Garyt Kurowski, 12, a student at Gentry Middle School, works on his schoolwork at his breakfast table on Thursday, April 2, 2020. Since Columbia Public Schools closed their campuses, students complete their school year from home. Garyt wakes up early when there are fewer distractions. “He has dyslexia so he works hard to get things done early,” said Garyt’s mom Valerie Kurowski. "This is not an easy time for kids like Garyt but we are doing what we can to make it through."
Elisa Wright embraces her niece Jarya Williams, 7, at the Poor Man's Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. "We come to these events to support the community because they (the community) will always be our family," Wright said.
Expecting mother Rachel Long cleans her home on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in her home. She began maternity leave on Monday. “It feels weird to be home by myself,” Long said. “But it does give me a chance to clean up a bit before my 4-year-old gets home from pre-school.”
Clair Clanton, 6, pulls a cart of flowers on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at Strawberry Hill Farm. Clair wore a Wonder Woman face mask while in public because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am in charge of the wagon because I am very strong,” Clair said. “Just like Wonder Woman.”
Hon. Judge Ann Covington poses for a portrait at the University of Missouri's Law School. Covington was the first woman judge in the state of Missouri.
Gina Johanning watches for her son to arrive from his flight from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Thursday at Columbia Regional Airport. Dallas/Fort Worth is one of 11 U.S. airports identified by the Department of Homeland Security to screen passengers for COVID-19. “Dallas is a huge hub for international and domestic flights,” Johanning said. “I have just told him to take an abundance of caution like any mother would do.”
Logan Arnett, 10, plays on his Nintendo 2DS game system on his couch on Friday, April 10, 2020. Without the opportunity to attend school, Logan misses out on face-to-face social interactions with his peers said Logan's mother Tara Arnett. Interactions help children with autism practice coping in social situations. “For Logan, it is so much more important than the school work itself.”
Colin Enslin organizes his new workspace for his business Coco's Tacos at the Centro Latino on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, in Columbia. Enslin began selling tacos from a taco cart two years ago. He partnered with the Centro Latino last month to utilize their unused space to help raise money for the community through weekly dinners and to-go meals. "There is so much potential here," Enslin said. "I want to bring fresh, local food into a neighborhood that is lacking those options."
Justin S. carries an American flag at an open-Boone County protest on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at Columbia City Hall. “We need to support our community by giving them the opportunity to pay their bills,” Justin said. “We want our businesses open, we want our people to work, we want our rights to be respected.”
Jack Ewers, 13, leans on his mother Tam Ewers during a prayer before Rock Bridge High School plays at Helias Catholic High School on Friday, Oct. 19, in Jefferson City Friday. They came to see his brother play in the band for senior night.
Father Francis Doyle kneels before the altar on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Columbia. A recording of the Palm Sunday Mass was uploaded to YouTube for parishioners to watch from home. Even as COVID-19 causes uncertainty in the community, faith remains a source of strength and comfort Doyal said. Celebrations look different, but churches across Columbia agree: The meaning of Easter stays the same.
Chalupa Batman, a 10-year-old miniature horse, waits in his trailer to be shown off to the kids of the Wyndham Ridge neighborhood on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The Columbia Equestrian Center collected donations of $5 to help keep the center running during the COVID19 pandemic.
Cydni Robertson, second-year Ph.D. student in Textile and Apparel Management, traces a line on cloth on Thursday, April 2, 2020, in the Kellwood Apparel Technology Laboratory. Robertson wants to become a fashion marketing professor. “It's amazing that the TAM department is able to serve in this way,” Robertson said. “I hope we can stay safe and those who have the means to help, do so.”