Year in Photos: 2023-2024

YEAR IN PHOTOS

Kentucky Kernel 2023 - 2024

ON THE COVER:

AUGUST 24, 2023

Kentucky players warm up before the Kentucky vs. Florida Gulf Coast University men’s soccer match at the Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington, Kentucky.

LETTER from the EDITOR

As photo editor, I’ve dedicated this year to documenting our campus, telling the stories of our community and making great images. I’m thrilled to present the 2023-24 Year in Photos captured by the Kentucky Kernel’s talented photojournalists.

In the pages ahead, you’ll find a collection of moments that defined our university this year. From the celebrations of sporting events to the quieter scenes of everyday college life, each photograph shows a glimpse into the heart of our community on campus and in Lexington.

As a female photojournalist, I’m proud of the diverse perspectives represented in this collection. Through the lens, we aim to tell stories and highlight the issues that matter.

Our photojournalists have poured their passion into capturing the essence of the University of Kentucky. Their dedication shows through in every frame, and I am extremely proud of my team this semester for their consistency, dedication and talent.

As you flip through these pages, I encourage you to reflect on the moments that you remember most from this year. Let these images be nostalgic in a few years, treating this as your yearbook to remember the forceful storms, skipping class to watch the solar eclipse with all our peers and cheering for the Cats no matter the outcome.

Here’s to another year of capturing memories, reporting the truth and sharing your stories at the Kernel.

Abbey Cutrer Photo Editor

The Wildcat dances with the cheerleaders during Big Blue U at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. PHOTO

MARCH 23, 2024

NEWS

Tom Fricker, a UK groundskeeper, lifts branches out of the road behind the White Hall Classroom Building after severe weather in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

APRIL 2, 2024

A group of University of Kentucky students play cornhole after a severe weather storm on University Avenue in Lexington.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

APRIL 2, 2024

A tree is knocked down behind the White Hall Classroom Building at the University of Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

APRIL 2, 2024

Residents of University Avenue play soccer after a severe weather storm.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

APRIL 8, 2024

Senior psychology major Sydney Parham watches the partial solar eclipse on the Main Lawn at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

APRIL 8, 2024

Sarah Corman, a social work graduate student, watches the partial solar eclipse with her daughter, Penelope, on the Main Lawn at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

APRIL 8, 2024

Clouds pass over the partial solar eclipse at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

APRIL 8, 2024

University of Kentucky students Courtney Wright, Marisol Agin and Manuel Valencia take a selfie together during the solar eclipse.

APRIL 8, 2024

UK student Kayla Swartz wears two solar eclipse safety glasses during the partial solar eclipse on top of the Center Court Parking Garage in Lexington.

APRIL 8, 2024

A crowd of students looks at the partial solar eclipse.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear gives his acceptance speech after winning the 2023 gubernatorial election at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall in Louisville, Kentucky.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

A supporter takes a photo of the stage for Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear before he gives a speech at the Democratic 2023 gubernatorial election watch party.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Supporters gather to watch incumbent Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear give a speech at the Democratic 2023 gubernatorial election watch party.

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL COLMAR

DECEMBER 12, 2023

Attendees bow their heads in prayer during the 62nd Kentucky gubernatorial inauguration ceremony at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

DECEMBER 12, 2023

Gov. Andy Beshear embraces first lady Britainy Beshear as their children introduce her during the 62nd Kentucky gubernatorial inauguration ceremony at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky.

DECEMBER 12, 2023

A member of the Kentucky State Police Honor Guard holds a flag during the Posting of the Colors during the 62nd Kentucky inauguration ceremony.

DECEMBER 12, 2023

Tyler Childers sings “Universal Sound” during the 62nd Kentucky gubernatorial inauguration ceremony.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

A woman wears a keffiyeh during the Free Palestine protest outside of the Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

A mother talks to her child during the Free Palestine protest.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

A man holds a sign that reads “ceasefire now” at the Free Palestine protest.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MUELLER

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Attendees get in line for food during A Journey for the Soul: Celebrating a Living Palestine in the Gatton Student Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

DECEMBER 15, 2023

A child holds a handmade sign that reads, “I love Palestine.”

DECEMBER 15, 2023

Children clap during a performance.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

A performer dances during the Latino Festival in Lexington, Kentucky.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

Sisters Allyson and Leyal play with bubbles during the Latino Festival.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

A chef prepares food during the Latino Festival.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MUELLER

MARCH 6, 2024

Paige Kerner hugs her friends during a vigil for Madison Becknell at the Baptist Campus Ministry.

MARCH 6, 2024

Friends and family gather to mourn the death of University of Kentucky senior Madison Becknell at the Baptist Campus Ministry in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

MARCH 6, 2024

Photos of Madison Becknell and her friends are displayed during her candlelit vigil at the Baptist Campus Ministry. Becknell died in a car wreck three months before her graduation.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

A participant rings a bell honoring the life of a first responder during the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. Over 500 people gathered to honor the first responders who gave their lives rushing into the World Trade Center on 9/11.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

An image of the twin towers burning is displayed on the scoreboard while members of the fire department participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Kroger Field.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

McKenna Schrage holds a sign in counter-protest at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Students gather around demonstrators at the University of Kentucky. Students said they were upset with the demonstrators signs, one reading, “dressing immondestly is sin!”

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MUELLER

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Students hold a pride flag behind a demonstrator at the University of Kentucky

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Former University of Kentucky student Timothy Umstead, 19, was arrested at 209 University Ave. in Lexington, Kentucky. He was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment of the second degree after being arrested with possession of multiple weapons, including explosives, a hollowed hand-grenade, homemade “rocketfuel,” a flamethrower, two shotguns, a handgun and additional items in his house.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

CAMPUS

JANUARY 14, 2024

Bryce Gentner, right, and Tyler Katz ride down the bowl in a shopping cart during the first snow of the year on campus outside the William T. Young Library.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

JANUARY 14, 2024

A student rides in a shopping cart down the bowl during the first snow of the year on campus outside the W illiam T. Young Library in Lexington, Kentucky.

JANUARY 14, 2024

A student rides down the bowl on a Starship delivery robot.

JANUARY 14, 2024

A student slides down the bowl.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

KERNEL | 36

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

JANUARY 14, 2024

A student falls out of a traffic cone and shopping cart while sledding down the bowl during the first snow of the year on campus outside the William T. Young Library in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

JANUARY 19, 2024

Students sled down the hill outside of the William T. Young Library at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

AUGUST 21, 2023

Students walk through campus on the first day of class at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

AUGUST 14, 2023

A mother helps her new student move into Boyd Hall during move-in day.

AUGUST 16, 2023

Students of CRU, a Christian campus ministry, play volleyball on the lawn of the William T. Young Library.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

AUGUST 21, 2023 Students walk through campus on the first day of class at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

AUGUST 18, 2023

A group of students take a selfie during the Christian Student Fellowship Luau at the Lewis House in Lexington, Kentucky.

AUGUST 17, 2022

Incoming freshmen gather around the WRFL table during Campus Ruckus on the South Lawn.

AUGUST 14, 2023

A mother helps her daughter move into Jewell Hall during move-in day at the University of Kentucky.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

AUGUST 16, 2023

The class of 2027, the largest incoming class ever at the University of Kentucky, poses for their class photo during Big Blue U at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

DECEMBER

DECEMBER

2, 2024

RIGHT: Jaclyn Okorley and Abigail Brannon host their radio show “soundwaves” in the WRFL studio in the Gatton Student Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

2, 2024

BELOW: Jaclyn Okorley hosts a radio show.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW MUELLER

AUGUST 16, 2023

The Wildcat and Scratch listen to President Eli Capilouto give a speech during Big Blue U at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024

An air crew member removes his gear during the Engineering Takes Flight event at the South Lawn.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024

Attendees board the MV-22B Osprey during the Engineering Takes Flight event.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024

The MV-22B Osprey lands during the Engineering Takes Flight event at the South Lawn in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL COLMAR

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

a video

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Members of Chi Omega hug during Bid Day at the University of Kentucky.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Kappa Alpha Theta members hold up signs during Bid Day.

A member of Alpha Gamma Delta takes

with her phone during Bid Day at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS FANNON

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 25, 2023

Kentucky players hold the Governor’s Cup after the Kentucky vs. Louisville football game at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

OCTOBER 28, 2023

Kentucky quarterback Devin Leary hands the ball off to running back Ray Davis during the Kentucky vs. Tennessee football game at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023

Kentucky inside linebacker Trevin Wallace waves goodbye to Louisville fans after the Kentucky vs. Louisville football game at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023

Kentucky running back Ray Davis celebrates after a touchdown during the Kentucky vs. Ball State football game at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL COLMAR

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

Kentucky wide receiver Tayvion Robinson, left, celebrates with wide receiver Dane Key after scoring a touchdown during the Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky football game at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023

A football falls out the hands of Kentucky tight end Brenden Bates during the Kentucky vs. Louisville football game at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky.

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

Kentucky running back Ramon Jefferson runs with the ball during the Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky football game at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

A referee flips a coin before the Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky football game at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

Vanderbilt Commodores Martel Hight wraps up Kentucky Wildcats wideout Barion Brown during the Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt football game at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

PHOTO BY ISAIAH PINTO

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham passes the ball during the Kentucky vs. Saint Joseph’s men’s basketball game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

JANUARY 31, 2024

Students cheer before the Kentucky vs. Florida men’s basketball game at Rupp Arena.

DECEMBER 9, 2023

Kentucky forward Aaron Bradshaw listens in a huddle during the Kentucky vs. Pennsylvania men’s basketball game at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Kentucky guard Tre Mitchell splashes Reed Sheppard with water after the Kentucky vs. Miami men’s basketball game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

Kentucky guards Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner celebrate during the Kentucky vs. Ole Miss men’s basketball game at Rupp Arena.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS FANNON

FEBRUARY 18, 2024

Kentucky guards Amiya Jenkins and Brooklynn Miles celebrate during the Kentucky vs. Florida women’s basketball game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

Kentucky guard Amiya Jenkins dribbles the ball during the Kentucky vs. South Carolina women’s basketball game at Rupp Arena.

MARCH 7, 2024

Kentucky forward Ajae Petty goes up with the ball during the Kentucky vs. Tennessee women’s basketball game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.

PHOTOS BY SYDNEY YONKER

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Levi Sandidge competes during the Kentucky Swim and Dive Senior Night and meet against the University of Cincinnati at the Lancaster Aquatic Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

OPPOSITE: Kristy Plaff competes during the Kentucky Swim and Dive Senior Night and meet against the University of Cincinnati at the Lancaster Aquatic Center.

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL COLMAR

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

Sam Duncan flips during the Kentucky Swim and Dive Senior Night and meet against the University of Cincinnati at the Lancaster Aquatic Center.

AUGUST 24, 2023

Florida Gulf Coast University Lucas Windschauer (3) dodges the ball after a corner kick during the Kentucky vs. FGCU men’s soccer match at the Wendell and Vickie Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington, Kentucky.

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Kentucky sophomore Zoe Hammond prepares to hit the ball during the Kentucky vs. Wichita State women’s tennis match at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Complex in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLUBB

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

MARCH

JANUARY 2, 2021

MARCH 3, 2024

Kentucky holds up their trophy after the University of Kentucky vs. North Carolina State TaxSlayer Gator Bowl game at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLUBB

Bailey Bunn and Arianna Patterson talk to each other during the Kentucky vs. Florida gymnastics meet at Rupp Arena.

PHOTO BY BRADY SAYLOR

Raena Worley performs her beam routine during the Kentucky vs. Missouri gymnastics meet at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

3, 2024

Cecily Rizo performs her uneven bars routine during the Kentucky vs. Florida gymnastics meet at Rupp Arena.

PHOTO BY BRADY SAYLOR

SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

Kentucky defenseman Tim Burke fights for the puck during the Kentucky vs. Boston University hockey game at the Lexington Ice and Recreation Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

APRIL 14, 2024

Mark Pope holds up the national championship trophy from 1996 as he is introduced at his press conference as the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Former Kentucky head coach John Calipari reacts to a foul call during the Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt men’s basketball game at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

APRIL 14, 2024

RIGHT: A fan dressed as the pope points at the screen at Mark Pope’s introductory press conference as the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTOS

APRIL 14, 2024

BELOW: Jackson, 8, Graham, 6, and Haddie Holbrook, 4, wear pope hats before Mark Pope’s introductory press conference as the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball outside Rupp Arena.

APRIL 14, 2024

A baby is lifted up in the crowd of fans at Mark Pope’s introductory press conference as the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball at Rupp Arena.

BY ABBEY CUTRER

APRIL 14, 2024

Mark Pope greets fans at his introductory press conference as the new head coach of Kentucky men’s basketball at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

FEATURES

APRIL 5, 2024

A trainer kisses a horse during morning training on the opening day of the Spring Meet at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTO BY SAMUEL COLMAR

APRIL 5, 2024

People cheer during the fifth race on opening day during the Spring Meet at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Richard Santana Jr. aboard Loveland walks toward the track on the opening day of the Fall Meet at Keeneland.

PHOTO BY MATTHEW MUELLER

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

FEBRUARY 2, 2024

University of Kentucky

Gabe Martin sits aboard racehorse Hurry Hurry at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. Martin works at Keeneland from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. every morning, six days a week to warm up the horses.

junior

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

Mia Milan accepts a dollar during her drag performance at the annual Kentucky Black Pride Festival at Woodland Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

PHOTOS BY SAMUEL COLMAR

JUNE 4, 2023

Flipturn performs during the Railbird music festival on the Red Mile infield in Lexington, Kentucky.

JUNE 4, 2023

Tyler Childers performs during the Railbird music festival as fans cheer on the Red Mile infield.

PHOTOS BY ABBEY CUTRER

JANUARY 20, 2024

Serenity Moment sets a teacup out in front of a pillow with an image of her late father, Brandon Moment in her home in Lexington, Kentucky. Serenity’s mother, Taylor Sweeney, is a part of One Parent Scholar House, a program that offers housing and assistance to single parents working toward a post-secondary education.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

JANUARY 23, 2024

UK alumnus and former Cynthiana Democrat Regional Editor Kendall Staton walks by a newspaper rack outside of the Democrat office in Cynthiana, Kentucky. Staton, 20, was one of the youngest newspaper editors in the country.

PHOTO BY ABBEY CUTRER

CONTRIBUTORS

ABBEY

COPY EDITOR: GRAY GREENWELL

CUTRER | PHOTO EDITOR

MATTHEW MUELLER

SAMUEL COLMAR

BRADY SAYLOR

SYDNEY YONKER

TRAVIS FANNON

KENTUCKY KERNEL PHOTOJOURNALISTS

ISAIAH PINTO