2009 ONPA Pictures of the Year

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus homicide detective James McCoskey wipes his brow as the body of a man is removed from an apartment. The man's 4-year-old son was found with the body, having been left alone in the apartment for several days after the man died and before the body was discovered.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

A firefighter walks along the side wall of HighCom Security in Hilliard, Ohio, as it burns, May 24, 2009. The fire was later determined to be arson.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Sophie Dang, 9, poses for a portrait with her grandfather, Phuong Dang, 83, in front of a curved limestone wall inscribed with actual correspondence sent home to families by soldiers at war. The wall is part of Ohio Veterans Plaza at the Ohio Statehouse.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

No matter how hard they tried, Rachel Keller and Charlie McCarthy (not pictured) couldn't get their kite aloft at a park in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Fairgoers Yohana Medhane, 17 (second from left) Mekdes Tsehaye, 16, (third from left) and Hanna Ghefe, 14, f(ourth from left) stopped to watch as Laura Corcoran (far left) examines a market chicken. Corcoran was looking at her children's chickens to pick the best to enter in the market chicken category at the Ohio State Fair.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Pete Raymond casts a familiar profile as Abraham Lincoln at the Ohio Statehouse 12th Civil War Encampment. Raymond, a life member of the Association of Lincoln Presenters, was getting ready to give a speech as Lincoln on the Statehouse grounds as part of the celebration of the bicentennial of Lincoln's birth (1809-2009).

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Gillian Lintner, 3, plays in the leaves during Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park. Gillian had earlier been at a trick-or-treat event at The North Market. Her mom, Robyn, said Gillian insisted on wearing her butterfly wings in the leave pile.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Artist Kyle Boganwright, who is bipolar, learned how to harness the dark side of his moods without taking anti-psychotic drugs; he is headed to Carnegie Hall to pick up an award worth $10,000 and is one of just a few young people nationwide to win it. He is holding one of his works that he calls The Baby.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Rosemarie Rossetti laughs as her husband, Mark Leder jokingly rolls her into the bucket of an excavator after ground-breaking ceremonies for their new home. The 3,500-square-foot home will serve not only as the couple's residence but also as a "universal design living laboratory," showcasing the latest features in handicapped-accessible homes. Rossetti was paralyzed from the waist down in 1998, when a tree fell on her while she was bicycling.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Red light from an electric KeyBank sign lights up E. Broad St. as a pedestrian crosses S. Third St. in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Syracuse Chiefs first baseman Kory Casto (28) loses his glove and the ball when Columbus Clippers Trevor Crowe (7) runs into the tag at first base in the first inning during a baseball game at Huntington Park in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State's Andre Amos (13) defends against a pass in the end zone to Wisconsin's Isaac Anderson (6) that fell for an incompletion during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Fans celebrate Columbus Blue Jackets Fredrik Modin's (33) overtime winning goal against the Detroit Red Wings in Columbus.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

The path to the priesthood is one less traveled, as evidenced by a 40-year low number of Roman Catholic clergymen serving a growing church. Robert Bolding, in his final year at a seminary, is one of a few young men to step forward for rigorous training to become a priest. Deacon Robert Bolding waits for Monsignor Nevin Klinger to arrive so that he can begin a mass practicum class at Pontifical College Josephinum.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Offensive lineman Deacon Robert Bolding (right) shown in action during the annual Mudbowl flag football game at Pontifical College Josephinum.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

At the beginning of a medical morality class, students say a prayer together. At far right is Deacon Robert Bolding. Ordained as deacon in 2008, Robert took a vow of celibacy and obedience. He has prayed daily about the sacrifices he will make as a priest: he will never marry or have children.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Monsignor Nevin Klinger (right) takes notes as Deacon Robert Bolding (left) practices saying mass. Later, Klinger critiqued Bolding's effort.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Deacon Robert Bolding (second from right) shares cheese with fellow theology students in Charm on a trip to Amish country. The students enjoying a day off from seminary are, (from left) Terry McGowan, Justin Braun, Adam Stimpson, Bolding, and Andrew Budzinski.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Deacon Robert Bolding (center) leads a group prayer at the end of a prayer meeting at Peggy and Pat O'Donovan's Gahanna home.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Robert Bolding lays on the floor of Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral as part of the ceremony during his ordination to the priesthood, in Phoenix, Arizona. In the pew at right are his mom, Patty, dad, Al, and grandmother Sue Schepers, right.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Robert Bolding's parents, Patty and Al watch as Robert, far right, dons a priest vestment during his ordination ceremony at Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

From left: Father Thielo Ramirez, Father Will Schmid, and Father Robert Bolding stand outside Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona on June 6, 2009 after being ordained as priests.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Joe Santa Cruz of Phoenix stands across the street from Saints Simon and Jude Cathedral protesting celibacy for priests on the day of the Robert Bolding's ordination ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Father Robert Bolding (far left) smiles at his sister, Tricia, far right. Bolding's family was first in a reception line to receive a blessing by the new priest. In front of Robert are, (from left) his brother Nick, mom Patty, dad Al, and sister Tricia.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Having reached his goal, Father Robert Bolding, center, conducts his first mass as a priest at Saint Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church in Phoenix, Arizona.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

The Ohio State School for the Blind marching band was selected to march in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The 32 blind players and 36 volunteer marching assistants were to be the parade's first blind marching band. The invitation came more than a year before the parade, giving them plenty of time to practice. A marching assistant, left, guides a member of the blind marching band at the Greater Columbus Convention Center during a conference.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State School for the Blind marching band co-director Dan Kelley conducts a practice before the band takes the field for a halftime show during a football game at the Ohio School for the Deaf on Sept. 12, 2009 in Columbus. Like the members of his band, Kelley is also blind.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

With band co-director Dan Kelley conducting, members of the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band perform during halftime of a football game at the Ohio School for the Deaf. Marching assistants guide the band members to their spots on the field.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

With the help of marching assistants, the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band heads into an exhibition hall at the Greater Columbus Convention Center to perform at a conference.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State School for the Blind marching member Marty Bateman, center foreground, responds to band co-director Dan Kelley's call for band members to come to attention during practice in the school's gym.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State School for the Blind marching band member Tamara Batchelder makes a joyful noise with her clarinet during band practice.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State School for the Blind marching band member Bria Goshay marches in the school parking lot during an evening practice. Band members have varying degrees of vision impairment.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Marching band members are ready for their bus ride back to school after a performance.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

With marching assistants guiding the way, the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band marches in the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival parade in Millersport.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State School for the Blind marching band co-director Dan Kelley, who is also blind, directs the band during an outdoor performance at the Ohio Statehouse.

First Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Fred Squillante / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State School for the Blind marching band members Sabrina Say (left) and Whitney Bryant (right) explore the Ohio Statehouse with their hands during a tour. Members of the band felt the column and then hugged it for fun. The band was given a tour of the Statehouse after a performance there.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Layah Hodges gets a final inspection before she and four other children make their First Communion at St. Adalbert Church. The Cleveland church, linked to the city's first black Catholic congregation, is to close as part of the downsizing of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Jessica Brundidge dances during the opening act of the UniverSoul Circus's "A Tribute to James Brown."

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Students from Dover Middle School watch a 3D preview of Disney's A Christmas Carol. The Disney train tour was in town to promote the new movie which is expected to hit the theaters on November 6th.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cleota Lovett receives a round of applause from Shaw High School students as she's crowned Duchess of the Senior to Seniors Prom. Seniors from Shaw High School participated in the event with residents of McGregor Home.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

The Chinese Olympic Acrobats warm up in the back of a trailer before performing for the UniverSoul Circus. The circus, which has been in existence since 1994, is the only black circus in the country. It touts performers from ten different countries.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Treveya Franklin holds a baby in the nursery of the Hitchcock Center for Women. Franklin, a former client of the center, has overcome her chemical dependency to become a social worker at the center. The center will be celebrating it's 30th anniversary this month.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Family members wait for the beginning of the funeral for three-year-old twins Jesse and Jordan Robinson. Four people, including a five week old baby and the twins, were killed in the house fire, as well as a 26-year-old man.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

A man walks back through standing water after making sure no one was stuck in a car idled by a flash flood on Scranton Rd. Heavy rains caused flooding throughout the city.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Tai' Rez Jackson, 7, prepares to spar at the Salvation Army's Clint Martin Boxing Club. The club is part of the many after school activities offered by the center to keep kids off the street.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Eastlake North's Cody Lancaster lays exhausted after finishing the boys 1600 meter run in the Division I District meet .

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Clint Ovalie works for the Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority as a police officer. He and the other officers patrol more than half dozen projects on both sides of the Cuyahoga River, trying to keep tabs on crime before it happens. Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer John Smiddy climbs a balcony to check for drugs at CMHA's Lakeview Terrace property .

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Clint Ovalle searches the mouth of a suspect for drugs outside CMHA's Cedar Estates.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Clint Ovalle searches a suspect under the watch of CWRU social work instructor Mark Singer at CMHA's Lakeview Terrace property.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Clint Ovalle searches teens for drugs at CMHA's Carver Park Estates.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Clint Ovalle searches a car for drugs after the driver and a passenger were stopped for having open containers at CMHA's Woodhill Estates.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Clint Ovalle talks to a mentally handicapped adult at CMHA's Outhwaited Estates. Ovalle was trying to convince him that he was running with the wrong crowd.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Robert Weis talks to a drug suspect May 12, 2009. The suspect had a warrant for missing traffic court and was let go with a friendly warning.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority police officer Clint Ovalle leads a suspect to his police cruiser to be detained while searching for drugs at CMHA's Lakeview Terrace property.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

In March of 2009, the Catholic Diocese of Catholic announced the closing of 52 churches in the region, leaving parishioners heartbroken. Though many churches appealed, Bishop Richard Lennon would reverse his decision on only two. Thirty one of those churches closed by year end, with the remaining 19 by the middle of 2010.
St. Casimir Church has an automated gate and a chain link fence to protect the church in a neighborhood that continues to deteriorate.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Ann Christopher sits with her daughter Elizabeth, 10, during a prayer service at St. Stephen Church. Christopher is a longtime parishioner at the German Catholic church which was spared from closing during the Cleveland Catholic Diocese downsizing.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Daniel Flesza pokes his head out of the pew during the Polish mass at St. Casimir Church. St. Casimir closed it's doors in November.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Andy Toth, a former parishioner of the now closed St. Margaret of Hungary, protests outside St. Mary Church. Bishop Richard Lennon presided over the final mass at the church this morning.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

George Gamble is comforted by Lisa Sullivan after hearing the Church of St. Adalbert, the city's first black Catholic church, will close it's doors as part of the diocese downsizing. Gamble has spent his entire 26 years in the church. He was baptized, made his first communion and confirmation at the church, and came back to work at St. Adalbert School after graduating from college.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Thomas Sutton-Lovett, a seminarian who grew up in St. Adalbert Church, holds the Easter candle as it is lit before the Holy Saturday Vigil.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Collin Klaco folds his hands in prayer during the final mass at St. John the Baptist Church. Klaco's father, Paul, was an altar boy at the church while growing up. Bishop Richard Lennon was at the Akron church to preside over the final mass.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the group Endangered Catholics protest outside of St. Procop Church before the final mass. The church closed it's doors for the final time after the morning service.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Mark Holan (left) of Cleveland, comforts his daughter, Annie, as the two were standing on the altar after the final mass at St. Procop Church. The church closed it's doors for the final time after the morning service.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Bishop Richard Lennon implores a group of protesters to vacate the closed St. John the Baptist Church. Bishop Lennon was at the Akron church to preside over the final mass.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Parishioners from St. Casimir shout at Bishop Richard Lennon after walking out of the closing mass. Shouts of "go back to Boston" and "Judas" were heard from the crowd. The mass was interrupted on several occasions with protests and one parishioner cut power to the church's audio system.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Kristina Moreno carries off a portrait of the Black Madonna after a morning prayer service outside the closed St. Casimir Church. Church services have continued on the church's sidewalk even though the doors have been shuttered since early November.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Getting the permission to move around the stage at the Cleveland School of the Arts auditorium paid off. The solo violin opener by CSA student, Soloman Mathis, had him at the font edge of the stage where the lights fell off his face. I moved in front of the stage and was able to capture the rim light around Soloman during his rendition of the National Anthem October 16, 2009 during the school's monthly arts assembly at the former Harry Davis Junior High building in Cleveland.

JOHN KUNTZ THE PLAIN DEALER Soloman Mathes performs a solo rendition of the national anthem as the Cleveland School of the Arts orchestra prepares to play for students

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James performs his pregame ritual of throwing up a handful of talc powder and blowing up in the air May 20, 2009 during the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Orlando Magic at Quicken Loans Arena.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The Aut-O-Rama drive-in in North Ridgeville has gotten a temporary restraining order to stop newly-opened sports center from shining bright lights ontoone of its two drive-in screens May 30, 2009 allowing this Saturday evening movies to be glare free.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The hand of a friend of slain Twinsburg police officer Joshua Miktarian reaches out to touch the engraved letters while she said goodbye May 15, 2009 after the 24th Annual Greater Cleveland Peace Officers Memorial Service honoring officer Joshua Miktarian and Boston Heights police officer Jarod Dean.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

In the firm grip of partner Rockne Brubaker, Keauna McLaughlin spins inches above the ice during their short program at The Q. The defending national pairs champions are in second place.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A Cleveland firefighter sprays down the roof into the attic of a home at 7708 Melrose Avenue near the intersection of East 79th Street as the water and debris from the home sprays into the air November 6, 2009 in Cleveland. A resident did escape from the blaze with a minor burn injury.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Browns quarterback Brady Quinn gives the ball to a referee after tripping and falling on a snap in the second quarter where the offense stalled against the Detroit Lions November 22, 2009 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit scored a touchdown as time expired on the clock and won the game by kicking the extra point beating the Browns, 37-38.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Alexandra Rice, 8, of Olmsted Falls lets out a scream of terror as the cheese puff she was feeding the gulls blew back behind her where it appeared the gulls were coming after her August 4, 2009 at Huntington Beach in Bay Village.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A herd of Persian Onagers walk the prarie during a sunset graze August 14, 2009 at the Wilds in Cumberland on their 10,000 acres of land dedicated to preserving exotic and endangered species.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Hand prints are visible from melted ice from condensation inside that froze in an Aurora School District bus from the heat of students palms and fingers January 14, 2009 parked outside Playhouse Square in Cleveland. The middle school kids were at the Ohio Theatre to see the plays, "Good Night Moon" and "Runaway Rabbit" as part of a school outing as the low today was near 4 degrees.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

St. Ignatius' David Habat lets out a roar after beating New Carlisle Tecumseh's T.J. Rigel to win the 145-pound Division I state championship in Columbus.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Seagulls swoop around the illuminated top of Key Tower early Saturday morning, looking like moths circling a flame and adding dashes of white to a dark sky while soaring around the Cleveland landmark.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Gary Jurist, owner of RCS Corp. in Cleveland, steams out the folds in a giant U.S. flag July 22, 2009 that will be the backdrop for President Barack Obama's visit to Shaker Heights High School tomorrow. Jurist's company is responsible for the staging, sound and lights for the president's visit.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The story is about Ian Stewart, an 8th grader at St. Thomas More, who is touted as one of the upcoming superstars on the football field in Cuyahoga County. We followed Ian through his choice and transition from middle school to a high school football program at St. Edward High. St. Thomas More's head coach Michael Slama makes opening remarks to the new 8th grade football players before the start of practice donning a shirt describing what makes champions August 6, 2008 at the school's practice field in Brooklyn.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

St. Thomas More 8th grader Ian Stuart listens to head coach Michael Slama make opening remarks to the new 8th grade football players before the start of practice holding a football August 6, 2008 at the school's practice field in Brooklyn.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ian Stuart catches the attention of some of his female classmates in the hall at St. Thomas More School in Brooklyn November 12, 2009 as the group heads to the lunchroom.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ian Stuart pursues the Vikings quarterback as Ian pressures him out of the pocket in the first half of St. Thomas More School's game against SSJ September 28, 2008.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ian Stuart (second left) follows a fellow student as they line dance around the gym at St. Thomas More School during a Catholic Youth Organization teen dance February 13, 2009.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Annie Beltz, 8, stands in front of the jersey of her brother Jeremy Beltz as the team jerseys from St. Thomas More football team are lined up for the players to keep during their commemoration dinner November 16, 2008 at the school.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

After attending the team banquet in November, St. Thomas More School football player Ian Stuart signs his name to the ceiling of a trailer that serves as the coaches' office. Every inch of the interior of the trailer is covered with signatures - loopy scrawls and cramped letters - as every football player who leaves the program leaves his name in permanent marker in two different places inside the trailer.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

After attending the team banquet in November, St. Thomas More School football players enter the equipment room by themselves close the door and sign their names. Every inch of the interior of the trailer is covered with signatures - loopy scrawls and cramped letters - as every football player who leaves the program leaves his name in permanent marker in two different places inside the trailer.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ian Stuart leads the pack of defensive freshman players during the first workout for freshman St. Edwards football team in Lakewood July 22, 2009.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ian Stuart talks on the phone to a friend with his St. Edward High School football jersey on the floor after showing his grandmother and aunt with Eagle pride August 18, 2009 at his Rocky River home. Ian was second in line to get his jersey because he wanted to make sure to get number 54, the same number he wore with St. Thomas Moore football.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Ian Stuart shares in the laughter with his sisters, Margo (C) and Shana (left) as they look at Ian's childhood photos and make fun of him before dinner August 18, 2009 at their Rocky River home.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The St. Edwards freshman football team cheer together their effort in defeating Mentor in their season opening game August 27, 2009 in Lakewood. The freshman Eagles won a decisive first season game by beating Mentor, 33-0.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A woman points to a missing persons poster of her friend, Janice Webb who was one of the eleven identified at the home of alleged mass murderer Anthony Sowell, on a memorial wall November 10, 2009 created for loved ones missing in the Cleveland area located across the street from Sowell's home on Imperial Avenue. The missing persons board that was fastened to a fence has grown to a board of unsolved murders in Cleveland with signs, candles and stuffed animals to honor the dead.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A crowd from the East 123rd street and Imperial Avenue neighborhood gathered to watch as Cuyahoga County coroners and Cleveland police searched for bodies at the home of Anthony Sowell on the east side of Cleveland October 30, 2009.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga County coroners use shovels and a backhoe to clear dirt in the backyard at the home of Anthony Sowell as they exhume another body in the backyard November 3, 2009 in Cleveland's east side.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga County coroners and Cleveland police dig up where a search and rescue dog marked earlier to what may be the remains of the fourth body recovered from convicted sex offender Anthony Sowell's home October 30, 2009 on the east side of Cleveland. Sowell is still at large and believed to be in the Cleveland area.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

The silhouette of a pair of curious onlookers watch as the Cleveland police and Cuyahoga County coroners search for the bodies of victims at the home of Anthony Sowell November 3, 2009 in Cleveland's east side. The victim count is up to eleven and the search will continue inside the house tomorrow.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Cuyahoga County coroners fasten straps around a body dug up from the back yard at the home of Anthony Sowell November 3, 2009 in Cleveland's east side.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Marquilla Bryant (right) consoles her cousin Tina Cook who are cousins of Le' Shaunda Long, one of the 11 identified women in the home of alleged mass murderer Anthony Sowell, during a candlelight vigil at the memorial site on Imperial Avenue in Cleveland November 12, 2009

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Andrayah Shabazz, daughter of Crystal Dozier who was announced by the Cuyahoga County coroners as a victim in the Anthony Sowell mass murders, cries as the family talks with the press November 7, 2009 in Cleveland.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Alleged serial killer Anthony Sowell appears in court with handcuffs on his hands that were used in the strangulation deaths of 11 women found in and around his home.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

Florence Bray (right) mother of Crystal Dozier who was identified as one of the 11 women found on the property of Alleged serial killer Anthony Sowell, receives a hug during the wake portion of Crystal's funeral service November 21, 2009 at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Cleveland.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year Large Market - John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer

A lit prayer candle sits among flowers on the sidewalk at the corner of Imperial Avenue and East 123rd Street across the street from the home of alleged mass murderer Anthony Sowell November 12, 2009 after a candlelight vigil at the memorial site in Cleveland.

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

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

Navigating the halls and stairs in an antiquated building is no problem for freshman Dustin Carter. "I can actually crawl faster than using the wheelchair," he said. Dustin Carter, a former high school standout wrestler from Hillsboro, Ohio overcame long odds with the loss of his limbs to a childhood illness. He is battling now the rigors of life as a freshman at Mt. St. Joseph's College.

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

Velma Sanders, a former healthcare worker who was forced to leave her job with a disability in 1989, supports healthcare reform. She was supporting the cause along with other members of the Amos Project outside University Hospital. Sanders was part of a group of 15 supporters who carried signs and chanted for reform along Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd.

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

Erich Kunzel (right) joins hands with a teary-eyed assistant conductor Stephen Reineke for an encore. Cincinnati Pops Conductor Erich Kunzel, battling exhaustion from yesterday's travel and his battle with cancer conducted during the second half of the Riverbend 25th Anniversary season Saturday night.

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

Shot dead were Noelle Washington, her 9-month-old son, Anthony Jones, and Sharailyn Wright, a 3-year-old girl for whom Washington was babysitting. A neighborhood reacts with a prayer vigil, emotional funeral services including a mime's tribute dance. The killer has not been caught.

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

Preacher and anti-violence advocate Rev. Damon Lynch, stands at the casket where Noelle and her son lay in repose. Shot dead were Noelle Washington, her 9-month-old son, Anthony Jones, and Sharailyn Wright, a 3-year-old girl for whom Washington was babysitting. A neighborhood reacts with a prayer vigil, emotional funeral services including a mime's tribute dance. The killer has not been caught.

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

Selma Vaughn wipes her eyes outside of the church as the funeral service nears and end. Shot dead were Noelle Washington, her 9-month-old son, Anthony Jones, and Sharailyn Wright, a 3-year-old girl for whom Washington was babysitting. A neighborhood reacts with a prayer vigil, emotional funeral services including a mime's tribute dance. The killer has not been caught.

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

DOves are released at the end of a funeral service for Sharailyn Wright who was killed in the shootings. Shot dead were Noelle Washington, her 9-month-old son, Anthony Jones, and Sharailyn Wright, a 3-year-old girl for whom Washington was babysitting. A neighborhood reacts with a prayer vigil, emotional funeral services including a mime's tribute dance. The killer has not been caught.

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

A puck is suspended in air as Cyclones forward Jimmy Kilpatrick had his chance in the third period, but Nailers goalie Curtis Darling flicked the puck away.

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

Fans in the stands react as Bobby Jones is tossed from the back of a donkey during a fundraising donkey basketball game.

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

A member of the "portable circus", Rebecca Crain, 26, from the Eden Park area, works on her aerial technique. Dave Willacker from Covedale operates the Amazing Portable Circus.

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

An emotional Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer, hugs son Adam and daughter Corri who were waiting for him on the sidelines during pre-game. Zimmer's wife, Vikki, died suddenly last week. Zimmer was joined on the field by his father Bill, son Adam and daughter Corri.

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

Betty Pennington, a social worker from and elementary school, hugs Ryan Thomas as she gets ready to leave his home. As part of her work, Pennington visits homes of school children and encourages parents to get involved with the school's pre-school programs. Thomas' siblings already attend the school.

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

From the shadows of batting cage netting, hitters in the cage and empty bleachers in the sun, water bottles stacked in storage to a freshly painted home plate, helmets lined up in a row, and infield dirt being harrowed to perfection the details of objects associated with baseball can be a beautiful thing.

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

A dragging tool used to smooth the base paths.

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

The chipping pain on the clapboard exterior walls of his home have raised concerns for Illya Ibbott. Ibbott, 42, lives in a Reading Road home near downtown. Lead paint on the exterior and interior walls and even on some floors and windows in the house has caused him worries and anguish for his children. He began spackling some of the walls, only to find that the paint in the stairwell was contaminated as well. Contractors, with a big assists from the health department, will begin to fix those problems soon.

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

Custodian Tom Hughes from Gate of Heaven Cemetery places a plastic doll in a storage container left at a gravesite in the Baby Garden portion of the cemetery. The container keeps the items left at grave safe and dry. They are removed from the gravesite monthly and placed in the container if they are in good condition.