Monthly Archives: March 2016

2015 VNPA Contest: News Picture Story

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1st PLACE NEWS PICTURE STORY: Jonathon Gruenke, Daily Press—A MH-60 helicopter departs aircraft carrier USS George Washington Wednesday morning in the Atlantic Ocean. The USS George Washington is returning to Naval Station Norfolk following it’s deployment in Japan Thursday December 17, 2015. The crew of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington begin to travel to Naval Station Norfolk, which will be its first homecoming in Hampton Roads, and its new home port, since 2008.
USS George Washington service members rearrange the Navy flag Wednesday morning. The aircraft carrier USS George Washington is returning to Naval Station Norfolk following it’s deployment in Japan Thursday December 17, 2015.
USS George Washington LS-3 Vu Le, left and LS-2 Willie Rollins, center, pack boxes as service members wait Wednesday afternoon in the hanger bay. The USS George Washington is returning to Naval Station Norfolk following it’s deployment in Japan Thursday December 17, 2015.
AD-3 Jonathan Woodell, left, Amean Ruben Morones, center, Amean Chase Allen, right, and other USS George Washington service members play cards Wednesday afternoon in the hanger bay. The USS George Washington is returning to Naval Station Norfolk following it’s deployment in Japan Thursday December 17, 2015.
USS George Washington sailors navigate from the bridge as the sun sets Wednesday evening in the Atlantic Ocean. The USS George Washington is returning to Naval Station Norfolk following it’s deployment in Japan Thursday December 17, 2015.
USS George Washington service members pack Wednesday afternoon in the hanger bay as they continue preparations to return to Naval Station Norfolk following it’s deployment in Japan Thursday December 17, 2015.
Sailors stand on the flight deck of the USS George Washington as the aircraft carrier begins to arrive at Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning December 17, 2015.
E-3 Terin Lillard, left, and E-3 Darell Reddick, center, laugh while waiting to leave the USS George Washington after the aircraft carrier arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning December 17, 2015.
Family members wait as sailors begin to leave the USS George Washington after the aircraft carrier arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning December 17, 2015.
Sailors stand on the flight deck of the USS George Washington as the aircraft carrier begins to arrive at Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning December 17, 2015.
Petty Officer 1st Class Tim Walden holds his two-year-old daughter, Teagan, left, and three-year-old daughter, Zoe, right, after the USS George Washington arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Thursday morning December 17, 2015.
2nd PLACE NEWS PICTURE STORY: Matt McClain, Washington Post—Babita Bhandani, right, mourns her brother, an earthquake victim at Pashupatinath Temple on Wednesday April 29, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. A deadly earthquake there killed thousands.
Damage from the earthquake is visible as a woman is reflected in a mirror as she walks near Bhaktapur Durbar Square on Saturday May 02, 2015 in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
Earthquake survivor, Pemba Tamang, 15, is carried away after Fairfax County emergency personnel working with USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team assisted in the effort to save Tamang from the rubble on Thursday April 30, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. A deadly earthquake in Nepal has killed thousands. Tamang was buried in the rubble for several days.
Sabitri Nepan wipes away tears as she stands near her earthquake damaged home on Thursday April 30, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A man monitors an earthquake victim’s funeral pyre at Pashupatinath Temple on Wednesday April 29, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. A deadly earthquake there has killed thousands.
A woman reacts to watching a family member’s funeral pyre as earthquake victim’s are remembered on Wednesday April 29, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Smoke engulfs people as they celebrate Buddha Purnima which commemorates the birthday of Buddha near the Boudhanath stupa on Monday May 04, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. The ceremony took on a deeper significance being a little over a week after a deadly earthquake killed thousands.
Widowed and displaced by the earthquake, Minu Nepali, 23, holds her unnamed youngest son as she now lives in a tent encampment on Tuesday May 05, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her husband was killed in the earthquake.
People cross a bridge carry belongings on Sunday May 03, 2015 in the Nuwakot District of Nepal. Some are carrying relief items that were handed out from a parked truck. Remote areas like the Nuwakot District have had trouble getting aid.
A woman walks out of a tent nestled in a scenic spot on Sunday May 03, 2015 in the Nuwakot District of Nepal. A deadly earthquake in Nepal killed thousands. Tent encampments are a common sight as people have lost their homes or are afraid to return to them because of earthquake damage.
A young boy does a flip into a pit that was being used for garbage at a tent encampment for people displaced by the earthquake on Tuesday May 05, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
3rd PLACE NEWS PICTURE STORY: Mike Morones, Military Times—Plebes run to the Severn River to wash off during the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebe’s participate in the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebes negotiate a low-crawl obstacle during the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebe Jack Herold of Chicago climbs a rope at the end of the obstacle course during the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Lt. George Yacus, a staff member at the Center for Academic Excellence, greets plebes as they exit the Severn River during the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebe’s participate in the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Nourse Fox, from Memphis, Tenn., and his fellow plebes participate in the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebes cross a rope bridge during the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebes cheer on their classmates during the ground fighting portion of the Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Midshipman 2nd-class Zach Coffman, of Charlottesville, Va., encourages plebes during the tug-of-war at the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebes battle with pugil sticks during the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
Plebes rest in the shade after completing an obstacle course at the annual Sea Trials exercise at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. The event, modeled after the Marine Corps’ Crucible and Navy’s Battle Stations events, runs over 14 hours and tests the plebes’ physical and mental endurance.
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HM NEWS PICTURE STORY: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—In 1965, nonviolent demonstrators endured billy clubs, cattle prods and clouds of tear gas as they protested for their right to vote. SelmaÕs ÒBloody Sunday,Ó a day of shocking violence and stirring courage, spurred passage of the Voting Rights Act, one of the most important achievements of the civil rights era. Fifty years after Bloody Sunday, the brutal, institutionalized racism that outraged much of the country is gone from Selma, but a canyon still exists between races. The city has been divided recently over whether to repair a monument honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest, the Confederate general who later became the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. It’s schools have been effectively segregated since the early 1990s. Much of the outright, institutionalized racism has been replaced with murkier problems that cannot be repaired by a brave stand on a bridge or a single sweeping piece of legislation. Just 60 miles to the south, African-American officials in Shelby County, Alabama, are still fighting for voter rights.

2015 VNPA Contest: Feature Picture Story

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1st PLACE FEATURE PICTURE STORY: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—Paul Gayle and his daughter, Sapphire Gayle, head home after taking a fatherhood development class called Fragile Families and Responsible Fatherhood at Next Door Foundation in Milwaukee, WI. When he found out he was having a daughter, he was unemployed, single and still pursuing his high school diploma. Lately, Paul had had been purchasing his Pampers one at a time, repeating the same transaction so often at a corner store that a clerk had dubbed it the Daddy Paul Special, 75 cents for a single cigarette and a size-3 diaper.
With his daughter, Sapphire, curiously looking on, Paul Gayle explains to social worker Alphonso Pettis about being thrown out of his mother’s house after a disagreement. At 19, he possessed what few other black men in his neighborhood did: He was among the 42 percent with no criminal record; the 35 percent with a high school diploma; and the 14 percent of fathers who lived with their child. “A master at barely avoiding disaster,” his mother said of him, but she had said the same thing about Paul’s father until he was shot and killed during an argument at 39, when Paul was in eighth grade.
With his daughter in a stroller closely, Paul Gayle heads toward home after attending one of his fatherhood development classs at Next Door Foundation. Paul doesn’t have a car and relies on the bus system as his main method of transportation.
Sapphire Gayle keeps her eyes on her father as Paul searches for a place for them to live. “I can’t be your safety net forever,” his mother had told him and decided against giving him his own key to her house.
Paul Gayle entertains Sapphire before putting the child to sleep at the home of Paul’s best friend. When he graduated from high school the year before, he had been celebrated as one of the principal’s handpicked “turnaround stories.”
Skin art displays pieces of Paul’s character, a whacky tongue to the sometimes too serious world and a plant that he says helps keep him calm through it all.
Paul and Sapphire participate in a parenting exercise during a fatherhood development class at Next Door Foundation. He had pushed a creaky stroller through one of Milwaukee’s worst neighborhoods and ridden a bus across the city not because he wanted to attend a class called Fragile Families and Responsible Fatherhood, but because, like everyone else in the room, he saw no other choice. He agreed to continue coming after his 16 sessions were up, thinking he might need the guidance and the free baby supplies offered by the foundation.
Paul takes a break from his fatherhood development class to change his daughter’s diaper. In the beginning, he and Sapphire’s mother shared custody of the young girl. But when Sapphire’s mother started to visit less, Paul began to wonder if he should fight for solo custody in court.
Between job searching and fatherhood class, Paul and Sapphire wait for a city bus. His former high school counselor told him about a job opportunity in a nearby suburb, three bus transfers away.
Held in the arms of her father, Sapphire is entertained by Paul’s best friend , Sly Nixon, who regularly allows Paul and Sapphire to stay at his house and who regularly babysits his friend’s young child.
With his daughter napping, Paul sparks marijuana with friends. He had moved nine times in seven months and had been offered two jobs but failed the drug tests.
Paul and Sapphire at the home of the young father’s best friend. “I’m gonna be the best daddy for this girl,” he wrote on his Facebook page shortly after she was born. Only in the next months did he begin to understand what that would require.
2nd PLACE FEATURE PICTURE STORY: Daniel Min, Times-Dispatch—Edward Miller looks on his sister, Shakiria Miller, and cousin, David Grady, 3 (back in 2013), at his home. Edward was shot five times by another 16-year-old, with unknown reason, while walking home with his sister, Shakiria Miller, from a birthday party on March 2, 2013. “First time, I got a little shook-up. Second time, I hit the ground. Out of breath, pleading for my life,” Edward said of the shooting.
Lawanda Booker and her son, Edward Miller (16, back in 2013) spent time at their home in Richmond on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. One of the difficulties for Edward after being shot is that he needs to spend most of his time at his home for medical issues. He used to be very active and outgoing boy.
This is the last photo of Edward, standing on his two feet. Edward had taken this photo two days before he was shot five times by another 16-year-old on a South Richmond street.
Dexter Tillery lifts up his cousin Edward Miller taking a shower on Oct. 2, 2013. Simply using a bathroom for Edward is a challenging task for the family. ÒEverything now is much slower. You have to wait a lot of time on other peopleÕs time,Ó Edward said of being helped on his daily activities.
Open wounds on Edward’s feet are examined by Kim Curran, center, a registered nurse and care coordinator, Dr. Mark Solomon, a plastic surgeon, and Dr. Connie Domingo, a pediatric physical medicine & rehabilitation physician, at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia on Nov. 5, 2013. Edward’s feet have opened wounds by pressure from his bones as gunshots paralyzed Edward from the waist down. After doctorsÕ concern of the infection, Edward has to stay at the hospital until he finds proper open wound cares back home in Richmond.
Edward Miller, (17 in 2014) left, prays with his mother, Lawanda Booker, standing next to Edward, during a church service at Crusade for Christ Christian Church Ministries in Richmond on Sunday, March 2, 2014. Edward often recites the note from his sister, Shakiria Miller, ÔGod gives his hardest battles to his strongest warriors.Õ ÓThatÕs what got me through physical therapy, those hard days and me passing out and stuff like that. ThatÕs what got me through that hard time,Ò Edward said of the note.
Edward, left, and Andre Seabrook, show off what they can do with their wheelchairs as Edward visits his friend, Andre, in Richmond on Monday, April 14, 2014. They met each other at VCU rehabilitation center as they both were shots on the same day but not related crimes, which caused paralysis for both from their waist down. ÒWhen I heard his story, it made me feel better about my story. So I wonÕt be the only one going through my situation, ÒEdward said of Andre.
Edward Miller, (17 in 2014), exercises with the help of Rodney Debro, a neighbor, at Debro’s backyard in Richmond on Tuesday, June 17, 2014. To prepare his spinal fusion surgery, Edward tried to lose his weight and build the muscle.
Edward, center, arrives Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia for his spinal fusion surgery to treat his curved spine on Oct. 27, 2014. Doctors planed to correct EdwardÕs curved spine, which caused by pressure from his weight after being paralyzed by the shooting.
Lawanda Booker compares before (right) and after X-ray photos of Edward’s spinal fusion surgery at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia. A bullet on Edward’s spine was also removed during the surgery. Edward was shot five times by another 16-year-old, with unknown reason, while walking home with his sister from a birthday party. “First time, I got a little shook-up. Second time, I hit the ground. Out of breath, pleading for my life,” Edward said of the shooting.
Edward Miller checks out his belly to make sure the surgery treated his curved spine with help of his mother, Lawanda Booker, after 13-hour spinal fusion surgery to treat his curved spine at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia on Oct. 28, 2014. Surgery marks on his belly is from his previous surgery when he was shot five times by another 16-year-boy.
Edward Miller and his mom, Lawanda Booker, share a smile on Edward’s 18th birthday at their home in Richmond on Jan. 31, 2015. Lawanda said she is grateful for God that Edward made his 18th birthday after all of struggles after the shooting. Booker said, ÒToday is a day of celebration for me and Edward.Ó
3rd PLACE FEATURE PICTURE STORY: Jay Diem, Easter Shore News—Baylee Hart steps up in her truck, which has matching eyelashes, to look over the mud hop course before the start of the Muddin’ at the Moose event on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Hart would race in one run at the event before switching gears to attend her senior prom that night at nearby Broadwater Academy.
Baylee Hart transfers her white prom dress to a nearby camper where she will prep for her senior prom after competing in the Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Baylee Hart, 18, bites her lip as she patiently waits for her turn to race in the Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Hart began racing in mud hop events at age 16 and is often one of a few female drivers in the racing field.
A pair of 2X4s and some other scrap lumber help Baylee Hart push the gas pedal all the way to the floor while racing in mud hops. Hart has been racing in mudding events since she was 16 and is often one of only a few women drivers in the field.
Baylee Hart participates in her first and only race in the Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop in Belle Haven, Va. on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Hart, a high school senior, and the only female driver in the field that day, had to cut two races out for the day to switch gears and get ready for her senior prom that night.
Baylee Hart returns to pit row after participating in her first and only race in the Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop in Belle Haven, Va. on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Hart, a high school senior, and the only female driver in the field that day, had to cut two races out to switch gears and prepare for her senior prom later that night.
Baylee Hart sits back as her stylist Rachel Britton puts the finshing touches on her eye makeup in preparation for Hart’s senior prom.
Baylee Hart dances after getting dressed in the camper where she prepared for her senior prom.
Baylee Hart makes her way through the mud hop pits after getting dressed for her senior prom with an entourage of younger girls in tow.
G.W. Hart covers the seats of his daughter’s mudding truck with bed sheets to protect her prom dress from any mud in the cab of the truck as he escorts her to her senior prom at Broadwater Academy on Saturday, April 11, 2015.
Baylee Hart arrives at her senior prom in her mudding truck after completing a race earlier in the day.
Baylee Hart (right) dances with her friends during the Broadwater Academy senior prom. Earlier in the day Hart competed in the local Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop.
HM FEATURE PICTURE STORY: Vicki Cronis, Virginian-Pilot— The Last Days of Being Mr. D “Mr. D” is Robin Davenport, who has been prinicipal of Creeds Elementary in rural Virginia Beach for 17 years. As a child, Davenport attended Creeds through the 8th grade. He rode to school every morning with his mother, the lunchroom manager, who was famous for her no-bake cookies that sold two for 5 cents. He still lives in Creed, just five minutes away. For Davenport, it has been “an honor to serve my community, to serve my friends.” Principal Robin Davenport pauses in the hallway as the Pledge of Allegiance comes over the loudspeakers on May 5, 2015, at Creeds Elementary School in Virginia Beach, VA. He is the only principal in Virginia Beach to work at the elementary school they attended as a child.
HM FEATURE PICTURE STORY: Edlund-Welch Richmond TImes-Dispatch—After their mother was deported to El Salvador, Brianna Ceren and Josh Ceren were moved from Richmond to Sussex County where they live with their foster parents Harold and Connie Young. The Youngs with help from Forgotten Initiative gave Brianna a quinceanera, or 16th birthday party, which is traditionally a family affair.
HM PLACE FEATURE PICTURE STORY: Autumn Parry, News & Advance—Ruby Johnson takes the bus to the Lynchburg Department of Social Services to ask for assistance after she was unable to pay the electric bill in July. As a former resident of Miriam’s House, a shelter for homeless women and children which helped her find a full-time job and a place to call home, Ruby still struggles to provide for herself and her 14-year-old son, Cortez.

VNPA 2015 Contest: Sports Picture Story

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1st PLACE SPORTS PICTURE STORY: Jonathan Gruenke, Daily Press—Stephen Richards waits to enter the ring before his match against Francois Ambang during Friday’s SuperFight presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum. GLORY World Series, the popular kickboxing showcase, held a series of 10 bouts, which was broadcasted nationally live on Spike-TV. Different from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), GLORY kickboxing rules are a mix of several combat disciplines including karate, Muay Thai, tae kwon do and traditional boxing.
Raymond Daniels celebrates after defeating Jonatan Oliveira during Friday’s tournament presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum.
Robert Thomas waits inside the round in between as women carrying the round number in identify the current round pass by before the start of the match against Joe Schilling during Friday’s co-headline event presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum.
Myron Dennis, right, and Brian Collette, center, dance around the ring during Friday’s SuperFight presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum.
Max Baumert looks off in the distance while bleeding during his match against Josh Jauncey during Friday’s SuperFight presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum. The fight was called due to Baumert’s injury.
Fans of Raymond Daniels cheer as he competes against Jonatan Oliveira during Friday’s tournament presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum.
Myron Dennis, left, trades punches with Brian Collette, right, during Friday’s SuperFight presented by Glory Sports International at the Hampton Coliseum.
2nd PLACE SPORTS PICTURE STORY: Alexa Welch-Edlund, Times-Dispatch—James River Head Coach Joe Sullivan works with his volleyball team during practice.
James River Head Coach Joe Sullivan talks to his team after Douglas Freeman pulled way ahead of them.
James River Head Coach Joe Sullivan serves while working out with his volleyball team during practice.
James River Head Coach Joe Sullivan works with his volleyball team during practice.
James River Head Coach Joe Sullivan calls out to a player on the bench during their game with Douglas Freeman.
Prosthetist Joe Sullivan makes adjustments to University st of Virginia student coach Jacob Rainey’s running prosthesis. Rainey was a quarterback for Woodberry Forest when his leg had to be amputated after a severe injury.
Prosthetist Joe Sullivan checks to make adjustments to UVA student coach Jacob Rainey’s running prosthesis. Rainey was a quarterback for Woodberry Forest when his leg had to be amputated after a severe injury.
Prosthetist Joe Sullivan watches as Keith Chantree tries out a Triton smart ankle at Powell Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Prosthetist Joe Sullivan adjusts triathelete Robin Yoder’s prosthesis as she tries out a Triton smart ankle at Powell Orthotics and Prosthetics.
James River Head Coach Joe Sullivan, middle, goes over some pointers with his volleyball team during practice.
3rd PLACE SPORTS PICTURE STORY: Daniel Woolfolk, Military Times—Sgt. Kristoffer Friend, of the Army Reserve Marksmanship Team, wears shooting glasses that he assembled for competing and woreat the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. The Marine Corps’ Weapons Training Battalion hosted the event from June 24 to July 1.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Leigh Jenks of the National Guard Shooting Team, competes at the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Competitors take part in the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Army CW3 David Kerin gives feedback to Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Jones, of the National Guard Shooting Team, during the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Sgt. Kristoffer Friend, of the Army Reserve Marksmanship Team, steadies his breathing before competing at the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
A scope’s view of the targets at the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
an Army Marksmanship Unit rifle is seen resting during the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Staff Sgt. Chad Ranton (right). of the U.S. Marine Corps Rifle Team, competes at the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Jones looks at his score card at the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Marine Cpl. Brandon Yaser, of the Paris Island Shooting Team, reacts after one competition at the 54th Interservice Rifle Match held at Quantico Va., on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
HM SPORTS PICTURE STORY: Mike Morones, Military Times—Summary: Athletes representing all of the service branches converged on Marine Corps Base Quantico to compete in the annual Warrior Games competition. The service members are all recovering from combat wounds, illnesses or other injuries.
HM SPORTS PICTURE STORY: Doug Graham, Loudon Now—Underground bicycle racing is held during the winter months in Northern Virginia and is called “Wednesday Night Spins”. The event is held at 2345 Crystal Drive in the underground parking garage in Crystal City. The race has a huge following and is held every Wednesday and is open to the general public to watch and to race.

 

Best in Show 2015 P. Kevin Morley Richmond Times-Dispatch

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2015 BEST IN SHOW: P. Kevin Morley, Times-Dispatch—A month after having a 2.5-lb. tumor removed, 6-year-old Jack Morley goes through chemotherapy at the Massey Cancer Center at VCU. His mid-December operation happened five days after the diagnosis of a Wilms tumor. The tumor is a kidney cancer that occurs more frequently in children. Jack lost one of his kidneys. Jack said that the chemotherapy is the worst part about cancer treatment. “I don’t like chemo. It’s just pretty much every time I go get this medicine that makes me feel nauseated and constipated,” Jack said.

The VNPA 2015 Contest Winning Singles

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1st Place Environment/Nature: Hyunsoo Leo Kim, Virginian-Pilot–Bonneville Salt Flats. in front of the mountain on the horizon is where UtahÕs famed measured mile-site of world land-speed record runs where Gary Gabelich set the new record of 622.407 miles per hour with a rocket engine. Occasionally when the flat gets flooded with rain, the heaven meets the earth on this 30,000-acre land.
2nd Place Environment/Nature: Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press– Horses in a field along in Newport News bear temperatures Wednesday morning cold enough to make their breath visible. Temps are expected to drop through out the week.
3rd Place Environment/Nature: Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press–A large group of deer graze as a steady snow comes down on a field near Endview Plantation in Newport News. Deer populations near Newport News Park and the plantation have exploded because no hunting is allowed and a lack of natural predators.
HM Environment/Nature: Erica Yoon, Roanoke Times–The claws of a turkey stick out from Steve DavenportÕs sack after he shot it during a hunt on April 5, 2015. The 10th annual Gunnin’ for Gobblers event, sponsored by the Bedford Outdoor Sportsman Association, sent 44 hunters into the fields across Bedford County. GunninÕ for Gobblers is held each year during spring turkey season to give physically disabled hunters the opportunity to spend a morning looking through a scope with the assistance of BOSA members. Davenport served as a guide.
HM Environment/Nature: Jonathon Gruenke, Daily Press–Lightning flashes over the James River as severe thunderstorms move through Hampton Roads Tuesday evening.
1st PLACE FEATURE: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post–Paul and Sapphire at the home of the young father’s best friend. “I’m gonna be the best daddy for this girl,” he wrote on his Facebook page shortly after she was born. Only in the next months did he begin to understand what that would require.
2nd PLACE FEATURE: Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press–Dolton McCurry in his Leonardo Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hoodie plays in the snow in front of his home on in Newport News. This is the second unusually large snowstorm to hit the area this winter.
3rd PLACE FEATURE: Matt McClain, Washington Post–A young boy does a flip into a pit that was being used for garbage at a tent encampment for people displaced by the earthquake on Tuesday May 05, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
HM FEATURE: The’ Pham, Virginian Pilot–Todd Rosenlieb reacts as his dancers Emma Raker, back, Courtney Coirin, center, and Janelle Spruill, right, going through the routines during the rehearsal of To Be Frank segment for the 10th Anniversary at Todd Rosenlieb Dance in Norfolk, Va., on Nov. 4, 2015. The dancers are preparing for the upcoming Nov. 13 and 14 show that celebrates the 10th anniversary of Todd Rosenlieb’s professional dance company, the only professional dance company in the areas in Norfolk, Va. “Humor in Dance is the signature in my work,” says Rosenlieb.
HM FEATURE: Bill Tiernan, Virginian Pilot–Norwood Thomas ,93, of Virginia Beach as he Skypes with Joyce Morris at her home in Australia Friday evening, November 6, 2015. During WWII she lived in England and was Joyce Durrant, the girlfriend of Thomas, a D-Day paratrooper with the Army’s 101st Airborne Division. They lost contact after the war but reconnected in 2015. Thomas flew to Australia in February 2016 to visit Joyce, seeing her for the first time in 70 years.
HM FEATURE: Autumn Parry, News & Advance–Erin Alburger, 11, participates in a staring exercise as the students learn how to become clowns during Randolph’s WildCat Theatre Conservatory at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Va.
1st PLACE PORTRAIT: P. Kevin Morley, Times-Dispatch—A month after having a 2.5-lb. tumor removed, 6-year-old Jack Morley goes through chemotherapy at the Massey Cancer Center at VCU. His mid-December operation happened five days after the diagnosis of a Wilms tumor. The tumor is a kidney cancer that occurs more frequently in children. Jack lost one of his kidneys. Jack said that the chemotherapy is the worst part about cancer treatment. “I don’t like chemo. It’s just pretty much every time I go get this medicine that makes me feel nauseated and constipated,” Jack said.
2nd PLACE PORTRAIT: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—Gordon Corley, 57, sits outside his wife’s biker apparel shop in Maplesville, AL. Corley explained the meaning to him of each of the three flags that flew behind him. “The American flag, that’s our country, that’s our heritage. It doesn’t matter what color our skin is. We all come from America…Don’t tread on me, that’s the Marine Corps…Far as the rebel flag, that’s just the south. That’s just the heritage of the south.”
3rd PLACE PORTRAIT: Daniel Min, Times-Dispatch—Muslims pray as they celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
HM PORTRAIT: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—Cain Mariscal is a former gang-banger who now works as a homeless outreach worker, on October 5, 2015, in San Diego, CA.
HM PORTRAIT: Jay Diem, Delmarva Now—Irving Jarvis, a World War II U.S. Army veteran, will turn 90 on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Jarvis plans to celebrate with family and friends at his home in Eastville, Va.
1st PLACE SPORTS ACTION: Austin Bachand, Daily News Record—James Madison University r-senior Deane Cheatham (37) looses his helmet as he gets taken down by the Lehigh defense during their game at JMU’s Bridgeforth Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2015.
2nd PLACE SPORTS ACTION: Doug Graham, Loudon Now—Racing action at the Luray Caverns CX race held on the grounds of Luray Caverns in Virginia on September 12, 2015.
3rd PLACE SPORTS ACTION: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—Youngsters hoop on a portable basketball goal brought through their West Baltimore neighborhood by the city’s parks and recreation division on November 17, 2015, in Baltimore, Maryland. The goals are regularly rotated around the city in an effort to divert kids from the negatives of the streets.
HM SPORTS ACTION: Alexa Welch Edlund, Times-Dispatch—Kickers’ William Yomby and N.Y. Red Bulls II’s Shawn McLaws head the ball during their game Saturday, May 30, 2015.
HM SPORTS ACTION: Dean Hoffmeyer Times-Dispatch—Keitaro Sawada of Japan rides west on Broad St. during the UCI Men’s Junior Individual Time Trials on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015 in downtown Richmond, VaRichmond, Va.
HM SPORTS ACTION: Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press—Norfolk’s DeAndre Sangster manages to hold onto this first quarter pass for a first down as he is hit by Hampton’s Chaka Diarrassouba Saturday September 26, 2015 in Norfolk.
1st PLACE SPORTS FEATURE: Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press—Hampton University coach Connell Maynor argues a call during the third quarter against Norfolk State September 26, 2015 in Norfolk.
2nd PLACE SPORTS FEATURE: Doug Graham, Loudon Now—Artist paints bicycle racers as they zoom past at the Air Force Association Cycling ClassicÕs Clarendon Cup. The pro race is part of USA Cycling’s National Criterium Calendar, and has been the Washington DC region’s premier Pro/Am race since 1998. The Clarendon Cup is known as one of the most difficult criterium races in the USA, due to technical demands of the course and the quality of the participants.
3rd PLACE SPORTS FEATURE: Jonathon Gruenke, Daily Press—From left, Warhill’s Jewel Walters, Nicole Mulligan, Alexis Pollard and Chloe Wilmoth celebrate after defeating Hidden Valley during Saturday’s 3A state championship volleyball game at VCU’s Siegel Center on November 21, 2015.
HN SPORTS FEATURE: The’ Pham Virginian-Pilot—At the 10:33 mark in the second period, Norfolk Admirals’ Gabriel Verpaelst (27) and Reading Royals’ Derek Mathers started the fight during their game at the Scope in Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015. From that moment on, more players get involved.
HM SPORTS FEATURE: Austin Bachand, Daily News Record—Hofstra junior Caryn Bailey gets welcomed to home base by the rest of her team after she hit a home run during their CAA Championship game against James Madison University on Thursday, May 7.
HM SPORTS FEATURE: Matt McClain, Washington Post—Adriano DeSorrento makes some practice pitches in between Potomac Wiffleball League games at Gravelly Point Park on Sunday June 07, 2015 in Arlington, VA.
HM SPORTS FEATURE: Jonathon Gruenke, Daily Press—Chris Wharton stretches before participating in the Drag Race on Queens Way during Saturday’s Hampton Block Party. Four teams representing different charities ran down Queens Way in heats.
1st PLACE PICTORIAL: Heather Rousseau, Roanoke Times—A flag is burned along with other retired flags during the William Byrd High School annual flag retirement ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony took place on the stadium field and people were welcome to bring flags for the JROTC to properly retire.
2nd PLACE PICTORIAL: Nikki Fox, Daily News Record—A bee flies in a field of sunflowers in Dayton, Va., Sept. 9, 2015.
3rd PLACE PICTORIAL: Bill Tiernan, Virginian-Pilot—A crow flies thru the fog shrouded Forest Lawn Cemetery Sunday morning, February 22, 2015. Last week’s snow began to melt as temperatures rose to the low 50’s Sunday afternoon.
HM PICTORIAL: Austin Bachand, Daily News Record—Demetri Masincup, 8, son of Shawnn Masincup, sits on the top of their car while visiting the Christmas light show at 6994 Tiltyard Drive in Dayton on Wednesday, December 16. The 35-minute long show had lights choreographed with music that played on the radio.
HM PICTORIAL: Todd Spencer, Virginian-PilotBlack and white image of a clear sky as the sun sets, lighting the moon and a jet making its way over Norfolk, Virginia.
HM PICTORIAL: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—Dancers practice their moves during a Bachata Sensual dance workshop at The Salsa Room on January 10, 2015, in Arlington, VA.
HM PICTORIAL: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—Ledell Tenner, 59, on ladder, and Frank Murry, 54, both electricians with the city of Selma, change lights and their fixtures at the foot of the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Bloody Sunday civil rights march, on March 3, 2015, in Selma, AL.
1st PLACE SPOT NEWS: Heather Rousseau, Roanoke Times—Ashley Hill, 24, of Roanoke and John Joplin, 74, of Rocky Mount, make calls from their cars while waiting to be rescued from a Roanoke Fire-EMS swift water rescue team on Tuesday Sept. 29 on Bennington Street SE. Police and rescue personnel set up traffic barriers on hundreds of flooded or dangerous roads in Southwest Virginia on Tuesday, but that did not stop many people from going around them. “It was my own stupid fault,Ó said Joplin who thought he could make it to the convenience store, so he weaved around the orange traffic barricades.
2nd PLACE SPOT NEWS: Bob Martin, Freelance—The Fredericksburg (Va.) Police Department’s Special Equipment Tactical Team (SETT) approach a room at the Relax Inn in Fredericksburg, Va. to end a five-hour standoff. A 53-year-old man was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation. (April 2, 2015)
3rd PLACE SPOT NEWS: Jonathon Gruenke, Daily Press—Ryan West, center, paddles a boat with other children through rising flood water in Poquoson Saturday afternoon October 3, 2015.
HM SPOT NEWS: Matt McClain, Washington Post—Earthquake survivor, Pemba Tamang, 15, is carried away after Fairfax County emergency personnel working with USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team assisted in the effort to save Tamang from the rubble on Thursday April 30, 2015 in Kathmandu, Nepal. A deadly earthquake in Nepal has killed thousands. Tamang was buried in the rubble for several days.
1st PLACE GENERAL NEWS: Rob Ostermaier, Daily Press—Newport News inmate Gregory Washington talks on the phone at the jail annex as he prepares for a GED graduation ceremony. Three inmates participated in the ceremony inside the jail.
2nd PLACE GENERAL NEWS: Hyunsoo Leo Kim, Virginian Pilot—“It’s great to have her home.” Even before the giant white ship with a big red cross on each side pulled into view, Lt. Col. Greg Hoffman stood out front on the rainy pier under an umbrella, wearing an elegant suit and holding a bouquet of pink flowers. He’s a Marine with 26 years of service. His wife, Lt. Cmdr. Beth Hoffman, is a Navy nurse at Portsmouth Navy Medical Center and was selected for commander on this deployment. In the decade since they got married, they’ve both deployed so many times – including several combat tours – that they’ve been apart as much as they’ve been together, Hoffman said. “This one was tough,” he said. Communications were difficult. Compared to the Navy’s warships and aircraft carriers, the Comfort’s communications are less sophisticated. There are no phones or video chatting. It doesn’t get easier, said the seasoned combat officer, his eyes welling with tears.
3rd PLACE GENERAL NEWS: Daniel Min, Times-Dispatch—Shaqwanna Boisseau, facing, comforts her cousin, Kalesha Jones, 11, best friend of Amiya Moses, during a vigil. Amiya, the 12-year-old, was killed at her friend’s apartment.
HM GENERAL NEWS: Todd Spencer, Pilot—LTJG William K. Reade exits the The Los Angeles-class attack submarine Boise after it returned to the Naval Station Norfolk from a seven-month deployment.
HN GENERAL NEWS: Daniel Lin, Daily News-Record—Bryan Kiracofe, of Briery Branch, casts his vote on election day with some help from his daughter Chloe, 6, at the Ottobine Elementary School voting location.
HM GENERAL NEWS: Bill Tiernan, Virginian-Pilot—Friends and family gathered at Camelot Park, a small neighborhood park in Chesapeake to remember their friend Stratton Mitchell,20, who was shot and killed early Saturday morning in the 2500 block of Atlantic Ave. at the oceanfront.
1st PLACE LIFESTYLE: Matt McClain, Washington Post—A man gathers up his belongings next to a photograph promoting a new luxury restaurant along 15th St. NW on Monday February 2, 2015 in Washington, DC.
2nd PLACE LIFESTYLE: Todd Spencer, Virginian-Pilot—Eleven-year-old Michaeyla Nadeau, who has been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, reaches up from her wheelchair as simulated snow falls from the roof of the Children’s Museum of Virginia during the Snow Wonders event outside the museum in Portsmouth, Virginia.
3rd PLACE LIFESTYLE: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—John Johnson, 73, prepares to rest in his rented home of the Minnie B. Anderson Homes neighborhood, a dilapidated housing complex adjacent to the former Craig Air Force Base in Selma, AL. These units, mostly vacant and ransacked, were residences for Craig AFB personnel but were converted to low-income housing after the base closed in 1977. President Barack landed at the base next to the complex and drove past en route to deliver remarks in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
HM LIFESTYLE: Jahi Chikwendiu, Washington Post—As temperatures plunged to feel like almost zero degrees, a homeless man who wishes not to be named prepares his bed for the night outside a busy Union Station, on January 8, 2015, in Washington, DC. As the first serious cold for 2015 hit the district, the city activated its Cold Emergency Plan to protect homeless and at-risk residents who wished to accept the offer of warm shelter.

 

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Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community resident Doris Bombarder, left, 84, helps Waterman Elementary School kindergartner Brody Williams, right, 5, cover classmate Gisele Butterfield, 5, in maple leaves while spending time outside the school Wednesday morning. VMRC residents have been in a Big Brothers Big Sisters program where they get paired with kindergartner as their GrandBigs.
Amanda Harvell shares a kiss with her son Frankie Harvell, 3, during the annual Lynchburg Christmas parade in downtown Lynchburg, Va. on December 6, 2015.
John Dinio, left, and Joy Dinio walk along the James River as the sun begins to set Tuesday evening October 20, 2015.
Demetri Masincup, 8, son of Shawnn Masincup, sits on the top of their car while visiting the Christmas light show at 6994 Tiltyard Drive in Dayton on Wednesday, December 16. The 35-minute long show had lights choreographed with music that played on the radio.
Ryan West, center, paddles a boat with other children through rising flood water in Poquoson Saturday afternoon October 3, 2015.
Lori Fernandez is reunited with her dog Minnie after it was pulled from her burned out home in the Cambridge Apartment complex in Hampton. Fernandez was no home where her apartment caught fire but all of her pets were rescued by Hampton fire personel.
Reuben Miller, 5, of Harrisonburg, plays Christmas songs on a recorder for neighbors Pat Hedrick, at right, and Lewis Siever for donations as he helps raise money to cover the costs of a heart pump for his great-uncle, Kenneth Dove Jr.
William and Mary’s Trey Reed, left, disrupts a pass intended for Hampton University’s Rayshad Riddick during Saturday’s game at Zable Stadium October 24, 2015.
From left, Warhill’s Jewel Walters, Nicole Mulligan, Alexis Pollard and Chloe Wilmoth celebrate after defeating Hidden Valley during Saturday’s 3A state championship volleyball game at VCU’s Siegel Center on November 21, 2015.
Hidden Valley High School junior Brad Williams watches his putt during the 3A West regional golf tournament at Lakeview Golf Course on Tuesday, October 6, 2015.
Emma Turner laughs as she shows off her newly remodeled bedroom at her home near Parksley, Va. on Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. Turner, 11, is being treated for an aggressive brain cancer, while her mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer at the same time. Roc Solid Foundation, a Hampton Roads non-profit, recently remodeled Turner’s bedroom while it sent the family to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Va.
Dyshawn Beckett, a senior captain for the Northampton High School football team, poses for a portrait before his team’s practice on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015. Beckett has over 1,600 all-purpose yards this season.
Assistant coach Randy Birch gives Virginia Wolverine Brein “Chooch” Burch (1) a pep talk during their AAU game against the Richmond Eagles Saturday afternoon at the River’s Edge Sports Complex in Roanoke, Nov. 14, 2015. The Wolverines, the first American Athletic Union team of its kind in Roanoke, won its game 24-19 and went undefeated in their season 8-0. They are headed to Lynchburg next week for the state championship at E.C. Glass High School.
Bodine Kahoun (36), running back with the Virginia Wolverines, gains yardage past the Richmond Eagles during the AAU game at River’s Edge Sports Complex in Roanoke Saturday afternoon, Nov. 14, 2015. The Wolverines, the first American Athletic Union team of its kind in Roanoke, won its game 24-19 and went undefeated in their season 8-0. They are headed to Lynchburg next week for the state championship at E.C. Glass High School.
Jerel Rhodes, (22), left, and Carlos CJ Beattie-Cicero, (69), right, follow the play closely on the sidelines with his teammates during their AAU game against the Richmond Eagles at the Rivers Edge Sports Complex on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015. The Wolverines, the first American Athletic Union team of its kind in Roanoke, won its game 24-19 and went undefeated in their season 8-0. They are headed to Lynchburg next week for the state championship at E.C. Glass High School.
Tray Wilson helps stretch out Julius “J.J.” Muse (4) on the sidelines during the Wolverines’ semi-final game against the Richmond Eagles Nov. 14, 2015.
Jerel Rhodes (22) helps excite his team in the second half of their semi final game against the Richmond Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
A kick by a Wolverine is made towards the goal against the Richmond Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 during the AAU semifinal game.
Ayden Causey (18) sits out for a few moments to catch his breathe during the AAU Wolverines’ game against the Richmond Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
Jerel Rhodes takes a drink during half time in a huddle with his team, The Wolverines, during the AAU semi final game against the Richmond Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
The Wolverines and Eagles take a timeout during their semifinal game at River’s Edge Sport Complex on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
Devin Johnson (9) makes a last minute pass as two Richmond Eagle players come close for a tackle during the AAU semifinal game on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015 at River’s Edge Sports Complex.
From left to right: Tamari Merchant, Anika Battle, From left to right: Tamari Merchant, Anika Battle, Genesis Adams and Kennedy Helm cheer for their team, the Wolverines, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
Dietrich Bundick, a coach with the AAU Virginia Wolverines, cheers as he watches his team make plays against the Richmond Eagles at River’s Edge Sports Complex on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015.
Assistant coach Jerel Rhodes encourages the Virginia Wolverines before the second half of the game against the Richmond Eagles. “Great teams are made in times like this!” Rhodes shouted as the team entered the second half trailing the Eagles. The Wolverines, the first American Athletic Union team of its kind in Roanoke, won its game 24-19 and went undefeated in their season 8-0. They are headed to Lynchburg next week for the state championship at E.C. Glass High School.
Louis English (11) is recognized for his plays during the game against the Richmond Eagles, with assistant coach Jerel Rhodes at the conclusion of the game on Saturday.
Brein “Chooch” Burch, (1), left, and Jachan Anthony (13), right, walk off the field with their teammates after shaking hands with the Richmond Eagles and winning their last game, 24-19. The Wolverines, the first American Athletic Union team of its kind in Roanoke, won its game 24-19 and went undefeated in their season 8-0. They are headed to Lynchburg next week for the state championship at E.C. Glass High School.
Martha Brown and volunteer Emily Kerkhof (left) pray with Liz Davis after lunch at the Lighthouse Community Center on Thursday. Davis is recently out of jail and has turned to the lighthouse for meals, support and prayers. “We were listening to these stories and these were individuals that had completely broken lives. I mean busted up families, broken marriages, caught up in the world of addiction and abuse and God found them and God rescued them and God restored them and as we got to know them we found ourselves exchanging numbers and talking on the phone and developing opportunities to just do life together because we really felt compassion to love these people and we felt that God put them in our life for a reason and we didn’t want to let God down,” Brown said.
Finny Mathew, co-founder of the Lighthouse and son of a missionary, worships at the Sunday morning service. Mathew purchased the Lighthouse ministry building with the hope of establishing a Bible education center in 2005. “I don’t have to do any of this I could be home, well, relaxed and enjoy my life,” Mathew said. “That’s not what God wanted me to do.”
A crowd gathers outside of the Lighthouse before they open on a Thursday during their food bank distribution. The Lighthouse gives food out twice a month, once from the government provided food and one from their food pantry.
Crowds wait outside of the Lighthouse during their food box distribution.
Collison Corner is baptized by Rev. Dan Mitchell and Finny Mathew in a swimming pool at Mitchell’s house in Forest in June. Corner was an alcoholic and homeless before receiving help form the Lighthouse.
After their Sunday lesson is done, Dea Deisher plays with the kids on the stairs outside of where Sunday morning services are held at the Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Kids program is the largest ministry at the Lighthouse. The program serves children up to the age of 15 at which point they become a mentor in the program.
Boxes of food wait to be shared at the Lighthouse. Some days Lighthouse receives up to 46 pounds of bread donations from local businesses as part of the Feeding American program..
Shane Reside works on fixing up bikes at the Lighthouse at ARK Bicycle Ministries Resides, who is still homeless himself, takes donated bikes and fixes them up for people in need.
Lem Curran, an engineer by trade, leads a daily Bible devoltional before lunch at the Lighthouse. He learned about Lighthouse when looking for a film location. He was so inspired by Lighthouse’s mission he later became an employee continuing to work without a salary when Lighthouse could no longer pay him. In a lesson about parables Curran said, “A lot if boils down to loving God.”
Lunch is served after the church service on Sunday mornings. “People walk in here with incredible baggage and issues that don’t just come off with the simple brush. you have to really be willing to invest in these lives,” founder Martha Brown said.
Cartlon Stanley (left) and Ruth Anderson pray during a Sunday morning service at the Lighthouse. “Our prayer is to tackle these things no one wants to tackle,” said founder Finny Mathew. “We still don’t have a blueprint; it’s being printed as we go.”
Sweet Briar College students sing Christmas carols at the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on campus. The yearly traditions found at Sweet Briar College are all the more sweet this year after it was announced last March that the all women’s college, founded in 1901, will be closing because of financial reasons. After alumna and students rally together to raise enough money to save the school, over 250 students came back for this fall semester.
Marcia Thom-Kaley hugs students Hallsey Brandt (left) and Katie Fisher at the start of their music appreciation class, thanking them for a gift the students recently got their teacher. The professors close relationship to their students is one of the things that draws women to the school.
Banners that once hung outside on campus during the impending closure now hang in academic buildings as a reminder of what the students have been through.
Sweet Briar seniors Citlali Molina (left) and Nadirah Abdus-Sabur toast their coffee’s during lunch on campus. The two engineering students both had found alternative colleges to attend before it was announced that Sweet Briar College would be reopening.
Sweet Briar College students gather up snacks at the finals week tradition of “scream night.” On Friday night the students gather outside the Chapel on campus. When the bell rings at 10 p.m. the students scream for the duration of the bells before being released to gather the snacks, kicking off finals week.
Sweet Briar College students quietly study in Prothro Dining Hall for the final’s week event of “end procrastination.” The students each receives a ticket for every half hour they are studying in the hall in exchange for prizes.
Sweet Briar College students make phone calls to alumnae to raise money for the struggling school.
Marcia Thom-Kaley teaches her music appreciation class to Katie Fisher (left) and Hallsey Brandt. Thom-Kaley recently took the girls, a class size of two, to a concert in Roanoke to experience live music. With only around 250 girls returning to the school, the class size on campus is even smaller than before.
Sweet Briar College sophomore Samantha Yew gives a tour to prospective students. The future of Sweet Briar College is dependent on attracting new students to the school.
“Student ambassadors” prepare material to send to prospective students in the admissions office on the campus of Sweet Briar College.
Sweet Briar College students ride the horses onto campus for the annual lighting of the Christmas tree on campus. The horse program at the school draws many girls to the college.
The Roanoke ValleyÕs first Aldi grocery store opened Thursday morning to a crowd of hundreds at Crossroads Mall. This is one of the first new grocery store chains the area has seen in a few years.
Daniel Reed (left) high-fives Charlene Turner (right) as ReedÕs fiance, Cynthia Homberg, looks on. All Roanoke residents, they were the first customers in Aldi for the storeÕs grand opening at Crossroads Mall on Thursday and won $100 gift cards. Turner was first in line, arriving at 3 a.m. for the 9 a.m. opening. ÒThe wait was worth it,Ó she said.
The crowd anticipates the grand opening of Aldi grocery store at Crossroads Mall in Roanoke as they peek inside on Thursday morning.
Scarlet Waugaman, 4, shops with her grandma Trish Makoui, both of Roanoke County, during Audi grocery store’s grand opening on Thursday morning in Roanoke.
A variety of squashes in the produce section of Aldi grocery store on Thursday. The grocery store takes pride in having fresh produce.
Angela Barber of Roanoke unloads her cart in the checkout line during the grand opening of Aldi grocery store at Crossroads Mall in Roanoke on Thursday. “I have five kids,” said Barber, “I knew they had really good pricing so I’ve been waiting,” she added about doing her grocery shopping at Aldi.
A new Aldi store opened Thursday morning to a crowd of hundreds at Crossroads Mall in Roanoke. The discount chain is also planning to open a store in Lynchburg and perhaps another in Christiansburg.