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Von Smith is a member of the photo staff for the Herald for Fall 2023.

Von Smith, Staff Photographer

Von Smith is a photographer and writer from the south end of Louisville majoring in Photojournalism and Journalism. Von has been in the Herald newsroom since enrolling at WKU and intends on remaining there through graduation.

All content by Von Smith
Dale Oliver points to features in his backyard covered by over 8 feet of water after this week’s record breaking storms slammed Bowling Green, Ky. on Monday, April 7, 2025. At the time, Oliver was unsure of where his partner and two children would live after their home was damaged by the flooding.

“We literally have nothing”: Bowling Green residents seek help after historic flooding

Von Smith, Staff Photographer
April 8, 2025
Dale Oliver helps his son Zachary Oliver walk down their doorstep covered by severe flooding left by historic storms in Bowling Green, Ky. on Monday, April 7, 2025. Zachary, who has autism, had to have an 8-hour operation for a heart condition earlier this month that has left him unable to exert much energy. During the storms, Dale was unsure if they would be able to get Zachary’s critical medication due to flood waters blocking roads.

Remzja Avdic (left) and her husband Suvad (right) discuss what to do about their home after severe rainfall left most of their property underwater on Monday, April 7, 2025. in Bowling Green, Ky.

A large sinkhole opened in the Fountain Trace subdivision after severe flooding washed away large amounts of sediment on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Bowling Green, Ky.

Remzja Avdic describes how flood waters rose from the cave behind her home all the way up to her foundation after severe storms brought record amounts of rainfall earlier this month in Bowling Green, Ky. on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Remzja Avdic’s backyard was covered by 10 feet of water after severe thunderstorms hammered Bowling Green earlier this week. Advic’s basement was flooded to the ceiling, and her family was forced to leave the home due to extensive water damage on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Fatima Avdic walks around the perimeter of her home on Cave Mill Road after a week of record breaking storms washed across Bowling Green, Ky. on April 7, 2025.

Sophomore english and secondary education major Hayley Barton holds up the fruits of her raffle bid: the “Statue of LiberTWEA,” as her Omega Phi Alpha sorority sisters cheer her on after the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Barton purchased 100 dollars worth of raffle tickets to secure the Twisted Tea themed statue, the proceeds of which were donated to St. Jude’s charities.

Photos: Midnight on the Hill 2025

Von Smith, Staff Photographer
April 6, 2025
Sophomore construction management major Clayton Cruze works on a decorative card for children battling cancer during the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Friday, April 4, 2025. Cruze’s choice of color for his card was influenced by the green and gold of his fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho.

Sorority and fraternity members cheer as the total fundraising amount accumulated over the previous months is revealed at the end of the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

[Photo] Midnight on the Hill raises over $120,000 for St. Jude

April 6, 2025
A “Midnight on the Hill” attendee attempts a putt in between games during the MOTH fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Sorority and fraternity members cheer as the total fundraising amount accumulated over the previous months is revealed at the end of the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

[Photo] Midnight on the Hill raises over $120,000 for St. Jude

Bradlee Reed-Whalen, News Reporter
April 6, 2025
Alpha Gamma Delta sorority sisters Elyse Bryan (left) and Erin Mehringer (right) stare each other down in a competitive game of musical chairs during the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Friday, April 4, 2025. “We were getting dizzy,” Bryan said, after winning the final chair by force, “She beat me in dodgeball so I had to beat her at musical chairs.”

Event coordinator Gabe Jerbon shuffles the raffle tickets for the long awaited raffle of the “Statue of LiberTWEA” during the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

WKU spirit master Steven Aung (right, WKU shirt) referees a game of “categories” between sorority Chi Omega and fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha during the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brothers compete against one another in a game of dodgeball during the “Midnight on the Hill” fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Friday, April 4, 2025.

“Midnight on the Hill” Director of Fundraising Marleigh Solomon counts up 186 raffle tickets placed on the event’s crown jewel, a Twisted Tea Statue of Liberty replica titled the “Statue of LiberTWEA” during the MOTH fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in the Preston Fitness Center on Friday, April 4, 2025.

4-year-old Nova Mendoza (left) hands a tip to Drag Queen Gorgina George during her performance at the 10th Annual WKU Housing and Residence Life Drag Show on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in the Knicely Conference Center.

Photos: Housing and Residence Life hosts 10th Annual Drag Show

Von Smith, Staff Photographer
April 4, 2025
Drag Queen Gorgina George performs at the 10th Annual WKU Housing and Residence Life Drag Show on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in the Knicely Conference Center.

Megan Inman of Tennessee lip syncs with Drag Queen Gorgina George at the 10th Annual WKU Housing and Residence Life Drag Show on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in the Knicely Conference Center.

[Photo] ‘All we’re trying to do is help people find who they are’: HRL hosts 10th annual drag show

Libby Simpson, News Reporter
April 4, 2025
Drag Queen Gorgina George performs at the 10th Annual WKU Housing and Residence Life Drag Show on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in the Knicely Conference Center.

In her 10th WKU Drag Show, Drag Queen Venus Knight performs a jumping split at the 10th Annual WKU Housing and Residence Life Drag Show on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in the Knicely Conference Center.

WKU’s Big Red high fives center infielder Kyle Hayes (30) after WKU’s victory against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs 3-0 on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

Photos: WKU baseball beats UNC Asheville 3-0 at home

Von Smith, Staff Photographer
March 9, 2025
The Hilltoppers dugout reacts to a strike during WKU’s game against UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

[Photo] WKU Baseball sweeps Sam Houston

March 30, 2025
Outfielder Ryan Wideman (33) connects with the ball during WKU’s game against UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

[Photo] 11-run 4th propels Hilltoppers over Southern Indiana

April 8, 2025
Hilltopper infielder Carlos Vasquez (25) lets a ball through during WKU’s game against UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

[Photo] WKU baseball looks for series win at Dallas Baptist

April 3, 2025
Hilltopper right-handed pitcher Gavin Perry (44) winds up a pitch during WKU’s game against UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

[Photo] WKU Baseball heads to Liberty

April 10, 2025
WKU’s Big Red high fives center infielder Kyle Hayes (30) after WKU’s victory against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs 3-0 on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

[Photo] WKU Baseball prepares for Southern Indiana

April 7, 2025
WKU baseball head coach Marc Rardin speaks to his team after WKU’s victory against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field. This is Rardin’s 3rd season as head coach of the Hilltoppers, leading the team to a conference-best 15-1 record this year.

WKU’s Big Red greets the UNC Asheville players during WKU’s victory over the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

Hilltopper outfielder Ryan Wideman (33) dives for first base after attempting to steal second during WKU’s game against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

Asheville first baseman Charlie Stogner (40) picks up a strike during WKU’s game against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

Asheville first baseman Charlie Stogner warms up to bat during WKU’s game against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Monday, March 10, 2025 at Nick Denes Field.

Hilltopper outfielder Ryan Wideman (33) dives for first base after attempting to steal second during WKU’s game against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs at Nick Denes Field on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Senior public relations major Cecilia Alali making her stage acting debut performs as the Chorus in the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Photos: WKU’s Theater and Dance Department perform Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’

Von Smith, Staff Photographer
March 8, 2025
Sophomore acting major Aubrie Pignato receives flowers from her friend Elizabeth Grant after the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Betty Judd takes a picture of her granddaughter Abigail Blakeman’s acting bio after the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC. “I thought she was fantastic,” Judd said about her granddaughter’s performance.

Actors take the final bow during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Sophomore Aubrie Pignato, in one of her several characters, plays a frenchman pleading with the King during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

[Photo] William Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’ takes the FAC stage

Natalie Freidhof, News Reporter
March 8, 2025
A French casualty is carried offstage during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Senior theater major Alexandra Gray, playing the French Dauphin, strikes an Englishman with a sword during the final battle during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Junior BFA musical theater major Lib Boyd delivers a speech as a frenchman during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

English countrymen played by Aubrie Pignato (left) and Chesney Morris (left) toy with each other during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Junior performing arts major Fade Akinbayo leads the cast as King Henry V during the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC. Henry V follows the venerable 15th century British King as he invades France in retaliation for an insult from the French Dauphin. WKU’s Theatre and Dance department sets the stage as a classroom lecture that transitions into a complex rendition of the play’s events with classmates pitted against one another as nations.

Audience members watch the opening of the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Sophomore BFA acting major Aubrie Pignato performs one of her five characters during her first main stage acting performance for the Theater and Dance Department’s production of Shakespeare’s Henry V on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in the Russell Miller Theatre in FAC.

Leaders from several different feminist organizations on campus gathered for the Feminist Student Union’s first “Women in Leadership” discussion panel on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in the Jody Richards Hall auditorium.

[Photo] ‘Women in Leadership’ panel highlights student voices

Taylor Koch, News Reporter
March 10, 2025
Chin dancers perform traditional celebrations during the 77th Chin Community of Bowling Green’s National Day celebration in Van Meter Hall on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. The Chin people originate from Burma and have maintained a large population in Bowling Green for over 70 years.

[Photo] Chin of Bowling Green honor culture amidst civil war at home

Anthony Clauson, News Reporter
February 24, 2025
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Al Green (5) reaches to steal the ball from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Braxton Bayless’s(0) drive during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Bayless had 27 points and 3 fouls to lead WKU’s narrow 64-63 victory.

Photos: Hilltoppers beat Louisiana Tech at the buzzer 64-63

Von Smith and Adin Parks
February 23, 2025
Children watch the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers warm up before WKU’s game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers forward Blaise Keita (1) blocks a dunk attempt from Louisiana Tech Bulldogs forward Daniel Batcho (13) during the final minutes of WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Batcho had 10 points and 4 fouls.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Jalen Jackson (3) celebrates after a timeout during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Amare Abram (1) sits during a timeout as the Hilltoppers lead during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Abram led the Bulldogs with 21 points and 4 fouls at the end of the game.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard AJ Bates (3) attempts to pass the ball against defense from Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Jalen Jackson (3) during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) is helped off court after injuring his leg during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Jalen Jackson (3) hypes up the crowd during the final moments of WKU’s victory against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Jackson had 4 points and 2 fouls.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Jalen Jackson (3) bumps into Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) as tensions rise during the 2nd half of WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Jalen Jackson (3) and forward Tyrone Marshall (24) shut down Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Kaden Cooper (11) as he drives the ball during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Sean Newman Jr. (4) helps his teammate off the baseline after his teammate was fouled on an attempted layup during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers head coach Hank Plona motivates the Hilltoppers before tipoff against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs head coach Talvin Hester speaks with his team during a timeout as they narrowly trail the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers during the first half of WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. This is Hester’s 3rd season as head coach of the Bulldogs.

Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Kaden Cooper (11) holds his ear after colliding with his teammates for a loose ball under the basket during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Jalen Jackson (3) is cornered in the paint by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Amare Abram (1) and guard Al Green (5) during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Braxton Bayless (0) misses a layup against defense from Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Kaden Cooper (11) during WKU’s game against LA Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

[Photo] Hilltoppers fight off comeback at UTEP

February 28, 2025
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Braxton Bayless (0) drives the ball to the basket against opposition from Louisiana Tech Bulldogs guard Al Green (5) during WKU’s game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Bayless had 9 points at the half to contribute to WKU’s scoring lead against Louisiana Tech 24-19.

[Photo] Bayless beats Bulldogs with last-second layup

February 22, 2025
Freshman Ian Stanley sleds down a hill outside of Van Meter Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Classes were canceled Wednesday due to a winter storm.

Photos: Snow days on the hill

Adin Parks, Von Smith, Kaitlyn Webb, Gabriel Milby, Jacob Sebastian, and Dominic Di Palermo
February 21, 2025
Junior mechanical engineer Ethan Locke from Tennessee takes the heavy snowstorm as a rare opportunity to snow board at the hill in front of Van Meter Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Garbage bags and other objects used as make-shift sleds scatter the top of the hill near Van Meter Hall after WKU cancelled classes due to heavy snowfall on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

WKU Sigma Phi Epsilon students get a running jump down the hill outside of Van Meter Hall on sleds oiled with dish soap on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Student Body President Sam Kurtz enjoys the inclement weather with his friends outside of Van Meter Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Senior construction management major Peyton Snyder (left) shotguns a beer outside of Kappa Alpha’s fraternity house on College Street on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Freshman Kappa Alpha member Greyson Jernigan receives a buzz cut from fraternity brother Davis Moran in preparation for “Fight Night” next Friday outside of KA’s house on College Street in Bowling Green, Ky. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.

Donna Schulte stands with a small group of protestors during an anti-Trump protest organized by SOKY indivisible outside of republican congressman Brett Guthrie’s office building in Bowling Green, Ky. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. “I feel like the love in America has gone away since Trump and Elon took office,” Schulte said.

SOKY Indivisible holds anti-Trump protest outside Guthrie office

Von Smith, Staff Photographer
February 16, 2025
Former Bowling Green mayoral candidate Tom Morris speaks to a small crowd of protestors during an anti-Trump protest organized by SOKY indivisible outside of republican congressman Brett Guthrie’s office building in Bowling Green, Ky. on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. “I’m afraid our democracy is being snatched away,” Morris said, “without constitutional protections we are just another banana republic.”

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