide Model and Cultural Arts dance studio to take dance lessons each week without cost. The conservatory has given them the chance to be seen and to try for the prospect to carry out and signify themselves.
As they discovered “sauté,” which required them to apply pushing themselves away from the wall with their legs, they discovered pleasure in gazing at their reflections within the mirror. One particular person chuckled, and the entire class burst into laughter.
A loud racket reverberated by way of the ground because the boys held their arms on their waists. Of their particular person rhythms, everybody jumped up and down, creating an orchestra of mischievousness, laughter and pleasure.
“Now, we’re going to learn to do a leap,” the dance instructor introduced in Chinese language, however utilizing the English phrase for “leap.”
“Sleep!?,” one boy stated, confused.
“No, leap,” the instructor stated. “You shall soar from this blue dot to the pink one.”
Everybody dropped their jaws, whispering to one another. After solely 10 minutes of affected person educating, they went from merely crossing the dots to “leaping.” They study issues fairly shortly.
These boys won’t have liked dance instantly, however all of them tried their greatest at school, their eyes darting left and proper to see in the event that they had been standing tall sufficient or leaping excessive sufficient. They crave compliments as a lot as they yearn for toy vehicles.
One in all them, Caixian, was born deaf and has been silent since beginning. Via dance, he and his associates have gone “from being silent to regularly revealing themselves,” their dance instructor, Shaun, stated. “It has supplied them with one other house for expression.”
