Annapolis Tutors

About Annapolis

As one of the most vibrant and oldest cities in the United States, Annapolis has nothing short of interesting things to write about—from its unique neighborhoods to historic role in the location of the Naval Academy, Annapolis is a hub of political, social, and cultural activities and people. One of those people, little known by name but widely recognized by his work, was Stan Stearns.

You probably have never heard of Stan Stearns. Like many in the art community, his is not a household name, but his work is recognizable and in many ways, iconic, so that even the most detached individual would still understand the important role his work played in the twentieth century. Stearns was a photographer who spent his adult life behind the lens of a camera, first for the United States Air Force and later doing free-lance work. Born in Annapolis, Stearns eventually set up shop in the city, and had many famous politicians and celebrities frequent his business.

Stearns’ most famous photograph, which gained him national fame and that was featured in countless magazines, is the image he captured of John F. Kennedy, Jr. saluting his father’s coffin following his assassination in 1963. In 1964, it was a frontrunner for a Pulitzer Prize, beat out by the moment Lee Harvey Oswald was killed coming out of Dallas Police Headquarters. At only three or so years old, John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s stoic demeanor and wide-eyed innocence in the photograph was rendered perfectly by Stearns. Since the funeral, this particular image has gone down in United States’ history as a perfect summation of the uncertainty and sorrow that America collectively felt at the death of its president. It is one of the most-published photos ever taken by an American photographer, and put Stearns in the spotlight as not only a technically talented photographer, but one who would capture the essence of a moment. Stearns went on to work as a photographer for the Johnson and Nixon administrations, capturing many famous political events of the 1960s and 1970s.

Stearns’ story illustrates that history isn’t really about who you are—it’s about what you do. Tutors in Annapolis show students how to do their best and improve, and even if you or your tutor do not go down as household names in history, the things you do matter. What you do to take control of your grades, earn success, and eventually overcome obstacles is facilitated by Grade Potential tutors.