2016 ONPA Pictures of the Year

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / Cincinnati Enquirer

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

The Alhamoud family poses for a portrait on Sunday, September 25, 2016. They arrived in the United States on October 19, 2015, from Jordan, where they sought refuge for several years after fleeing Syria. Back row from left to right: Ahlam (36), Ghalia (3), Hussein (12), Hasan(13), Marie (43) and Yousif (2). Front row from left to right: Dalal (9), Zina (7) and Rimas (5).

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Rimas, Zina, and Dalal Alhamoud wait with their mother, Ahlam, at the bus stop for their first day of school. It was Rimas' first day of school ever. Volunteers raised money to buy all the kids school supplies.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Hussein Alhamoud sits on fence while John Szucik, a volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary, teaches Hussein's mom, Ahlam, how to drive in a parking lot Friday, September 2, 2016. Ahlam uses Hussein to translate John's instructions. There was no need for Ahlam to learn how to drive in Syria. Now she must learn in order to become independent.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Kimberly Smith, OD, speaks to a translator on a phone that Therese Hazzard holds during Ahlam Alhamoud’s eye exam at Walmart in Evendale, Ohio Tuesday, March 22, 2016. Ahlam's glasses were held together with tape for the first five months she lived in Ohio. All the members of the family had to go through rigorous medical checks for the first few months they lived in Ohio.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Ahlam pushes her children on the swings at a local park, after an Eid al-Fitr celebration at Catholic Charities Thursday, July 7, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Hussein Alhamoud rides his bike around his house on Thursday, October 6, 2016. Hussein misses riding bikes and playing soccer with his friends in Syria.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Marie Alhamoud washes a car that was recently sold at the car dealership he works at in Northern Kentucky on Thursday, October 13, 2016. Marie struggled to find work for the first six months in America. He has been working as a car lot technician since June. When his English skills improve, he will be able to move up in the company.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Hasan and Hussein Alhamoud cross the street to catch their bus to Withrow University High School on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. The brothers want to be dentists. As the oldest, the boys help translate for their parents. Ahlam said, "With the days passing, the boys are forgetting and moving on. I do not want them to forget Syria, but I want them to forget what happened in Syria."

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Hasan Alhamoud draws a Syrian flag on one of his uniform shirts on Thursday, October 6, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Hasan Alhamoud poses for a photo in a Tesla car at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish festival Sunday, July 17, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

John Szucik, a volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary, instructs Ahlam Alhamoud as she practices driving on Friday, September 2, 2016. Ahlam wants to drive to be independent. She wants to go grocery shopping and to her English classes on her own.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Dalal Alhamoud waits to see which direction her brothers and sisters will go for trick-or-treating on Monday, October 31, 2016. It was the first time Dalal and her siblings celebrated Halloween. Volunteers donated costumes for the family.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Ahlam and Hussein Alhamoud buckle into a ride at the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish festival on Sunday, July 17, 2016. "It’s been a while," Ahlam said, "A while since I have seen the children so happy."

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Zina and Ghalia Alhamoud looks at downtown Cincinnati from the top of Carew Tower on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Marie said, "The best thing in my life is watching my kids study and learn."

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Archbishop Dennis Schnurr poses for a portrait in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati conference room Tuesday, May 3, 2016. At age 67, Schnurr serves as head of an organization that has 461,129 members, 212 parishes, 93 elementary schools and 25 high schools -- the 38th largest Catholic diocese in the country, with most of its population concentrated in Hamilton County.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Angela Musser Payne holds a candle at the “Pray for Pike
County” vigil at the Pike County Fairgrounds Friday, April 29, 2016, to honor the eight victims from last week’s shootings. Payne was best friends with Dana Rhoden, who was among the deceased. The ongoing murder investigation is the largest in Ohio's history.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Voters wait in line to vote at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Tom Krekler comforts Rita Lewis at Old St. Joseph's Cemetery, where Rita's late husband, Butch Lewis, is entombed Saturday, April 2, 2016. Krekler and a dozen Teamsters led a memorial motorcycle ride to the cemetery to honor the life of the former Local 100 president, Butch Lewis. He passed away from a stroke on December 31, 2015. Before his death, Butch was leading an effort to fight deep pension cuts for the Teamsters. His wife, Rita, continued to fight against the pension cuts after his death and became a national spokesperson for the Teamsters.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

A man dressed in a diaper dances with a woman dressed like a penguin, after the Cupid's Undie Run, which raised $64,000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation, in Mt. Adams Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016. Participants ran less than a mile in 17-degree weather in their underwear and costumes.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Xavier fans react, after their men's basketball team beats number one team, Villanova 90-83 at the Cintas Center Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

More than 500 people participate in an hour-long yoga session instructed by The Yoga Bar on the outfield grass at Great American Ball Park for "Sliding Into Om" Saturday, September 3, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

A double rainbow appears after a thunderstorm in downtown Cincinnati Wednesday, June 15, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - The Cincinnati Enquirer / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Hillary Clinton speaks to a crowd of several hundred people in the front yard of Kentucky Democrat Nathan Smith in Fort Mitchell, Ky. Sunday, May 15, 2016, two days before Kentucky's primary. "I want you to imagine what it would be like to be secretary of state for a president who says no Muslims can come to our country," Clinton said. "We're trying to end or prevent a war. What you hear from Donald Trump is not just offensive. It is dangerous."

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Ohio Governor John Kasich announced his campaign for president in July of 2015. He was one of 17 Republican candidates. Ten months later Gov. Kasich and Donald Trump were the remaining two in the race. While he was often called an underdog, he received many endorsements for being the "common sense candidate." Kasich spent the majority of his early campaign months in New Hampshire, where he embraced retail politics. He held more than 100 town halls in every corner of the "Live Free or Die" state. He came in second in the New Hampshire primary, which propelled him for several months until he dropped out in May.

Ohio Governor John Kasich visits Henniker Brewery in Henniker, N.H. Tuesday, January 19, 2016. Upon exiting the bus, Gov. Kasich was swarmed by reporters and photographers. As the primary drew closer, he received more attention.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Gov. John Kasich answers questions at his 103rd town hall at Plaistow Public Library in Plaistow, N.H. on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. “If I win, great. If I don’t win, I’m going to join another crusade. Because I’m not going to stop crusading until the day I die,” Kasich said.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Gov. John Kasich hugs his daughter, Emma, after a town hall at Lebanon Senior Center in Lebanon, N.H. Hampshire Monday, January 18, 2016. Kasich's twin daughters, Emma and Reese, joined their dad on the trail for their 16th birthdays.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Gov. Kasich's bus parks in the snow outside his town hall at Seamless School and Chapel in Windham, N.H. on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Gov. Kasich tells a story about seeing a bear in the wild, while visiting the Walt Morse Sporting Good Store in Hillsboro, N.H. Tuesday, January 19, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Meg Vogel / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

A man listens to Gov. John Kasich talk to the owner of Walt Morse Sporting Good Store, during a visit in Hillsboro, N.H. Tuesday, January 19, 2016. As Gov. Kasich did better in the polls, more national media outlets began to follow him, including documentary crews from Showtime and Huffington Post.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Jack McDonald, 11, listens to Gov. Kasich speak at his 100th town hall in Bedford, N.H. Friday, Feb. 5, 2016. It was Kasich's goal to reach 100 town halls. The campaign celebrated with cake and confetti.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Gov. Kasich thanks his volunteers and supporters at a small rally outside Robie's Country Store in Hooksett, N.H, the night before the N.H. primary, Monday, Feb. 8, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Voters cast their ballots at the Concord ward two polling place at Broken Ground School in Concord, N.H. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016. Gov. Kasich comes in second place to Donald Trump and received four delegates.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Gov. Kasich announces that he is suspending his GOP presidential run at a press conference at The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus Wednesday, May 4, 2016. “The spirit, the essence of America, lies in the hearts and souls of us. You see, some missed this message. It wasn’t sexy. It wasn’t a great soundbite,” Kasich said. “As I suspend my campaign today, I have renewed faith, deeper faith, that the Lord will show me the way forward and fulfill the purpose of my life."

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

A volunteer folds the flag of Ohio, after Gov. Kasich announced that he is suspending his GOP presidential run at a press conference at The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus Wednesday, May 4, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Volunteers from around the county paint bricks and chain link designs on muslin ponchos that will be used to make a wall for a protest at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio Tuesday, July 19, 2016. They will create a human wall that will stretch about 1,000 feet to "Wall Off Trump."

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Cleveland hosted 2,472 delegates, 15, 000 members of the media and one Republican presidential nominee in July for the 41st Republican National Convention. Thousands of law enforcement officers were brought to Cleveland from around the country for the anticipated protests and widespread hostility, but the four-day event only saw 24 convention-related arrests.

Marcos Spence of Dallas, Texas, poses for a portrait at Settlers Landing in Cleveland, Ohio on the first day of the Republican National Convention Saturday, July 2, 2016. Spence travels around the country to attend Trump events.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

A Trump cutout stands next to a mannequin at Adultmart in Cleveland, Ohio Monday, July 18, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Donald Trump, Republican presidential nominee, speaks on the final night of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio Thursday, July 21, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

Wes Nakagiri, a delegate from Michigan, walks through the delegates with a Hillary Clinton mask on for the final night of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio Thursday, July 21, 2016.

First Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - / The Enquirer/Meg Vogel

At the conclusion of the Republican National Convention, attendees attempt to take an official "Trump Pence" sign from Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio Thursday, July 21, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Second PlaceSecond Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Corrie Read takes a moment after packing up her belongings after being told today that the apartment building she has been living in for the past 13 years was closing on 2958 Sullivant Avenue in Columbus on March 3, 2016. The apartment was shut down for unlivable conditions and crime by the City attorneys. Read had to be out of the building by tonight.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Family and friends holds each other during a vigil for 13-year-old Tyre King after he was shot and killed yesterday by Columbus Police in Columbus, Ohio on September 15, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State Buckeyes running back Mike Weber (25) gets past Maryland Terrapins defensive back Alvin Hill (27) during the 1st half at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md. on November 12, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Marysville postman John Burson organizes the mail before heading out on his route around Marysville on December 15, 2016. Burson has been delivering mail for 45 years and this will be his last week and the same downtown route since 1984.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio (28) takes a corner kick against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2nd half at Ohio Stadium on July 27, 2016. The college football cathedral drew an announced crowd of 86,641, the largest to witness a soccer game in Ohio. The game was also the first soccer game at Ohio Stadium since 1999.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Limelight profile on rock band Clay Otter, band members left to right, Dylan Schiff, Elijah Jones, Thane Leshner and Dave Holiday pose for a photo on February 14, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Izabella Thomas, 8, preys for a 10-year-old boy who died after being shot in the head in the 5100 block of Scioto Darby Road in Hilliard, Ohio on May 12, 2016. Izabella lives across the street from where the boy was shot. Izabella said, "I don't like to hear about people being shot, it makes me sad. I hope that little boy has a happy life in heaven."

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio Aviators Riekert Hattingh (8) scores the game winning try against Denver Stampede Chris Baumann (3) to win the game during the final regular season game during the inaugural season of the Professional Rugby Organization in Columbus, Ohio on July 31, 2016. Denver won the overall Championship by one bonus point.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Telisha Clay, 18, said she will name her baby girl, who is due in May, after her cousin Hanna Rhoden. Clay had her belly painted in remembrance of her slain family members. Hanna was with her 4-day-old baby when she was shot and killed while asleep. The baby was unharmed. Clay was at the park with family and friends to take part in the Pike County Vigil at the Pike County Fairgrounds in Piketon, Ohio on April 29, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Ohio State's Sean Melton flips during floor event at the Team Finals at the Big Ten Championships at St. John Arena in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 2016. Melton won this event with a score of 15.400. Ohio State won the team contest with a score of 434.450 over second place Illinois 429.700. Melton also had the top All-Around score of 89.750.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Gov. John Kasich celebrates after wining the Republican primary in his home state, Ohio, on Tuesday, during a supporters event at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio on March 15, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Jerry, right, and Debbie, left, Russell hold hands while talking about how they were injured in the machete attack at Nazareth Mediterranean Cuisine from the hospital beds at Grant Medical Center in Columbus on February 14, 2016. The couple spent Valentines Day in the hospital after both having to have multiple surgeries to save their hands.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Thousands of protestors, media, and police gathered in Cleveland for the 2016 The Republican National Convention. It marked the third time Cleveland has hosted the Republican National Convention and the first since 1936. In addition to determining the party's national ticket, the convention ratified the party platform. The convention formally nominated Donald Trump for President and Indiana Governor Mike Pence for Vice President.

Covention-goers cheer for Michelle Van Etten during night three of The Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 20, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

The Shut Down Trump and The RNC March and Rally that started on E. 36th St. and Euclid Ave. and proceeded into downtown Cleveland on July 17, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Police detained a protester after a flag burning protest on Prospect Ave. on day three of The Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016. During the flag-burning protest a total of 17 people were arrested and two officers suffered minor injuries.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Lou Pumphrey of Shaker Heights, Cleveland poses for a photo on E. 4th St. on day two of The Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016. Lou was in the Vietnam from 66-68 and was a reporter and editor for the first infantry division newspaper.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

The Cleveland Police Department officers use bikes to set the perimeter of the crowds during The Shut Down Trump and The RNC March and Rally that started on E. 36th St. and Euclid Ave. and proceeded into downtown Cleveland on July 17, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Jesse Gonzales of the Cleveland suburb Lakewood, was attracting a lot of attention, because of the AK-47 assault-style rifle slung behind his back at public square in downtown Cleveland on day one of the The Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016. A media member tries to touch the gun while Jesse was doing interviews with other members of the media.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Wall Off Trump protesters form a human wall along Prospect Ave. on day three of The Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Delegates cheer as Donald Trump and Mike Pence take the stage after Pence accepted the Vice Presidential Nomination during the third day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Trump support Cheryl Surber from Fort Worth, Texas cheers as she watches Donald Trump accepted the Republican presidential nomination on day four of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 21, 2016.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

"Kids with disabilities are always standing on the sidelines, watching traditionally-developed kids have all the fun. That's so wrong," Rocky Grimes said. "So you take a kid — he can't get out of bed, he can't climb a tree, maybe he can't even ever go to a movie. But let me strap him in a go-cart and run him through a meadow, an hour of freedom with the wind on his face, and that changes him. I have physics on my side. Engage the mind and the body will follow." Rocky runs Prescribed Power that develops equipment, programs, environments and strategies that make interactions between individuals of varying abilities and economic status mutually beneficial.

Rocky Grimes, left, and Jacob DeArruda, right, do the chicken dance together after Jacob ran over a cone with a go-cart during a session was over on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 3, 2016. Rocky is teaching Jacob to drive. Jacob's autism means that he is easily frustrated and social skills don't come easily. Learning in this low-stress, low risk environment has been perfect for Jacob.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes, right back, makes sure Brittany Morris, center, head is comfortable while Rocky's daughters Cori, left, and Julia, 10, help during a session was over on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 3, 2016. Cori and Julia both leave school early one day a week to work alongside their dad.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes, left, helps Michael Fuller, right, who has genetic chromosomal disorder drive a modified go-cart through a obstacle course of cones during a go-cart session on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 3, 2016. Rocky modifies all carts to not only put the teenager in control but also to ensure that every turn of the wheel of push of a pedal helps meet some physical goal that betters the body that too offense rebels against them.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes, right, and Valerie Fuller, left, swing Valerie's son Michael, center, while walking to the car after his go-cart session on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 3, 2016. Valerie said, smiling as she watches her son drive towards the setting sun. "Serendipity, fate, whatever you want to call it. Rocky was meant to be in our lives. We know that. He is a savior."

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes drives his van full of go-carts to a Boys Scouts meeting in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 17, 2016. Grimes talked about working with kids with disabilities and go-carts.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes starts to work on go-cart between sessions on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 3, 2016. "Kids with disabilities are always standing on the sidelines, watching traditionally-developed kids have all the fun. That's so wrong," Rocky said. "So you take a kid — he can't get out of bed, he can't climb a tree, maybe he can't even ever go to a movie. But let me strap him in a go-cart and run him through a meadow, an hour of freedom with the wind on his face, and that changes him. I have physics on my side. Engage the mind and the body will follow." Rocky runs Prescribed Power that develops equipment, programs, environments and strategies that make interactions between individuals of varying abilities and economic status mutually beneficial.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes, back left, and his daughter Cori, right, looks through a tool box for the right tool to fix the cart that Rocky's other daughter Julia, front left, sits in on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 25, 2016. Cori and Julia both leave school early one day a week to work alongside their dad.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes, right, helps push Michael Fuller, center, who has genetic chromosomal disorder drive a modified three-wheeled trike that helps Michaels range of motion during a session on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 17, 2016. Rocky runs Prescribed Power that develops equipment, programs, environments and strategies that make interactions between individuals of varying abilities and economic status mutually beneficial.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

Rocky Grimes, right, takes a moment to hold Michael Fuller, center, who has genetic chromosomal after a go-cart session was over on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 3, 2016. Michael was sad because he knew his time was up on the go-cart.

Second Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Kyle Robertson / The Columbus Dispatch

After the final client is gone Rocky Grimes and his daughter Julia, 10, pushes a go-cart back into the barn for the night on a farm in Mechanicsburg, Ohio on October 10, 2016.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Jeremy Wadsworth / The (Toledo) Blade

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Delta High School's Dustin Marteney celebrates after defeating Brendan Fitzgerald of Grandview Heights during their 138-pound Division III championship final match at the 2016 OHSAA 79th Annual State Wrestling Individual Tournament in Columbus, Saturday, March 5, 2016.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Members of the Fassett Junior High School boys and girls cross country teams charge up and down the sledding hill during practice at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, Ohio.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Enjoying a Halloween party are from left: Sr. Mary Mara Bennett, Sr. Mary Jamesetta Krafty, Sr. Mary Bryan Gabel, and Sr. Mary Sartor, at the Provincial Center.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Teiniya Taroxler, 7, flexes her muscles as she watches her father Tijuan Taroxler, Toledo, work out at Ottawa Park in Toledo, Ohio.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Whitmer High School students mourn during a vigil at the school, for classmate Joshua Sorrell, who died after falling down an elevator shaft inside a vacant building.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Athletes race the 300 meter hurdles at the Eagle Track and Field Invitational at Oregon Clay High School.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Union workers block a truck driver as he tries to turn into Libbey Glass during a strike at plant in Toledo.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Meagan Insco, 17, is consoled following a rollover accident at the corner of Manhattan and Stickney, Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Toledo police said the young woman was traveling westbound on Manhattan and turned in front of another vehicle. They cited her for failure to yield during a left turn.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Toledo Walleye player Austin Wuthrich (15) lands hard after he is upended by Cincinnati Cyclones player Brett Wysopal (8) during the first period of their hockey game at the Huntington Center.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Sr. Rose Maria Moser looks at a present left in her new room by students from Lial Catholic School, after moving into the new Sisters of Notre Dame Center in Whitehouse.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

The driver of a car carrier watches as his load of Jeep Grand Cherokees go up in flames on I-75 north of Monroe, Michigan.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Toledo Whitmer High School player Shoe Sanders reacts after the Panthers season ending loss to Medina High School during their Division I football game at Whitmer High School.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears doesn’t have much. The blankets and clothes take up a lot of the space in her shopping cart, some in a large suitcase and others in garbage bags. She has a few toiletries and medications, some bottles of water and snacks, a bent kitchen pot, a large blue tarp, two dog dishes, and a bin full of dog food. And then there’s Cow, a 6½-year-old white boxer mix with a large black patch over the left side of her face, a pouty underbite, and a signature one-sided wiggle used to greet those she knows and likes. Diann recently left her ex-boyfriend of five years. She had already endured emotional abuse for several years when things escalated. “I don’t know what my ex would have done,” Diann said. “Cow is my first priority. She is everything to me.” But her four-legged companion is also her primary barrier to accessing services. Even simple tasks like attending a free meal, using the bathroom, and going to appointments are more complicated for Diann. Finding housing is Diann’s biggest continuing struggle. Because she cannot bear to lose Cow, she has been unable to stay in local homeless shelters.

Diann Wears and her dog Cow move their belongings down 12th Avenue near Madison Avenue in Toledo, Thursday.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears tries to silence her dog Cow while shopping at Goodwill in downtown Toledo.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears and her dog Cow walk the streets near the old Greyhound Terminal at Jefferson Avenue and Michigan Street.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears and her dog Cow get ready to go to sleep at the old Greyhound Terminal at Jefferson Avenue and Michigan Street.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears talks to her dog Cow as they rest near a church that is friendly to homeless people.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears and her dog Cow relax after a meeting trying to find housing.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears cuddles her dog Cow as they lay down to go to sleep at the old Greyhound Terminal at Jefferson Avenue and Michigan Street. The pair were back on the street after staying in a hotel for a week.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

An emotional Diann Wears pauses for a moment as she and her dog Cow meet their new landlord Theresa Kim who offered her a low-rent apartment after hearing about her story from a friend.

Third Place, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Andy Morrison / The (Toledo) Blade

Diann Wears shows her dog Cow their new surroundings as they move into an apartment in Toledo. With a new place to stay, Diann hopes to find a job and keep her and Cow off the streets.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Donald Trump attempts an awkward embrace and air kiss with his vice-presidential nominee, Mike Pence, during the third night of the Republican national convention in Cleveland. Mike Pence formally accepted the nomination as vice-presidential candidate for the Republican party.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Amber, a terminally ill resident at Malachi House, rests in bed as she gets a hug from her stepson, Zachery, 7, before her wedding ceremony. Malachi House serves the needs of those who are terminally ill. It was Amber's final wish to be married before she died.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

The Toy Soldier, played by Rob Hruby, dances with Melissa Aponte, 6 months, from Lorain, during the Toy Soldier, Fairy Godmother, and Friends Holiday Show at Tower City. Hurby has been performing as the Toy Soldier for more than 25 years.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the Ohio State Patrol drape the casket of the late George Voinovich in the Cleveland City Hall rotunda. The troopers were preparing to transport the body to it's final resting spot at All Souls Cemetary.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

McKenzie Mitchell, 6, of Cleveland lays on the floor waiting as her mother Michelle Johnson votes at Gunning Recreation Center.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

David Kuang, of Beachwood Middle School, holds his head in between rounds of the Cuyahoga County spelling bee.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Kiley Kinyon, 20 months, runs through a sunflower field in Avon. Maria's Field of Hope was planted in memory of Maria McNamara who died of brain cancer in 2007. This year 4.2 million seeds were planted in the 48 acre field. Kinyon was dressed up for pictures her mother was taking.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Patrolman Lou Catalani high fives Dontae Anderson, 3, at Woodhill Family Estates. Anderson was staring at Catalani's duty belt and the shiny devices hanging from it. Catalani is part of Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's Police Assisted Referral Program or PAR. It's part of the department's commitment to community policing.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Art peruse the Collection Wall, a 40-foot interactive, multitouch wall that displays in real time the works of art from the permanent collection currently on view in the galleries.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

A perfectly poached egg lies in a bed of housemade noodles as part of Fettucine Carbonara with pancetta from Nora's in Little Italy.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Brazilian artist Ananda Nahu works on part of the giant mural she created to reflect the children living at Lakeview Terrace Estates. The mural, the largest in Ohio, was funded by the Cleveland Foundation's Creative Fusion Arts program.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Donald Trump stokes the fears of an angry Republican convention declaring himself the law and order candidate in an acceptance speech that took a sharply authoritarian turn.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

The Cleveland Indians Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana celebrate after both players scored on Chicago Cubs reliever Jon Lester's wild pitch in the fifth inning of Game 7 of the World Series.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Two years ago Lebron James said he was coming home to Cleveland with the hopes of delivering a championship to a city which had not won one in 52 years.

This past season he delivered on that promise.

Sweeping the first two rounds, the Cavaliers faced a rugged Toronto Raptors team that would push them to six games. In the finals the Cavs found themselves on the short end of a three games to one deficit. James willed a Cavs team on the brink of elimination to a 93-89 Game 7 win and the first NBA championship in team history.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James flexes his muscle after being fouled on a drive to the basket in the fourth quarter.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James looks to pass while guarded by Golden State Warriors forward Harrison Barnes.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo goes high to foul Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith jumps in the arms of LeBron James after the Cavs defeated the Toronto Raptors 113-87 in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Toronto Raptors center Bismack Biyombo congratulates Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James after the Cavs defeated the Toronto Raptors 113-87 in the Eastern Conference finals.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry falls as he tries to draw a charge from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green separates guard Stephen Curry from Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James after James blocked Curry's shot.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is called for his second foul in the second quarter in Game 7 of the NBA finals.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Tears flow as Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James holds the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy after the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warrors 93-89.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Holding a victory cigar in hand, LeBron James raises his arms to acknowledge the crowd while riding on Ontario St. during the Cleveland Cavaliers victory parade.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Fans line windows in a parking garage outside of Quicken Loans Arena during the Cleveland Cavaliers victory parade.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Streamers rain down as Cleveland Cavaliers forwards Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love celebrate their NBA Finals championship at a rally on Mall B.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

For the 550 students involved in the St. Ignatius High School pallbearer ministry, classroom intersects life."We are there to serve in two roles, to carry the casket but also to pray for the deceased and the family, said senior Bobby Sessions.
The 14-year-old ministry serves approximately 250 funerals annually. Each funeral requires the service of six boys. Oftentimes there are few surviving family members of the deceased's family. Sessions believes that serving as pallbearers takes the burden off the family and allows them to grieve freely and spend time together.

Flowers lay on the casket of Angela Greco-Amato at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers carry the casket of 96-year-old Dorothy Umerley in to the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Tom Filipovich plays taps at the Potter's Field Prayer Service October 31, 2015. Twice a year the Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers’ conduct a prayer service for the indigent buried at the City of Cleveland's Potter Field in Highland Hills.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

White gloves are handed out to the Arimathea Pallbearers at the funeral of Can Chenat Zak Funeral Home. July 25, 2015.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Peter Jones buttons up his jacket after putting on white gloves to serve as pallbearers for the funeral of Can Chen at Zak Funeral Home. July 25, 2015.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers in the chapel say prayers before heading to the funeral of Can Chen at Zak Funeral Home.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers lay hands on the casket of Dorothy Umerley at Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers carry the casket of Dorothy Umerley to the burial site at St. Mary's Cemetery.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Family members where the traditional Chinese headdress during the funeral of Can Chen at West Park Cemetery.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Tommy Sullivan, Vid Lutz, Danny Reyes, members of the Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers Ministry at St. Ignatius HS, lay flowers on the casket of Angela Greco-Amato at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Members of the St. Ignatius community spread out to pray for the deceased at the Potter's Field Prayer Service. Twice a year the Saint Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers’ conduct a prayer service for the indigent buried at the City of Cleveland's Potter Field in Highland Hills.

Award of Excellence, Photographer of the Year - Large Market - Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer

Attendees from Bican Bros. Funeral Home, Fr. Joseph Callahan and six members of the St. Joseph of Arimathea Pallbearers Society pay their last respects to Michael Zamborsky, an indigent man, at Calvary Cemetary.