2003 ONPA Pictures of the Year

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Jerry Thomas holds his 1-year-old son, Jerry Jr., after a fire forced them from their multifamily home at left on West 85th Street, near Franklin Boulevard, yesterday morning. Cleveland fire officials said the fire started in an upstairs suite and spread to the roof of the house next door. The blaze left four adults and three children, including the Thomas family, homeless. Damage was estimated at $70,000.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Members of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Cleveland and Vicinity wait at City Hall to talk with Public Safety Director James Draper about complaints of discriminatory promotion methods in the Police Department.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

A vacant lot strewn with firewood and an aging truck, and near a busy rail line, serves as a playground for Tabitha Martin. She is one of thousands of children who live and play in the shadows of abandoned factories and waste sites in Cleveland's Kinsman neighborhood.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Steve Grajewski, of Brooklyn, holds the cross in Zion United Church of Christ April 18, 2003. Grajewski was one of several people praying the stations of the cross. The ecumenical procession stopped at various Tremont churches in observance of Good Friday. Zion United Church of Christ was the first stop.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Jataya plays with her brother, Jamarion, and pops a pacifier back in his mouth before they leave the house in the morning. The kids and their mother share a bedroom that is decorated with snapshots and professional photographs of the children and deflated balloons from Jamarion's baby shower. Their mother is 17 years-old and a high school senior. The live in a low-income housing project in Cleveland.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Two girls roller skate through the swirling lights at Skate World Roller Skating Center in Lorain, Mar. 15, 2003.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

U.S. congressman and presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich visited a group of organic farmers while campaigning in New Hampshire, Dec. 10, 2003.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Trainer Emily Elek, of Ixonia, WI, yells out encouragement to rider Haylie Lundin, 11, of Cherry Valley, IL, as she warms up for the Stateline Tack/USAE National Pony Finals Aug. 8, 2003, Willloughby. Lundin was preparing for the Medium Pony Hunters competition.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball star LeBron James, wearing a suit, sits on the bench during his team's game against Canton McKinley, Feb. 2, 2003, in Akron. James was declared ineligible for the game by the Ohio High School Athletic Association for accepting jerseys from a retail store.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Women competing in the 2003 U.S. Masters Synchronized Swimming Championships warm up in the natatorium at Cleveland State University, Oct. 23, 2003.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Marc and Sophia Augier have four children; Marcel, 5, fraternal twins Henri and Christophe, 3, and daughtger Margaux, 2. The three boys all suffer from autism. Beyond the emotional and physical struggles of raising three autistic children, the Augiers also face steep financial hurdles. They pay out-of-pocket more than $50,000 a year per child for speech and behavioral therapy at the Cleveland Clinic. Fraternal twins Henri, left, and Christophe, are carried down to breakfast by father, Marc Augier.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Marc Augier coaches his son Marcel to get dressed in the morning. Marcel whined in frustration before his father slipped the sweatshirt over his head. Marc looked Marcel closely in the eye when he was done. "I'm ready," Marc said, looking for a response. "I'm ready," Marcel repeated.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Sophia dresses Henri before she takes the three boys to preschool at the autism center. Every day counts. The week before, the boys missed four days of therapy because of ear infections. "They lose (skills)," said Marc. "It's tough." Margaux is behind Sophia.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Mark Augier seats Henri, left, after Henri ran off instead of climbing into his mother's station wagon with brothers Marcel, middle, and Chritophe.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Jennifer Maenaka, a therapist at the autism center, attempts to prompt Christophe to imitate her. Imitation comes naturally for typical children, but not autistic children.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Marcel draws on the sidewalk with chalk on his first day at Bainbridge Christian Preschool at Lord of Life Lutheran Church on his first day of regular preschool. He didn't interact with the other children.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Therapists at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism stop in mid-sentence if a child loses focus, and redirect attention. Henri's therapist marks his every response on a data log. The center uses the information to chart his progress.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Play time is part of the therapy for Christophe, left, and his twin Henri. Therapists taught the boys how to play with toys, an instinct lacking in many autistic children.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Margaux plays in leaves with Henri. Margaux, 2, stands in front of her brothers when they ignore her and demands their response. "Answer me," she says. Margaux does not suffer from autism like her three older brothers.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Sophia Augier gets hugs from Marcel and Margaux. It is rare that Marcel, who suffers from autism, shows signs of affection.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Robert Beane (right) is a child on the edge - on the path to adult prison, but still young enough to change his course. He was arrested with his friends for disrupting traffic. Upon checking, police found he had an outstanding warrant for fighting. He was sent to the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Home. Courts usually have a range of options: diversion programs, home-monitoring ankle devices, detention cells. Sometimes, the kids still slip through the cracks. With a child like Robert, there are no easy answers.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

In a baggy jumpsuit, Robert Beane lines up against the wall with others at the Lorain County Juvenile Detention Home. The boys line up in this manner every time they move from one part of the home to another. Most of the boys in the home are four or five years older than Robert.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Charlita Anderson-White, a Lorain County magistrate, talks to Robert after he had been locked up for three weeks. He wanted to admit his wrongdoings and go home. White had to explain to Robert his rights to a lawyer and trial.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

While his mom is at work, Robert Beane, on bike, horses around with friends down the street from his home. He's not supposed to leave the house while on probation, but he often does.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Michelle Noble, Robert's mom, listens as he calls to see if he can visit a cousin. Noble, stressed about losing her job and her house, wanted Robert out the way so she could pack. Robert was still under home detention.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Michele Noble talks with Robert Kishman, Prinicpal of Irving Elementary School, about her son's first few days in school after leaving the detention home. Noble thinks her son is frustrated because the school can call the probation department if he acts up, which could land him back in the detention home.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Michele Noble, strolling home after school with Robert, often has mixed emotions about her son--infuriated with him on many occasions, but still protective of the youngest of her three boys.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Robert taunts his older brother, Rayon, 13, as the family gets ready to move from their single family house. Rayon is Noble's calmer, more patient son. She sometimes fears that he is ignored while she deals with bills and Robert's troubles.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Dale Omori / The Plain Dealer

Robert takes a break on mom's lap as the family gets ready to move out of their home. The $600-a-month rent has become too expensive for Michele Noble, forcing her and her boys to leave the home.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Bishop Norman Wagner (center, in white) and Rita Wagner (to his left), the surrogate parents of Norman Wallace, pay their final respects to Wallace during a memorial service at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church in Youngstown. Wallace was shot and killed by gunman Biswanath Halder during a shooting rampage at Case Western Reserve University in May.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

A man shields himself from the rain as he emerges from the New York City subway at Penn Station in midtown Manhattan.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

A dancer adds an artistic flare to a holiday parade as she moves past some of the more than 450,000 Christmas lights illuminating Public Square in downtown Cleveland.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

A restaurant patron brushes past a beggar on the streets of Chinatown in Washington, D.C.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Dressed in the traditional Saxon "trachten" (costumes) of their native villages in the Transylvania region of Romania, Amanda (left) and Horst Botsch lead their son Zachary, age 2, in a processional of families during Trachtenball festivities in Cleveland. As the Transylvanian Saxon culture has diminished after decades of communist rule in Romania and the influences of American society, younger generations such as Amanda and Horst must shoulder the responsibility of keeping the traditions alive for their children's generation.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

The dirt of countless days in the fields soaks the clothes and toes of Margaret Reimer, a Mennonite farmer. Summer upon summer she has planted and picked, from Belize to Canada, where she now toils the vegetable and tobacco fields along Ontario's Lake Erie coast. Reimer and five others fill bucket after bucket with fresh cucumbers using the slow-moving machine in the background.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Rudolph Lakatos wearing his best clothes, in the gypsy village at Gat, Ukraine. Despite being Europe's largest minority group, life remains rather harsh for gypsies. Pervasive mistrust of and discrimination against gypsies make it difficult for men like Lakatos to find work and improve their impoverished lives.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Two maintenance workers take a break while repairing a broken ambulance outside a small hospital in Drahovo, Ukraine, at the base of the Carpathian Mountains.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Caring for institutionalized children, such as (left) Alina, age 13, and Jana, age 18, is both an economic and social problem for Ukraine as the country struggles in its post-communist transition. The move towards a free market economy has resulted in minimal economic growth, leaving few resources such as medication available for these children. Furthermore, the society is still haunted by its own Soviet past, when the disabled and mentally ill were stigmatized as "defective" and subsequently abandoned into institutions.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

A jump ball is declared (signified by the referee's hand at top) as Westlake's Amy Banks (white jersey, bottom) and Amherst's Ryan Templeton (dark jersey, center) fight for a loose ball during the second quarter of their game at Westlake High School. Also in on the play are Amherst's Jenny Myers (partially seen at left) and Westlake's Kelsey Slater (partially seen at right).

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress tries to catch a pass as it bounces off the helmet of Cleveland Browns defender Dwayne Rudd during the Steelers' 36-33 playoff victory.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Sean Atkins (foreground) of Waynesboro, Va., and Ashley Wilt of Akron scramble for cover with their cars as a brief rain storm interrupted the running of the All-American Soap Box Derby.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Originating in India, the Roma people (more commonly known as gypsies) made their first mass migrations into Europe in the 14th century. While their culture is vibrant with song and dance and a free-spirited disposition, Roma history is scarred by tales of slavery, sterilization and banning of their language. A woman emerges from her house on a cold rainy day to take a walk through the village. Roma tend to be nomadic people, living in segregated settlements on the fringes of towns and cities.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Diana Ferkes, age 15, is surrounded by family members as she prepares for her wedding. It is not uncommon for Roma girls to marry at a young age, some as early as 12 or 13. Marriages are often pre-arranged by the parents, and Roma are usually only permitted to marry other Roma, as Diana will do.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Horses are somewhat of a sacred animal to the Roma; many men, such as Ivan Balog, earn money by breeding horses and other animals.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Two boys find a quiet corner to pass the time with a game of checkers.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Left alone while their mother has gone out to find food, two small children play at their father's bedside as he rests in the early morning.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Although their method of work may be primitive and hazardous by some standards, these Roma men butchering a pig will provide a substantial amount of food for their families, and they will be sure that no part of the pig goes to waste.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Ketrin Lakatos, age 10, with her Bible outside a Roma church. High rates of illiteracy keep many Roma away from organized religion. Furthermore, religious practices were essentially banned during communist times.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Women take turns dancing with the bride's veil during a wedding party. A Roma wedding celebration can last for several days before and after the actual ceremony, as this is a time of jovial dancing, singing, drinking and bonding.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Workforce discrimination against the Roma prevents many of them from getting jobs that will help them escape their impoverished lives. They are forced to scrape for whatever menial labor work they can find to survive. Working six days a week, sometimes 11 hours per day, brickmakers slosh through thick, rancid mud to earn 70 hryvnas (approximately $14 U.S.) for every 1,000 bricks produced.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

While the Roma are careful to keep their culture seperate from "gadje" (foreign) cultures, the reach of Western influences into Ukraine and Eastern Europe in the post-communist era makes it more likely to find Roma families with televisions and radios, for example. To many Roma, televisions--such as the one owned by the Forcosh family--are a status symbol, even if they aren't fully functional.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Two young boys play on an old bicycle. Some Roma children spend their days playing in the village because their parents cannot afford to send them to school or because they are denied access to certain schools.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

The years immediately following the fall of communism in Eastern Europe saw the forced closing of numerous asylums for children with mental and physical disabilities. Since then, however, the situation has reversed, as the number of institutionalized children has risen in every former Soviet Bloc country except Hungary. Carlo, age 9, is tied by his ankle to a table because of behavior problems. Studies have indicated that the longer children remain institutionalized, they are more likely to have emotional, behavioral and cognitive impairment.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Kristina, age 15, squeezes between two cabinets trying to hide from nurses. Undereducated and short-staffed, nurses are often unable to provide quality care for the children.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Sergei, age 16, sits on the cold, hard floor as a group of other children fill up a bench, many with arms interlocked, rocking back and forth as a therapeutic routine. While some institutions are state-funded, it is often only enough to provide half of all the medication that is needed.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Rosa, age 16, inspects a Christmas tree she made. While some institutions attempt to convert from a traditionally punitive environment to a more educational setting, their progress is hampered by a severe shortage of resources.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Alina, age 13, outside the facility where she stays. Many of the institutions across Ukraine are in dilapidated former military barracks or workers housings, often without reliable heating, water or electricity.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Some children essentially exist as ghosts, as personal and medical records are non-existent. Many of them have slipped through the cracks of the social support system.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

Children in these institutions suffer from a variety of conditions, such as mental illness, developmental disorders, physical handicaps, mental retardation or severe birth defects. Some of their problems may have been preventable if their families had access to affordable health care. Many children were simply abandoned by their parents upon learning of their diagnosis.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Greg Ruffing / Freelance

A traditional Ukrainian folk mural painted on a wall depicts a life that these children may never know. Instead, the cycle of institutionalization will likely continue into their adult lives.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Mandi Balla, center, shares a final embrace with her husband Sam, and their 8-month-old son, Logan, after being mobilized for the Middle East. Mandi, an Army reservist, is not scared the most by war with Iraq. She fears Logan won't know his mother when she arrives home.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Tim Lemmon, bottom right, joins others protesting war against Iraq by pretending to be civilian casualties during a demonstration at Ohio State University.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

The casket bearing the body of Pfc. Branden F. Oberleitner is put into the hearse after funeral services at Worthington United Methodist Church. At right are his stepfather and mother, Frank and Iris Carmack. Oberleitner, 20, became the second man with ties to Franklin County to be killed in Iraq when a rocket-propelled grenade was fired at U.S. soldiers at an Army checkpoint.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

As neighborhood kids watch, City of Columbus Refuse Collector Tom Hartman removes a dead pit bull from the porch of a South Side man who shot and killed the pit bull which attacked his grandson.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Kyra Vazquez, 4, uses her finger to trace the letters on a highway sign honoring her father, Ohio State Highway Patrol officer Frank G. Vazquez, who was struck and killed by a drunken driver Nov. 5, 2001. Vazquez was working special duty on I-270 when he was struck. I-270, between I-70 and Georgesville Rd. has been declared Trooper Frank G. Vazquez Memorial Highway. Kyra attended a dedication ceremony with her mom, Kristina, and her brothers Christian, 6, and Noah, 2.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

From left to right: Dillon Hoopes, 11; Zach Cihon, 11; and Ryan Grove, 11, all of Hilliard found many obliging drivers when they indicated they wanted to be splashed on Main St. in Hilliard. They came to Main St. and rode their bikes through the flooded street in the morning. They were waving to passing cars trying to get the cars to drive close enough to splash them. Many drivers did.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Don Hamilton, 70, left, and his wife, Jean, 74, lead seniors in a line dancing class at Gillie Senior Center in Columbus. Don, dressed as Elvis, and Jean entertain at other senior centers and nursing homes. Don also dresses as John Travolta. They work as volunteers and for donations.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

He may not be one of the performers, but cue-card holder Travis Plant, 9, sure knows how to act. He and other third-graders learned about early Ohio life during Tyler Run Elementary School's Pioneer Day at Liberty Presbyterian Church in Powell. The students re-created an old-time traveling troupe production, complete with a dastardly villain that the students had to "Boo" and "Hiss."

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Jimmy Rawlins, 88, is one of the premiere ballroom dance instructors in Columbus.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Isabella Gessler, 4, stands in her family's home chapel. Isabella's mother, Mariely Elisa, decided to create the small chapel and alter in their home; she has seen the effect the chapel has on her children. "I think it is also good for the children, just to come and be still," she said.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus police recruit Rashawn Sykes, left, trades punches with colleague Charles Waldenga during boxing competition at the police training academy. Boxing is part of their training; recruits learn not to quit when they are hit. Officer Joe Smith, a 30-year veteran and Columbus police boxing instructor said, "Some (recruits) get hit in the nose and want to stop. You have to have a no-quit attitude."

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

On one day in February, 2003, Jim and Robyn Baden's family of four expanded to seven when three children arrived from Africa. The Baden family had adopted three unrelated children from Ethiopia whose parents had died of AIDS. AIDS has left an estimated 11 million children without parents in Africa. Having just gotten off the airplane in Columbus, Ehtiopian orphans Wasihun, Kristian, and Agernesh meet their new parents, Robyn and Jim Baden for the first time. Reacting at left is the children's escort Margaret Mol.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Kristian (center) gets a hug from her new grandmother, Barb Edison, after arriving in Columbus. At left is Robyn Baden.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Soon after getting off the airplane, Agernesh, left, meets her new sister, Caroline Baden.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Wasihun, unaccustomed to the Ohio cold, hurries to the family van.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Jim Baden, second from left, prays with Wasihun, bottom, and Agernesh, in hat, at their first church service together.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Agernesh, holding flag, and Wasihun join Jamie Hamilton, left, and Julia Nixon, right, in singing God Bless the USA at the Johnstown Home School.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Kristian writes her ABC's in the Baden home with dad, Jim.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Wasihun Baden, second from right, grimmaces as teacher Lora Davis mixes liquids to grow crystals during a science experiment at Johnstown Home School.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Agernesh, left, and sister Caroline, right, play in the family pool on a hot summer day.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Kristian sticks close to her new mom, Robyn, as they listen to a spring presentation at the Johnstown Home School.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Kristian, hands to face, giggles as family friend Amber Walsh takes a family portrait. Clockwise, from bottom left, are: Wasihun, Caroline, Robyn, Adam, Jim, Agernesh and Kristian.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Arm in arm, members of the newly enlarged Baden family leave the airport in February. The latest additions to the Baden family face monumental adjustments, but with love and patience, their new family is embracing them.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Eleven students at Walnut Springs Middle School with social or emotional difficulties train service dogs for people who use wheelchairs. The program is called Kids and Canines. Training dogs is therapy for these students. In the dog-training room at Walnut Springs Middle School, student trainer Zach Farris practices a demonstration with Frasier that involves retrieving a dumbbell.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Student trainer Eddie Hicks teaches Fonzie to flip a light switch during training at Walnut Springs Middle School.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Each day the dogs are at Walnut Springs Middle School, they are groomed by the students. Zach Farris brushes Fraizer's teeth.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Zach Farris, center foreground holding Frasier, joins other members of his class as they arrive at Westerville North High School. At right is one of his teachers, Amy DuBois, holding Falcon. This is one of their Friday excursions in which the Kids and Canines group take the dogs out in public. The kids made presentations to high school students.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Andrea Arntz walks Gus through a classroom at Walnut Springs Middle School. 6th-grader Lexi Cavin, left, gives Gus a pat on the back.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Lea Ann Shearer of Golden Dogs Academy opens presents from Shelli Speakman's multiple handicaps class at Alcott Elementary School. The Kids and Canines participants visited the school and celebrated the two-year anniversary of Kids and Canines program. Lea Ann Shearer provides the dogs for the Kids and Canines program and teaches the students how to train the dogs.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Even though Foreman got a special doggie treat earlier, he only could look on as Charlie Slane, right, and Walnut Springs Middle School teacher Amy DuBois, left, eat their birthday cake during a celebration of the two-year anniversary of the Kids and Canines program.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Mabel McDonald listens as Eddie Hicks, right, talks about training Fonzie. McDonald is a resident of Wesley Glen retirement community, where the students take their dogs once a month.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Therapy dog Forrest has graduated from the Kids and Canines program and has been presented to Altercare of Westerville nursing center. At left is a photo of Forrest when he was 8 weeks old.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Lea Ann Shearer, left, of Golden Dogs Academy, observes Elsie Danevich with her new service dog, Fonda, that was trained by students in the Kids and Canines program.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Dog recipient Elsie Danevich spends time talking to her new dog Fonda during camp in Westerville. Fonda, a graduate of the Kids and Canines program, was presented to Danevich. After a morning of training with Fonda, Danevich was given some time just to talk to the dog.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

In America, cars often frame our view of he world. And the world consists of an astounding array of commercial artwork. In this car-oriented, sign dense country, every drive can be a roadshow. The enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, painted sideways on a Columbus building, fills the rearview mirror. Photo of sideways mural of mona lisa reflected in rearview mirror. Mona Lisa face painted on side of Reality Theatre building.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Cars and a horse share the same parking lot in front of Chartland Tack and Saddlery in Alexandria, Ohio.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

A fish swims by in a mural on side of souvenir shop in Kitty Hawk, N.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

A city bus sign promoting Columbus Blue Jackets bobble-head dolls slides into view downtown.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Stay in tune near a music store on High St. in Columbus Ohio.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Hot hands: a Delaware, Ohio, billboard seeks the prevention of forest fires.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

A billboard promoting an appearance by Blue Man Group makes an eerie reflection in Columbus, Ohio.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

A sign on Rt. 161 in Plain City, Ohio, offers parting thoughts.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Central Ohio's newest professional sports team, The Columbus Flames, are determined to prove they're more than a novelty act. They want to be viewed primarily as a football team. That they are women should be of secondary relevance. The Flames are an expansion team in the National Women's Football Association. Esmeralda Taylor tries to get by Tiff Wheeler (left) during practice. Players had not yet received pads and helmets and practiced without them.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Tiff Wheeler, starting center for the Columbus Flames, hits the weights. She has gladly endured such workouts in pursuing her dream of playing football.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Shannon Beaudry gets suited up at practice in preparation for the Columbus Flames' inaugural game in the National Women's Football Association.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Lacking a practice facility, the Columbus Flames practice on a large field behind the Powell, Ohio, city offices near railroad tracks.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Tiff Wheeler, center, and the rest of the offensive line fire up on the sidelines against the Toledo Spitfire during the Flames' first scrimmage in Rossford, Ohio.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

From left: Tanya Vanhoose, Sha'ronda Foster, and Sheila Wood, wait inside the locker room before the start of the first-ever game for their team.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Flames fullback Jocelyn Robinson braids the hair of teammate Susan Nelson before the start of the Flames' first-ever game against the Pittsburgh Passion. Players had their hair braided to keep it out of the way. Robinson later put her uniform on.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

The Columbus Flames' Christine Boyd, looks for some running room against the Pittsburgh Passion.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Sidelined for the season because of a back injury, the Flames' Laura Kerr stands on the sidelines during a game against the D.C. Divas. She wears a firefighter's helmet which has her number and the Columbus Flames logo on it. She is a firefighter from Fairborn.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Girls cheer the Flames as they return to the field after halftime.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

The Columbus Flames' Kelly Meyer takes a water break in the second half of a game against the Pittsburgh Passion.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

The Flames' Susan Nelson gets a kiss from her daughter, Savannah, 3, following a game against the D.C. Divas.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Deandra James gives comfort to her daughter Jarelle after a metro bus crashed into their home. Ms. James arrived on the scene after following the crash and sought out her shaken but uninjured daughter.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

In the wake of a tragic east coast club fire, a local nightclub owner used musical symbols and lighting effects to mark exit doors. In the event of an emergency the doors could be rolled up allowing faster exit for patrons. A club security guard, Jon Perron, stands by to keeps the area secure.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Tears stream down the face of a firefighter so overcome with emotion that he forgot to salute a fallen comrade during a burial service. Oscar Armstrong III was killed in the line of duty when a flashover fire claimed his life and injured others.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Air from a street grate provides a glimpse under the kilt of a bagpiper marching in the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. It also provides an amended answer to that old question, "What do they wear under there?".

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Dionta Thompson pulled out all of the stops donning a top hat and tails for his promotion ceremony at Bloom Middle School. The promotion ceremony was held outside the school to accommodate family and friends who obviously enjoyed his wardrobe.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Medical students Judy and Pat Salisbury rejoice as they open letters that inform them they will be serving their residency together in North Carolina. Medical school students call this their Match Day, truly they're happy with the results.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Gliding above the rooftops of nearby houses Richard Anderson makes his final approach to land his powered parachute vehicle nearby.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Providing an impromptu silhouette, a visitor projects a ghostly image in the Whitney Museum in Washington, DC as he passed in front of a blank canvas framed through a doorway.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Designer John Bartlett stands amid his clothing designs during the installation of a show of his work at a museum.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Travis Taylor reaches out to grab a touchdown pass as Tory James defends.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

As cleanup crews begin to sweep up the trash, Brandon Larson sits in the dugout after going 0-4. He was re-assigned to the minor leagues the next day.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Green with Envy to illustrate a story on vine ripened tomatoes.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Audrianna Hahn-6- is profoundly mentally retarded, suffers from severe gastro-intestinal problems, is visually impaired, does not speak and functions on the level of a two-year-old child. Still, she is the center of the universe for her parents, Randy and Melissa Hahn and her three siblings. The entire family is responsible for the care and feeding of Audrianna Hahn. Audrianna focuses on a musical toy totally oblivious to the widescreen television blaring screams from the Grim Reaper in the background.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Audrianna and her mother Melissa play in a backyard wading pool as her brother Noah joins them. She enjoyed the water, but paid a price with an infection from bacteria she ingested while swallowing water. Her gastric problems contributed to the complications she endured,

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Audrianna's big sister Amanda mixes medications that will be stored in the refrigerator until needed. Audrianna is fed with a g-tube inserted in her stomach and receives medication with her feedings every two hours. Amanda does this to help her mother, a big responsibility for a 10-year-old.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Audrianna's brother Nick uses his feet to restrain Audrianna as he gives her water through her g-tube. Audrianna will grab at her brother and might pull the tube out of her stomach if he does not hold her down.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

With her dryer broken Melissa Hahn returns to the house after hanging out her seventh load of wash for the day.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Randy Hahn casts a wary eye toward his daughter who is kissing him. Audrianna sometimes will bite instead of kissing, often more like licking. Randy works nearly 70 hours a week and is seldom charged with personal care issues for his daughter.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Audrianna sits alone in her hospital styled bed at home. She is often found sitting upright because she sleeps poorly. She is often in a daze and unaware of people in her room.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Amanda cares for her little sister as Melissa Hahn gets prescription and treatment information form a doctor during Audrianna's visit. Amanda lends a hand and relishes the role of caregiver.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Melissa Hahn closes her eyes for a few moments while visiting a doctor. Her reality clashes with the happy-go-lucky drawing left on a dry erase board by a previous patient.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Noah stands bedside as his mother Melissa looks on quietly while a nurse attends to Audrianna. Hospitalized because of an infection, Audrianna lay unconscious for two days. Melissa had to take Noah to the hospital with her because her husband works nights and she has no place to leave him.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Jerry Springer....talk show host, former mayor of Cincinnati, singer, stand-up-comedian, loved, hated, despised. Springer contemplated a run for the U.S. Senate from Ohio. An exploratory tour throughout Ohio offered a glimpse of Springer the candidate. Springer indulges an impromptu portrait as he strikes a mocking Nixonian pose deplaning from his personal jet used to make his trips.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Springer addresses a college crowd. The simple podium and direct approach was the theme of the straight talk about politics. Still, Springer could not escape the stigma his television show attached to the man.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Springer makes calls to his travel agent while arranging a trip to Canne, France where he will attend a screening of his movie. On the road, Springer, a frugal man, stayed in a stripped down economy hotel.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Passionate in all aspects of life, Springer flashed an evangelical fervor while speaking to groups.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Springer is greeted by young girls outside the Mahoning County social services office as he walks to a meeting. They told him they would vote for him, but they were too young.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Springer's magnetism drew politicos as well as the curious. Here, a young woman flashes a smile to her friend with a camera as she stands near Springer for a keepsake photograph. "Just being close to him gives me a thrill", she said.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

After a long day that included a performance with a band in an outdoor garden, Springer collects himself alongside his unofficial campaign manager.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

An early morning staff (three people including the boss) meeting in the lobby of an economy hotel is the site for planning the day ahead. Breakfast here is included with the room.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Springer is escorted to a limo by an umbrella carrying driver. The limo is a step up from the economy hotel and Springer joked about being the voice of the common man while riding in a limo.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

An emotional Springer announces that he will not seek the U.S. Senate seat in a press conference. Media turnout for the announcement left photographers seeking something other than the standard podium photograph.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Corey Dillon, pro bowl running back, family man, record breaker, misunderstood, picked upon, singled out for criticism, whipping boy, scapegoat. Take your pick. The self-described franchise player expected much from himself and when he did not deliver became disenchanted and withdrawn. His mood was easily read through facial expressions. In the end he announced he would throw his gear into the stands after his final game in Cincinnati. He did just that. Dillon shown here eluding tackles and making a long gain.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Corey Dillon flashes a toothy grin at a press conference. Observers often wondered which Dillon would show up for events. this time the happy guy came forth.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

During mini-camp a frustrated Corey Dillon displayed resentment that he was compelled to attend despite his veteran status.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Corey Dillon flashes a thumbs up to fans in the stands during a preseason game. Things started off well for Dillon, but soon his mood would turn bitter.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Corey Dillon glares as he stalks the sidelines. Injured and loss of playing time prompted Dillon to often speak only with facial expression. His displeasure is evident.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Even though the Bengals lost their last game and a chance at the playoffs, Dillon was smiling and laughing with the opposition following the game.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Dillon began stripping away his uniform at mid-field following the loss in the last game of the season.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati Enquirer

Dillon made good on his threat tossing his shoulder pads into the stands. His helmet and shoes went there as well.