By Laura Tesler - Special to Salem Reporter
Laura Tesler has lived in Salem, Oregon for 20 years and is originally from Flint, MI. Laura has been an underwater photographer for 15 years, and is an avid scuba diver. Topside, she has been taking photographs since age 12, and currently works on assignment for the Salem Reporter, and full time purchasing land for fish and wildlife habitat in the Willamette Valley. Laura attended Oregon State University, and has traveled extensively all over the world and the United States.
PHOTOS: Salem celebrates Independence Day with Alabama, fireworks
Families flocked to the Oregon State Fairgrounds Tuesday for a concert, carnival fun and Salem's first fireworks show since the pandemic.
PHOTOS: Dancers at World Beat light up Riverfront Park
With a focus on the Philippines, the 2023 World Beat festival brought dancers from all over the world to the stage in Salem, with fire dancers starring in the Saturday night finale.
PHOTOS: Dragon boats give their all at 2023 World Beat
The Willamette River was all color over the weekend as 28 dragon boat teams raced for a shot at glory during the World Beat Festival in Salem.
PHOTOS: Salem celebrates Pride with march, block party
Salem's first Pride march in 1978 drew just nine attendees for a march to the Capitol. Saturday's event brought back the march, but with hundreds more attendees.
PHOTOS: Early College High School 2023 graduation
Thirty-four graduates earned diplomas from Early College High School, the small college prep school located on the Chemeketa Community College campus.
PHOTOS: Roberts High School 2023 graduation
Graduates from Salem's alternative high school, including the teen parent program, celebrated Friday.
PHOTOS: Students honored at community transition graduation ceremony
Fifty Salem and Keizer students are exiting the Community Transition Program, which helps prepare young adults with disabilities for independent living and work.
PHOTOS: Future anglers practice their skills at park event
Several Marion County organizations teamed up for a morning teaching the basics of water safety, knot-tying and line casting to kids at Keizer Rapids Park.
PHOTOS: Indigenous Salem-Keizer graduates celebrate heritage
Fifty-two Native Education program graduates from around the district were honored Sunday at McNary High School in one of the first ceremonies for the 2023 graduation season.
PHOTOS: Fiber artists bring the fun at Sheep to Shawl
Families gathered Saturday at Willamette Heritage Center for duck races, sheep shearing demonstrations and more.