2004 ONPA Pictures of the Year

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland firefighter Bill Lestock with station 20 vents the roof of a duplex from inside the home at 3424 W. 50th Street in Cleveland where an upstairs fire destroyed the top of the duplex October 20, 2004. The cause of the fire is under investigation and no one was reported injured in the fire.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Tawana Haywood,14, of Cleveland wears a T-Shirt wrapped over his head to filter the immense amount of smoke caused by a fire at Horn Auto Inc. at the intersection of Carnegie and E. 71st. as Cleveland firefighters battle the blaze August 14, 2004. The fire destroyed the building and 60 cars in and around the lot to be serviced and it is unknown what caused the fire. The auto service shop was closed at the time the fire started and there were no reports of injuries.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A young diver comes up to the surface as another on the diving board waits to plunge into the cool waters at the Bay Village Recreation Center June 9, 2004 on the last day of school for Bay Village residents. The dip in the diving pool was a nice relief where temps rose to near 90 degrees with high humidity.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Molly Dalton wipes the condensation off the windows inside the Quizno Restaurant on W. 3rd and Lakeside Avenue so her lunch time co-workers, sister Amy Dalton (left), Bonnie Sara and Roberta Arnold (not seen) can see the cold pedestrians hurry by the window January 7, 2004 in Cleveland. The temperature with wind chill dipped into the single digits this morning.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Anthony Abanoub Salama, 9, a deacon at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Seven Hills enjoys some mock martial arts moves with fellow deacon before the Holy Nativity Divine Liturgy service January 6, 2004.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The United States team lifts up one of the to hold up the US flag before as President George W. Bush made his way out to talk with the International Children's Games participants in Cleveland July 30, 2004 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
International Children's Games hoist one of their teammates to display the American flag Friday at Cleveland Browns Stadium just before the appearance of President Bush.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A pedestrian walks through the morning fog at Edgewater Park November 18, 2004 in unseasonably warm weather where it is expected to rise in the lower 60's creating the fog in Northeast Ohio.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Portrait of Ken Maye of Akron with the ripples created in a pool of water where he is reflected May 11, 2004. Ken Maye was part of the Living Waters program at St Lukes where he spiritually dealt with his bisexuality through the healing power of Jesus Christ. Ken is now married with two children and is a music worship leader at his church.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Indians Victor Martinez is hit by a pitch off of Chicago White Sox pitcher Shingo Takatsu in the 7th inning at Jacob's Field May 19, 2004 in Cleveland. The puff of white is the dust off of Martinezes leg.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Nichole Gatlin from Bedford High School launches high in the air for the start of the 5th heat in the girls 50 yard freestyle event during the Lake Erie League swimming and diving championships January 31, 2004 hosted by Lakewood High School.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The state championship wrestlers make their way out to the mats in the parade of champions before the start of the 67th OHSAA's state wrestling championships February 28, 2004 in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Four of the ten mats are constantly occupied with high school wrestlers all over the state of Ohio during the state championship high school wrestling tournament in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Josh Rohler (left) from St. Vincent-St. Mary squeezes the face of his opponent Lucas Ransbottom from St. Paris Graham in their 140lb. Division II match February 26, 2004 during the Ohio High School Athletic Association's 67th state wrestling championship at the Jerome Schottenstein Center in Columbus. Josh won his match 7-1.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The fans supporting Clyde High School erupt out of their seats when their Division II 140lb. wrestler Jon Taylor beat Owen Powell from Camden Preble Shawnee to keep his state championship hopes alive in the quarterfinal match February 27, 2004 in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ben Doolittle a senior at Gallipolis Galia Academy is comforted by his coach Todd May (R) after a defeat in the quarterfinal consolation round that ends his days as a high school wrestler February 27, 2004 during the 67th OHSAA state wrestling championship in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A pair of Division I wrestling matches continue on two of the ten mats and scoreboards used to whittle the competitors down to the final championship round February 27, 2004 during the 67th OHSAA state wrestling championships in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Jake Milton of Yellow Springs High School dons a swollen eye after his semi-final match during the Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Adam Middleton of Toledo celebrates his 170lb. victory in the Ohio High School State Wrestling Championships semi-final match in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Karen Schulz, RN MSN Executive Director of Gastro Dept. at St. Vincent, talks March 11, 2004 at the Five Season Country Club in Westlake on the bariatric surgery procedure to prospective patients.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip Fleshman struggles to get into his car because of his size as they leave for the hospital to get the bariatric surgery.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip Fleshman hugs his nephew Neal as his wife Tony explains the bariatric surgery to his mother for the first time.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip's mother Lois isn't totally convinced that Chip needs the bariatric surgery at their home when Chip and Tony told the family about his plans.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip is prayed for by his wife Tony and Tony's sister Tia (R) and mother Lynn before his bariatric surgery at St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip dons the hospital covering and holds the back of it as he squeezes his way through two hospital technicians. The gown was the largest the hospital had and it was too small.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Tony gives her husband chip a kiss before he goes into surgery.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip is lit by the surgical light in preparation for his surgery as operating room nurses and technicians ready the room.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The doctors and operating room nurses at St. Vincent Charity have to use step ladders to get high enough to work on Chip who weighed in at 357 pounds before his surgery.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The doctor stitches Chip stomach up after bariatric surgery removing part of the top of his stomach. The incision is left in small openings to prevent infection during healing at St. Vincent Charity Hospital.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip's wife Tony is comforted by her mother Tina as she waits anxiously for news on Chip's condition in the waiting room at St. Vincent Charity Hospital where Chip is undergoing bariatric surgery.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip grimaces as he downs some medicine that tasted horrible in his room a day after undergoing bariatric surgery at St. Vincent Charity hospital.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip has trouble deciding on what kind of salads he wants to try because vegetables were not the main dish when he ate before the surgery at a grocery store near his home.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip is not over thrilled at the portion size of his dinner but after his bariatric surgery he is feeling full after the portion at his home in Cleveland.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip and Tony power walk for exercise at Richmond Mall as they pass a men's clothing store that Chip hopes to be shopping at soon.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip bows his head in prayer with the rest of the Warrensville Heights High School football team before a game where he is an assistant coach.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Chip calls back to another coach before the Warrensville Heights High football game where he is a coach. Chip has lost 125 pounds and is feeling much better.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Together at last, John Kerry and John Edwards celebrate their presidential team at a campaign rally on Mall C in Cleveland. This stop was the first appearance of Kerry with Edwards since Kerry made his vice president selection.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Ebony Boone cries in the arms of her friend, Pernell Gibson. Ebony had an apartment across the street. She lost everything but the clothes on her back from this East Cleveland fire just a week before Christmas.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Dean Herbert whose mobile home was destroyed at River Haven mobile home park in Punta Gorda, Florida due to Hurricane Charley takes advantage of an afternoon thunderstorm and uses the rain water to bath..

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Marge Baum nuzzles her dog, Maynard at her home in Lakewood, as her cat Marlowe stays close by. Marge was involved in a custody battle over Maynard with her ex-boyfriend, Roger Temethy. After a jury trial the court ruled that Maynard should return to Roger.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Joe Richards came home to his mobile home on Charles St. in Marietta where he has lived the past twenty years to find practically all that he owned destroyed. Richards said, "All I have is what is on my back." Richards was able to salvage a brief case full of family photographs.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Darlene Anderson, 17 prays with her sister, Joeclyn Anderson, 11, who is crying during an emotional service in a small building at the corner of E. 65th and Quincy that has served as an interim church for the congregation of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church since a fire claimed their building.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Pedestrians traveling on E. 93rd have nothing to smile about when it comes to the weather. They are passing a sign that is an ad for the Cleveland Clinic, it borders a construction site which will be a parking garage and office complex.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

A male stripper invited to a bridal shower has the tables turned on him.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Buddhists from Cloud/Water Zendo perform a traditional Buddhist ritual at Edgewater State Park, honoring the contributions that animals have made to human existence. Witnessing the ritual is Parker, 8-years-old who came with his owner, Dori Villalon who is the executive director of the APL. About thirty people and 20 dogs participated in the event.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Margaret Silkert, with her mother, Rosalie Carter who has Alzheimer's at Metrohealth Center for Skilled Nursing. Margaret Silkert (right) and her mother, Rosalie Carter, are participating in a Case Western Reserve study.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Traveling evangelist family in New Salem that support President Bush.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Olympic boxing hopeful Miguel Gonzalez lies flat on his back after being knocked down by Victor Ortiz at the 2004 Olympic team trials-boxing in Tunica, MS.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Brown, Dennis Northcutt is called for offensive pass interference, trying to intercept is Eagle's, Lito Sheppard. The game went into overtime and the Eagles won, 34-31.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Anna Yeghian from Armenia competes in the floor exercise at John Carroll University in University Heights while competing in the International Children's Games.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

A model is attended to for last minute primping before a photo shoot illustrating retro lingerie.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

This set of photographs addresses the varied roles of African American faith communities found in Cleveland's inner city. This African American community is still able to create music that evokes the highest level of joy, even after all of its travail. Tears of relief shed during worship at Cleveland Church of Christ.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Young girl is Baptized on Easter Sunday at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Prayer after service at Mt. Haven Baptist Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Young girl worships at St. James A.M.E. Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Worship service at Manna House.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Reverend Marvin McMickle leads the worship service at Antioch Baptist Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Pastor Maddox at Tent Revival.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

An emotional choir performs at Harvest Baptist Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Dorothy Strodd at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Women with hats in balcony at historic St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

When people come to the alter at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church to pray they are covered with a protective blanket.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Young girl and usher at Pentecostal Church of Christ.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Juan McPherson was the best amateur boxer Cleveland had seen in a long time. At 137 pounds McPherson had won over 90 amateur fights without a loss. He was Cleveland's sure Olympic hopeful. Unfortunately for McPherson in his first match of the trials he was pushed down by his opponent causing a neck injury and unable to complete the fight. His fate was in the hands of Olympic fight committee board which ruled unfavorably for McPherson. Juan McPherson has his idol tattooed on his arm, Muhammed Ali.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Juan McPherson works on the heavy bag at Top Notch Gym in Cleveland.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Juan McPherson was the best amateur boxer Cleveland had seen in a long time.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

All McPherson had to do was win at the trials in Tunica, Mississippi. He was calm and relaxed before his first match.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

There was no crowd at McPherson's early fight. He was competing against a boxer he had beaten twice before. No one expected what happened next.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

Unfortunatly for McPherson in his first match in the first round of the trials he was pushed down by his opponent causing him a neck injury.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

McPherson was unable to complete the fight. He was taken to the hospital for X-Rays.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Mike Levy / The Plain Dealer

His fate was in the hands of Olympic fight committee board which ruled unfavorably for McPherson. His Olympic hope was gone. Here he prays with his coach Alvin Jones as they await the board's decision.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Residents of Hempstead Manor wait for President George Bush's motorcade to arrive in downtown Portsmouth for a campaign stop. The residents staked out their spots early; some had to retreat under shade trees and umbrellas due to the heat. Ohio was a key state in the 2004 election, and both presidential candidates made numerous trips to the state.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus Firefighter Jeff Smith gets at hot spots on the second floor of a home gutted by fire in Columbus. John and Patricia Sullivan and their two grandchildren escaped the fire started by the grandchildren playing with matches.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

A man is arrested after running naked through a candlelight vigil being held for four people murdered during a heavy-metal concert the previous evening in Columbus. Gunman Nathan Gale walked on stage during a concert by Damageplan, shot the lead guitarist multiple times, then began shooting others. The attack ended when a Columbus Police officer fatally shot Gale.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Chantil Vandayburg comforts her son Chris, who is serving in the Marines, at the funeral of his brother, Army Spc. Allen "A.J." Vandayburg. Allen Vandayburg was killed when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Barez, Iraq.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Licking County Animal Control director Jon Luzio checks one of the roadkill deer being used to bait a lion on the loose in Granville. A lion has been spotted at least 30 times in central Ohio; it was spotted 5 times in Granville, prompting police to spend a week searching for it. The deer carcasses left as bait by Licking County animal control officers have attracted only buzzards, however. The leaves surrounding the carcasses have been moved so that whatever nibbles on them leaves paw prints behind that can be identified.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Brenna O'Sullivan, 7, gets some batting pointers from head coach Temsen O'Neill before her next at bat during a game against the Reds at Whetstone Park in Columbus. Brenna, who plays for the Marlins, came to the game after a trip to a Wendy's restaurant where it was family night and there was face painting, said her mom, Melissa O'Sullivan.The teams play in the North Columbus Intramural League.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Donavon Gavina, 11, left, pulls his brother Carlos Gavina , 9, and friend Rebecca Adamson, 9, on one of the two contraptions they all had a hand in building. Looking out for cars, they played on a street in front of their New Rome, Ohio, homes. They said this board with wheels originally had a seat belt, but it fell off.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Evangelist Paul Pratt preaches about truth to an audience of eight at a Sunday morning service at the Ross County Fair near Chillicothe. The service goes on no matter the number of worshippers.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Allison Lash, left, a senior at Ohio State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, is aided by Dr. Bimbo Welker as she pulls a horse's tooth. A university clinic in Marysville gives veterinary students experience with large animals.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Eric Eckfeld, 6, one of 17 disabled children adopted by Tom and Linda Eckfeld, plays in the family's ball pit. Tom and Linda say many people expect a grim scene when they come to their Canal Winchester home, but it's anything but. The children range in age from 2 to 18 years old and their disabilities range from learning disorders to severe neurological problems.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Alana Shock, chef-owner of Alana's Food and Wine in Columbus, Ohio, works with about 30 growers to make sure the ingredients for her soups - and other dishes - are exactly what she wants. She is posing in the dining room of her restaurant.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Sculptor James Lynch stands before the right hand that he will place on his 60-foot tall sculpture of Jesus that is under construction at the Solid Rock Church in Monroe. Lynch, who is creating the piece from a plan by designer Brad Coriell, has previously sculpted works for casinos in Las Vegas. Solid Rock pastor Darlene Bishop said, in reaction to controversy about the sculpture, "At exit 29 there are two 50-foot-high signs for a strip show, and nobody says anything about that."

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

On his way to winning the Columbus Marathon, Eliud Kering runs through Bexley alone. Kering, of Kenya, finished the race in 2:18:39.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Now that leukemia has snuck back into Abbie Dunn's body after a five-year hiatus, she faces two years of a treatment regimen that has her constantly in and out of the hospital. Her chances of survival have dropped and she can't often go to school, play sports or tinker in the garden. Abbie Dunn endures another long day at Children's Hospital as she receives blood platelets necessary for a spinal tap she will be given later in the afternoon.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Abbie's mom, Sherrie, watches as nurse practitioner Carla Hughes examines her daughter Abbie.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Abbie holds onto her father Larry's hand as she is taken to surgery to have a spinal tap.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Sherrie comforts Abbie during an extended stay at Children's Hospital. Abbie said she wasn't feeling well.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Abbie, right, and classmate Ellen Leslie, left, put their coats back in their lockers after recess at Ridgedale Elementary School. Abbie was visiting her school for the day.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Friend Ellen Leslie tries to put Abbie's shoe on as they play on the playground.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Cheryl Kuzio, right, tutors Abbie in Abbie's bedroom. Kuzio was Abbie's 3rd-grade teacher and now comes to the Dunn home for her 4th-grade studies.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Abbie takes her brother Luke out of his crib after he awoke from a nap. At left is her little sister Leanna.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Radiation therapists Georgia Pick, left, and Valerie Niederkohr, right, prepare Abbie for a radiation treatment at James Cancer Hospital. Abbie is wearing a mask which keeps her head immobilized during the treatment.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Sherrie holds Abbie's hand as nurse Linda Grooms accesses Abbie's port to draw blood at Children's Hospital.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Abbie gets a kiss from her mom, Sherrie, as they pack up Abbie's birthday gifts after her party at Godfather's Pizza in Marion. Abbie turned 11.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Abbie Dunn plays UNO in her home. She faces another year of treatment.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Supporters fight for a chance to shake the hand of Senator John Edwards at a rally in University Circle following the vice presidential debates at Case Western Reserve University, October 05, 2004 in Cleveland.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

A young girl lights a prayer candle after viewing the Kursk Root Icon of Our Lady of the Sign that is on display at St. Sergius of Radonezh church, March 06, 2004 in Parma.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

16-year-olds Kelli Shead (left) and Jessica Smith, both sophomores at Medina Highland High School and friends of the two boys that died in a car accident, hug at the site of the crash, May 09, 2004 on State Rd. in Hinckley Township. The two, along with some other friends, spent more than an hour at the site cleaning up some of the debris left by the rescue teams and contributing to a memorial.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Reid Johnston, of Pacifica, Cal, puts the finishing touches on a Phoenix art sculpture designed by world renowned artist Cork Marcheschi, November 18, 2004 at the corner of E. 4th St. and Prospect Ave. in Cleveland.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Charlie, Lauren Bass' faithful dog, follows her on horseback out of the barn, October 30, 2003 at Maypine Farm in Willoughby Hills. Lauren adopted Charlie after he was abandoned at a Florida horse show. He goes almost everywhere with her.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Seagulls fight the strong winds off the shore of Lake Erie near the water treatment plant and Edgewater Park in Cleveland, January 07, 2004.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Indians RF Jody Gerut attempts a diving catch at a ball off of Chicago White Sox DH Carl Everett in the first inning, July 21, 2004 at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Fans fight for a ball thrown into the stands by Washington Redskins QB Mark Brunell after Brunell was put under pressure by Cleveland Browns players, October 03, 2004 at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Hundred of thousand of WWII veterans crowded into Washington D.C. for the dedication of the WWII Memorial. It was a weekend of joy and tears. Some vets reunited with each other after years apart, sharing stories with loved ones that they had never told anyone until this day. Visitors tour the World War II Memorial, May 28, 2004 in Washington D.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Veterans, supporters, and spectators wave small flags to music during opening festivities of the World War II Memorial dedication, May 29, 2004 in Washington D.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

With the assistance of a cane, a hand reaches high to place a photograph of Robert E. Gregson on the Ohio pillar at the World War II Memorial, May 28, 2004 in Washington D.C. Tammy Getz brought the picture of her grandfather, who served in the Navy in the Pacific during the war, but was unable to put it up herself. Robert Gregson was from Greenville, Ohio. The man who placed the photo was unidentified.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

79-year-old Larry Goldgeier and his 78-year-old wife Anne dance to the music of their generation during a tribute ceremony before the dedication ceremony of the World War II Memorial, May 29, 2004 in Washington D.C. The couple are from Boca Raton, Fla. Larry served in the Eight Armored Division from 1943 to 1946.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

A low sun setting over the World War II War Memorial casts a shadow on one of the 56 pillars, May 28, 2004 in Washington D.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Thousands upon thousands of veterans, supporters, and spectators crowded the lawn near the Washington Monument to view the dedication of the World War II Memorial, May 29, 2004 in Washington D.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

90-year-old John Sarachman, of Parma Heights, salutes Lance Cpl. Cedrik Pleasant, of Seattle, after handing back a flag he held during a ceremony honoring veterans at the World War II Memorial dedication, May 29, 2004 in Washington D.C. Dozens of vets lined up to hold Old Glory for the ceremony called Old Glory Travels America's Freedom Rd., a traveling tribute to vets. Sarachman served in the Air Force in Japan after becoming fluent in Japanese.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

84-year-old Albert Kaplan, of Philadelphia, stands to get a better view of the president during the World War II War Memorial dedication, May 29, 2004 in Washington D.C. Kaplan served from 1941 to 1946 in the 186th Field Artillery.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Veterans of different wars, A father and son take a moment by themselves at the World War II War Memorial, May 28, 2004 in Washington D.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

After a short rain, the sun cast its rays over the World War II Memorial, creating a rainbow that spanned the length of the memorial, with one end landing on the Pacific Arch, May 28, 2004 in Washington D.C.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Each year, hundred of hunters descend upon a small Canadian island in the middle of Lake Erie for a pheasant hunt. The Pelee Island Pheasant Hunt is a tradition for many hunters, keeping them coming back year after year.
The ring necked pheasant are released for the hunts throughout the island, but some find their way back to the holding pens where they were raised, safe from the hunters bullets. Unable to get back in, they sit atop the netting like this pheasant is doing, October 29, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Denny Austin wakes before sunrise to prepare for a day of hunting, October 29, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario, Canada.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Hunters awake to a feast of a breakfast at It's Home Bed and Breakfast, owned by Madonna and Butch Gemus, October 29, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada. The group of hunters have developed a close relationship with the owners, bringing them gifts each season and sending them Christmas cards. Each meal is made from scratch by the owners.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

At just after 8:00 am, Dave Gilin and his two hunting dogs, Oreo and Hershey, stand field side waiting to head in with his friends for a morning of pheasant hunting, October 29, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada. The 51-year-old Michigan man is known as "Captain" among his friends for his leadership.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Duece proudly brings its catch back to its owner after the bird was shot down in a bean field, October 28, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada. The dogs are often exhausted after day of hunting, some working so hard they wear the pads raw on their feet.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

After a long day of hunting, Pat MacBride plays with his dog outside his father's cottage as his friends and brothers watch, October 28, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Denny Austin takes a peak inside a pen containing exotic pheasant at the Pheasant farm, October 29, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada. The farm is also home to lost or abandoned hunting dogs.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Following a successful hunt, ring necked pheasant hang from trees near cottages, October 29, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada. Each hunter has a limit of ten birds.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer

Hoping to benefit from the hundreds of male hunters and a lack of anything else to do after the hunting ends on the island, strippers charm the hunters at Pelee Island Hotel and Pub as they work for tips, October 28, 2004 on Pelee Island in Ontario Canada. They dancers can make about $2000 each from the two long nights of work.