First Place, Assigned Feature - Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerBernie Reeves, of Euclid, and Carolyn Wills, of Bainbridge, didn't bother to stop dancing as the floor was being cleaned during the Gentlemen of Ballroom dance August 18, 2006 in Willoughby Hills. The dance partners moved enough to be mopped around. The Gentlemen of Ballroom is a group of black men who wanted to show their appreciation for the women who taught them ballroom dancing.
Second Place, Assigned Feature - Michael E. Keating / Cincinnati EnquirerHands from the Crawford family hold dad, Jim, tightly as the face of son Kenneth rests on his father's shoulder. Members of the 940th Military Police Company, based in Walton, Ky., returned home to family and friends after a tour of duty in Iraq.
Third Place, Assigned Feature - Michael P. King / Ohio UniversityDorsel Bibbee and his friend Helen Findling share lunch together at Findling’s log home in Alfred, Ohio, on Oct. 1, 2006. Joining them at the table is one of Findling’s cats, Blackie. Since 1978, the relationship between Findling and Bibbee has been reciprocal, helping meet each other’s daily needs while providing companionship. Bibbee, unable to cook, is fed. Findling, unable to drive, is taken where she needs to go. Bibbee has no running water in his rural trailer home and carries water in a jug from Findling’s house for coffee and hygiene.
Award of Excellence, Assigned Feature - Chris Stephens / The Plain DealerKindergartners in teacher Carol Wortzman's class at Citizens' Academy charter school dance to a song designed to teach them to follow directions. They follow with glee as they are ordered to stick out their tongues, wiggle their backsides and make funny faces.
Award of Excellence, Assigned Feature - Greg Ruffing / FreelanceMiss Rodeo Sand Hills, Tyler Shea Lyda (right) becomes flustered as Miss Rodeo San Augustine, Michaelle Blake, tries to help fix her sash as the girls get ready backstage prior to the final Coronation of the Miss Rodeo Texas Pageant in San Antonio. The statewide pageant began in 1963 to promote Texas pride, Western heritage and the sport of professional rodeo. Contestants are judged on their horsemanship skills, appearance and personality. Miss Lyda would end up finishing in second place.
Award of Excellence, Assigned Feature - Glenn Hartong / Cincinnati EnquirerFive year-old Marquise Taylor lives with his family on Dreman Avenue in South Cumminsville. He, his brother, and two sisters all have elevated levels of lead in their bodies. Here, he peers through the front door, which tested positive for lead paint. Lead is released into the environment, often through physical abrasion caused by by the opening and closing of door and windows. Marquise now suffers from behavioral and learning disabilities and will suffer life-long damage.
Award of Excellence, Assigned Feature - Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerOne of several dozen English Foxhounds found this trash can more appealing than his duties as he poked his head inside for a treat at the opening day of the Wachovia Securities American Gold Cup, September 13, 2006 at the Polo field in Moreland Hills.
Award of Excellence, Assigned Feature - Luke Wark / Sandusky RegisterA Mute Swan wanders across the walking path at Sheldon's Marsh one evening as members of the "Birds of the Firelands" bird watching class face the other direction while looking for a bird in the trees.
