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2015 VNPA Contest Judges

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Pete MarovichJanuary 17, 2015Photo by Scott Strazzante

Pete Marovich is an award-winning photojournalist has been working as a professional photographer for 30 years since starting as a staff photographer at a medium-sized daily newspaper in Indiana and as a stringer for the Associated Press.Pete moved on to covering the pro golf tours as a contract photographer for 13 years. He returned to newspapers in 2001 and then became the Director of Photography at the Daily News Record in Staunton in 2005. In 2010 Pete resigned to pursue personal projects and be a contract photographer for ZUMA Press. He is currently contributing to Bloomberg News Photos, McClatchy, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, Getty Images, European PressPhoto Agency, United Press International, NBCnews.com and SIPA Press. His archive is represented by CORBIS.

H. Darr Beiser

H. Darr Beiser is a veteran Washington-based photojournalist and videographer. He was a founding member of the photography staff of USA TODAY and worked there 33 years.  He is the recipient of numerous awards from the White House News Photographers Association, Best of Photojournalism, the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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John Shinkle is a photojournalist with over twelve years experience covering Washington, D.C. and national policy issues. John has been with POLITICO from its start-up days almost ten years. Prior to POLITICO Shinkle worked at the Washington Examiner and the Hill Newspaper during the 2004 election.

3rd Q. Clip Contest Winners

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Lilli Reynolds, 7, crosses her fingers as the winners of the raffle are announced during the “Where is Waldo” wrap-up party at Givens Books in Lynchburg, Va. Reynolds’ mother, Heidi, won the adult grand prize, which consisted of gift cards and Waldo books. The month-long “Where is Waldo” event raised awareness of local businesses as children and adults searched for cutouts of Waldo hidden among stores.
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.
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 dressed in drag.
A carnival patron tests his strength as he raises a hammer in an attempt to ring the bell during opening night of the 90th annual Chincoteague Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival on Firday, June 26, 2015.
Harold Cox watches his 7-year-old great-grandson Austyn Balton who lives in the nearby town of Draper, play on the tire swing on Friday, May 29, 2015. Harold and his wife, Opal Cox grew up and raised their family in Pulaski. They hope for their great grandchildren to have good jobs even if it means they can’t stay nearby.
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 after 9:30 p.m. on Bennington Street SE.
A pair of juvenile sandbar sharks, bottom, swim in a temporary holding tank on a boat near Parramore Island on Thursday, July 9, 2015 while Rich Brill looks over the water. Virginia Institute of Marine Science Eastern Shore Laboratory is conducting experiments on the segments of the sharks’ circulatory system. A team of four left the lab on Thursday morning to catch several sharks for experimental purposes.
The District Valley cross country meet was called off for lightning before the boys could run at Shamrock Farms on Wednesday, September 9.
As VIMS research tech, Joe Cope, drives a boat in the York river phytoplankton known as dinoflagellates glow in its. The algae are a plant the blooms when conditions are right in the water usually duinrg the summer months.
Devin Bailey, 9, plays with a toy Elmo doll while sitting on a couch at his father’s home in Troutville Wednesday evening, Aug. 12, 2015. Devin cannot communicate basic information like his name, age or address and cannot count to ten, says his father Jimmy. Bailey has autism and Down Syndrome and attended Troutville Elementary School.
Norfolk’s DeAndre Sangster manages to catch this first quarter pass as he is hit by Hampton’s Chaka Diarrassouba during the first quarter Saturday September 26, 2015 in Norfolk.
Hampton University coach Connell Maynor argues a call during the third quarter against Norfolk state Saturday September 26, 2015 in Norfolk.
James Madison University r-senior Deane Cheatham (37) looses his helmet as he gets taken down by the Lehigh defense during their game at JMUÕs Bridgeforth Stadium on Saturday, September 12, 2015.
Hillcats centerfielder Clint Frazier dives and catches a line drive during Carolina League action at City Stadium.
Irving Jarvis, a World War II Army veteran, will turn 90 years old on Saturday, July 4, 2015. Jarvis plans to celebrate with family and friends at his home in Eastville, Va.
Kisha Johnson stands inside her Pinewood Heights home Wednesday afternoon. Smithfield is halfway through a redevelopment project to relocate residents in the neighborhood and raze the houses to develop an industrial park.
George Rogers was a prisoner of war for almost four years in Japan during WWII.”It was my job to dig graves. In that grave we would bury ten soldiers,” said Rogers, who helped bury 1,600 Americans in just four months. The Japanese government has invited Rogers, along with other surviving POW’s, to take a tour of modern Japan to foster forgiveness.
George “Art” Plumador, 91, of Malone, N.Y., examines the restored Curtiss SB2C Helldiver he flew during World War II at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on Monday, August 10, 2015. Plumador served as a radio operator and gunner aboard the dive bomber.
Darren Crihfield waits with his friend who is competing in the 7800 Light Pro Stock class at the 9th Annual Truck & Tractor Pull on August 29, 2015. Those participating in the pull come from all over the East Cost. “most of the guys that pull are related to farming or constructions where they use tractors and tucks,” said organizer Ed Sims.
Stacey Gatrell takes a selfie with the Chincoteague Pony she won during the 90th annual Chincoteague Pony Auction on Thursday, July 30, 2015. A portion of the wild pony herd is auctioned off to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and maintains the herd.
A Chincoteague Pony foal waits to be sold at auction on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Each year a portion of the Chincoteague Pony herd is auctioned off to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and maintains the herd.
Bristol Rayne, 4, sports pink boots while watching the 90th annual Chincoteague Pony Auction with Vaughn Rayne on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
A Chincoteague Pony foal rears back on its handlers as it is shown at auction on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Each year a portion of the Chincoteague Pony herd is auctioned off to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and maintains the herd.
Emily Broeker, right, celebrates with her friend Emma Sykes after placing the winning bid on a Chincoteague Pony foal during the 90th annual Chincoteague Pony Auction on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Each year a portion of the Chincoteague Pony herd is auctioned off to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and maintains the herd.
Spectators watch the 90th annual Chincoteague Pony Auction at the Chincoteague Carnival Grounds on Thursday, July 30, 2015. A portion of the wild herd is auctioned each year to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and maintains the herd.
Packs of cigarettes are neatly placed between two Chincoteague Pony holding pens during the 90th annual Chincoteague Pony Auction on Thursday, July 30, 2015.
Ellis Savage, right, places his hand on the nose of a Chincoteague Pony foal to calm it before bringing it out for auction on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Each year a portion of the Chincoteague Pony herd is auctioned off to benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company, which owns and maintains the herd.
Timothy Nettles reads a book outside The Valley Mission, relaxing with his family and other residents on Aug. 8, 2015. The 13-year-old fears people at his school finding out that he’s homeless. “They treat me differently,Ó he said. ÒThey make fun of me because I am at a shelter.”
Constance Nettles pushes her daughter, Olivia Nettles, 7, on a swing outside The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015. Constance is unable to work because of a physical disability and the family has been living on one income.
John and Constance Nettles share a kiss outside The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015. The couple’s moments of intimacy are brief as John says they are expected to refrain from public displays of affection inside the shelter walls.
Timothy Nettles, 13, jokes around with his dad, John Nettles, as they pass time after dinner before being able to get back into their rooms at The Valley Mission in Staunton on Aug. 8, 2015.
John Nettles, right, looks on as his children watch a show together on a portable DVD player in the play room at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015. “I wanted to try and make my kids feel at home,” said Nettles, describing how he brought a TV into the shelter but had to take it out of their room due to one of the organization’s policies. “There’s a lot of things that you can’t have, but I still try anyway.”
Nichols Nettles, 10, looks down from a tree after climbing into the foliage outside The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
John Nettles sets down dinner plates for his family and others who eat separately from the single men at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
John Nettles serves dinner to his children, Christian Nettles, 5, left, and Olivia Nettles, 7, in the cafeteria at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015. ÒI want a better life for them,Ó said John, ÒI never thought this would happen to me.Ó
Olivia Nettles hugs her mom, Constance Nettles, after the 7-year-old took a tumble playing with her brothers outside The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
Christian Nettles, 5, tosses blocks at his dad, John Nettles, as they play together alongside 1-year-old Annabelle Thompson, another resident at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
John and Constance Nettles pack up clothes as they prepare to leave The Valley Mission after John was offered a job out of state on Aug. 8, 2015.
John Nettles paints his daughter’s nails in the play room at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
Olivia Nettles, 7, plays Candy Crush on her mom’s phone inside their room at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
John Nettles kisses his son Christian Nettles, 5, goodnight in a family room at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015. Although his wife and children are able to stay in the room together, John must sleep in the men’s dormitory at the shelter.
At the end of the day John and Constance Nettles relax with their son, Nicholas Nettles, 10, in the play room at The Valley Mission on Aug. 8, 2015.
Leslie Jordan often reads a book in the evenings to 23-year-old Khamani Jones. The story on May 21 was about dinosaurs, one of KhamaniÕs favorite toys. He moved in with Leslie and Kevin Jordan two years ago when she agreed to foster adults with autism through Lutheran Family ServicesÕ home caregiver program. Khamani could do very little for himself before the Jordans began teaching him how to help in the kitchen, take out the trash, make his bed and eat healthier foods.
Each morning during the school year, Khamani Jones ran to the living room window to watch for the school bus to take him to the Minnick SchoolÕs Starkey Station. Lutheran Family Services created the school to help teens with autism transition into adulthood. Khamani graduated in May. Minnick wants to create additional services to help adults with developmental disabilities become more independent.
Khamani Jones does a word-find puzzle at the kitchen table of his home with the Jordans on Saturday, May 2, 2015. Leslie Jordan said he is a quick learner and great helper around the house.
Jonathan Linkous (left) and Khamani Jones play in the grass at Starkey Park on Friday, May 22, 2015 during a graduation end-of-the-year picnic hosted by their school. The Minnick SchoolÕs Starkey Station works with teenagers with autism when their public schools are unable to help them. The school has two eight-student classrooms and is seeking to expand.
Khamani Jones (center), 23, and Larry Black, 60, feed a horse an apple at Healing Strides in Boones Mill. Foster parents Leslie and Kevin Jordan took them to the farm on Saturday May, 2, 2015, one of many outings the Jordans schedule to help Khamani learn and grow more independent.
Khamani Jones washes tables in the canteen of the Salem VA Medical Center on Monday, May 5, 2015. As part of the school day, Minnick School teachers take students to job sites so they can learn vocational skills that might be attractive to employers.
Jonathan Moralde, a teaching assistant at the Minnick SchoolÕs Starkey Station, helps Khamani Jones find a game to play on the computer in Roanoke on Thursday, May 21, 2015.
Khamani Jones does a crossword puzzle with his caretaker Leslie Jordan at his side in the kitchen of their home in Roanoke on Saturday May, 2, 2015. Jordan encourages Khamani to learn and explains that he is a quick learner and great helper around the house. Leslie has also helped Khamani to be on a healthy diet. He has lost 60 pounds since living with the Jordans. ” He’s like a whole different person.” said Leslie.
Khamani Jones puts on his graduation hat with the help of his teacher Katie Lineback before his graduation celebration on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Starkey Park. Khamani attended the Minnick SchoolÕs Starkey Station, which helps teens with autism.

 

 

 

VNPA 2nd Q. Clip Contest

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James Lee Britt, 77, bends down to say hello to Janine Vandenberg’s cat, One Sock, and chats with Vandenberg before he heads back into his apartment at Melrose Towers on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Britt had just returned from picking up some food items downstairs at the weekly food delivery through the Joint Residents Council of the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Melrose Towers Council. Fitted with dentures last month after not wearing any for 15 years, Britt says he is more social now and talks more with his neighbors and friends. “I thought they would forget the poor people, but they’re not. That’s why I’m kind of speechless. I’m getting everything that I didn’t get before. And I’m happy about it,” Britt said.
Angela Jeffries, center, and William Anderson, right, sit in disappointment while waiting in line for Saturday’s Slide the City event in Hampton. Jeffries stated she had been waiting in line for over two hours.
Mark Stark tends to his horse as he prepares them to haul canons down to the battlefield for a demonstration during the sesquicentennial at the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in Appomattox, Va. on April 10, 2015.
Sweet Briar students Taneal Williams (left), Ally Booth and Christina Seat comfort each other during the silent protest on Friday, a month after the school made the announcement it is closing.
Maya Mercer, left, holds a rose as Newport News police officers wait to place the Flag, Boots and Hat during Thursday’s candlelight memorial service to remember the 11 police officers who have died on duty and to honor those who serve today.
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.
Tonnette Bennett stands kisses 18-year-old Patrick Lucas, Wednesday afternoon. Lucas has Fragile X Syndrome, which causes him to function at 3-year-old level. He was enrolled in a special-needs after school program before it was suspended in December. The city of Newport News is planning to eliminate the program.
Byron Grove-Humphries, an electric vehicle engineering instructor at the Shenandoah Valley Governor’s school, stands for a portrait reflected in the painted hood of a battery powered Porsche that his students are fixing up on April 12, 2015.
Rear Admiral Heivé Blejean of the French Navy stands on the pier after the French tall ship Hermione docks at Yorktown Friday morning.
Wilson Memorial’s Isaac Hummel pitches against Riverheads during their baseball game on May 7, 2015.
Lafayette High celebrates after winning the 3A state championship beating Loudoun Valley 5-4 in Liberty University.
Warhill’s Keely Rochard tries to tag out Brookville’s Elexas Jefferies as Jefferies slides safe into home base during the Group 3A softball semifinals at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.
Team Marine’s Chuck Sketch competes in the 50-meter backstroke during the 2015 Warrior Games at Freedom Aquatic Center in Manassas, Va., on Saturday, June 27, 2015. Sketch is blind and had both legs amputated and competed in swimming, cycling and shooting.
Re-enactors wait to march into the Appomattox Court House National Historic Park early Thursday morning for the reenactment of the Battle of Appomattox Court House during the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. Re-enactors from all over the country and world came to Appomattox to celebrate the historic five day event participating in battles, camp life and educational programming.
The Union Army battles with the Confederate Army during a re-enactment of the Battle of Appomattox Court House on Thursday morning during one of the real time events held at the National Park.
The Union Army loads a canon during battle with the Confederate Army during a re-enactment of the Battle of Appomattox Court House on Thursday morning during one of the real time events held at the National Park.
Confederate soldiers lay dead during the Appomattox Historical Society’s re-enactment of the Battle of Appomattox Court House.
Mike Lafferty of the 7th Maryland places returns to camp with the American flag on Saturday after the Appomattox Historical Society’s reenactment of the Battle of Appomattox Court House.
Re-enactor Brady Vail from the 20th Indiana sets up a tarp over his tent in preparation of the expected rain on Friday at the Appomattox Historical Society’s “Long Road Home” program at the Appomattox Center for Business and Commerce on Friday.
Lucas Woody and his sisters Lauryn (left) and Lainey of Appomattox watch the opening ceremonies for the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War on Thursday.
Members of the 11th Virginian Company G and 5th Virginian Infantry talk by the fire at their camp at Appomattox Court House National Historic Park.
Russell Chu with the 11th Virginia Company G draws a photo of Gen. Robert E. Lee in his notebook at the Confederate camp.
Color Sergeant Larry Harris (left) and Michael Schaffner with the 41st U.S. Color Troop watch the National Historical Park’s “Footsteps to Freedom” program on Saturday night.
Robert Ford with the 41st U.C. Colored Troop stands in silence during the Bells Across the Land, 150 years after the end of the Civil War.
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.
G.W. Hart gives his daughter Baylee Hart a last-minute pep talk before she reaches the starting line for her first and only run of the day in the Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop in Belle Haven, Va. on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Hart signed up for three races that day but had to cut two out to get ready for her senior prom at nearby Broadwater Academy.
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 sits back as her stylist Rachel Britton puts the finshing touches on her eye makeup in preparation for Hart’s senior prom.
Baylee Hart bites her nail as she waits for her stylist Rachel Britton to finish her hair for her senior prom at Broadwater Academy.
Baylee Hart smiles as friends adjust the back of her prom dress. Hart spent the morning preparing for her only mud hop race then began to prepare for her senior prom at the race track.
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.
Baylee Hart dances after getting dressed in the camper where she prepared for her senior prom.
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) smiles as she talks with friends during the Broadwater Academy senior prom. Earlier in the day Hart competed in the local Muddin’ at the Moose mud hop.
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.
Hand in hand, Sweet Briar senior Charlotte Hopkins (right) and junior Nadirah Abdus-Sabur make their way around the quad during the yearly tradition of lantern bearing on May 6. Each senior picks an underclassman to make her a lantern. During the evening, the pair will walk around the quad three times symbolizing the years spent at the college before the seniors break off and take their final lap on their own. It was announced in March that Sweet Briar College, an all female college founded in 1901, would be shutting it’s doors at the end of the school year after a vote to close to school was made by the board of directors. The all girls school was one rich with tradition and legacy. A somber feeling was present during these once joyous traditions as they would be experienced for the final time.
Members of the Sweet Briar equestrian team pause between drills during an early-morning practice April 8. “Not everyone has to do it but a lot of people chose to because of how fabulous our riding program is,” said senior Jenny Mix.
Junior class president Megan Shuford wipes away a tear while the sophomore class sing to them at Step Singing.
Claire Hamrick goes over her solo during a practice with the Sweet Tones, an a cappella group on campus that also is a tap club. Unlike the other tap clubs, the girls can audition to become members instead of being selected. Members of the taps clubs are known by their decorated hats made by their “mom,” an upperclasswoman, which they receive upon becoming a member of the group.
Sophomore Tory Fairman hugs senior Amanda Gande after Fairman surprises Gande on April 16 by revealing she has been her “secret sophomore” for the year. Once a month, the sophomores leave presents for the seniors in the dining hall without revealing who they are from until the end of the year, helping to foster relationships between the classes.
Sweet Briar equestrian seniors on May 13 take part in the yearly tradition of senior ride, during which the students are allowed to take their horses on campus and run freely. “It feels like the best way to end our year,” says senior Julie Moran.
Sweet Briar junior Charlotte von Claparède announces Lauren Passaretti into the Paints ’n Patches tap club during a late-night tapping on April 30. Paints ’n Patches is the oldest tap club on campus, founded in 1909. It started when the president encouraged the students to start a theater club for entertainment at the secluded campus. To be a member of Paints ’n Patches, students must be involved in the theater program in some capacity.
After the final spring choir concert on April 28, Allie Raifsnider hugs Professor Marcia Thom-Kaley. There are three choirs on campus, the largest one with more than 50 girls. “I made up my mind that our last concert would be a celebration — of pink, green and pearls and the wonderful young women we are so very privileged to teach,” says Thom.
The senior class, escorted by the juniors, take four laps around the quad during the yearly tradition of Lantern Bearing.
The Sweet Briar senior class raises their glasses on May 13 after a toast made by Sweet Briar President James Jones on the balcony of the Sweet Briar House, a tradition followed each year during Senior Week.

Judged by Geoff Hansen, Sarah Priestap and Kristen Zeis at the Valley News, Lebanon, N.H.

Thank you for asking us to judge your contest! We love to see what photojournalists are up to from other parts of the country. It inspires us in our daily work. Here are the winners, with notes from our discussion:

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FEATURE – A very interesting category with a reasonable number of entries. We appreciated it wasn’t clogged with tons of “wild art,” something we commonly find when judging.

1.) Erica Yoon/The Roanoke Times

We loved that the photographer found a feature that goes beyond the surface, with the opportunity to be a deeper story. Community journalism is being out in the community, finding stories to tell even if it’s just one photo. The well-written caption speaks to this as well.

2.) Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press

This photo looks at the less-than-obvious moment in this situation, something that speaks more to the truth to the moment, than the expected.

3.) Autumn Parry/The News & Advance

While the super wide angle doesn’t add to the photo at all, we were still drawn to the expression and the moment of this photograph.

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NEWS – The winners in this category were rewarded for being there and ready for the moment. We were disappointed to see entries from mock events like disaster drills

1.) Jill Nance/The News & Advance

This frame is successful due to the fullness of the frame – it’s a many-layered image. There’s good, real emotion, and questions that make you want to read the caption and the story. It is evident the photographer was right in the middle of this frame, and that feeling only adds to the image.

2.) Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press

This is a strong image, both for the light, the moment, and the composition. This photo would have been a first place contender, if not for the caption, which fails to give context to the greater event at hand. What ties the subject to the event?

3.) Rob Ostermaier/ Daily Press

While the caption for this photo isn’t strong, the symbolism, access, and composition of this photo contribute to its success.

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PORTRAIT – A fun category to judge, because we discussed what is an effective portrait? Sitting for the photographer, or documenting the subject as they go about their lives?

1.) Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press

A successful portrait should reveal something about its subject, and this photo absolutely does that. The caption adds to the portrait as well, giving it further context. The image isn’t technically perfect, but the moment is what propelled the image to first.

2.) Griffin Moores/The News Leader

A graphically-interesting, well-seen photo!

3.) Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press

An interesting portrait, definitely would have been stronger without the uber wide-angle lens.

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SPORTS – While there were a lot of strong action and reaction photos that reflected fierce competition in this category, we also wanted to see entries that showed what’s happening away from the diamond or playing field.

1.) Griffin Moores/The News Leader

The color, composition, and moment of this photo make it an incredibly effective photo. It’s a strong image that was our first pick from the beginning.

2.) Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press

The fabulous moment is helped by good lens choice and composition.

3.) Autumn Parry/The News & Advance

A good, decisive moment that asks the question, “What will happen next?”

Honorable mention – Mike Morones/Military Times

An interesting subject that could’ve been improved with better, cleaner composition.

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MULTIPLE – Only five entries in this category. We feel fortunate to have a weekly photo page at our newspaper. While it can be a struggle to maintain momentum, editors and publishers should know readers love to look at lots of photos!

1.) Jill Nance/The News & Advance

The visual craftsmanship is what drove this package to first place. While there isn’t much of a narrative here, it’s a solid photo page with some beautiful imagery with excellent composition.

2.) Jay Diem/Eastern Shore News

This is a great find, both the subject and the events around her and her truck are interesting. This could’ve been a first place contender with a tighter edit, as some of the repetitive photos weakened the story, and with some better composition of photos (and less ultra wide-angle photos).

3.) Jill Nance/The News & Advance

While there’s a good sense of place in this story, as well as an interesting subject, it could’ve been a stronger story with more focus (i.e., following the same student or group of friends through the event of the closing.)

THE 2014 VNPA PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS GALLERY: Sports Picture Story

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–Sports Picture Story 1st Place: Mike Morones/Military Times –The annual Warrior Games features athletes from all four service branches as well as Special Operations Command. The participants’ injuries range from serious illnesses, accidents as well as combat-related mental and physical injuries. Navy’s Red Ramos talks with fellow athletes following the 4×100 relay ended at the 2014 Warrior Games at Garry Berry Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Thursday, October 2, 2014.
Marine Cpl. Jorge Salazar hands the torch to Navy Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class Shericka Goza during the opening ceremony for the 2014 Warrior Games at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Sunday, September 28, 2014.
Air Force’s Daniel Crane competes against Navy’s Jonathan Adviento in the gold-medal match of the individual recurve archery competition at the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Adviento won the gold.
The Marine Corps wheelchair basketball team listens to the national anthem before taking on Army in the gold medal match. The Marines defeated Army for the gold medal at the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Friday, October 3, 2014.
Marine Corps volleyball coach Brent Petersen gets excited as the Marines close within a point of beating Navy in the first game of Thursday’s gold-medal match. Navy defeated Marine Corps 2-1 to win the gold medal at the 2014 Warrior Games at US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Thursday, October 2, 2014.
Staff Sgt. Jorge Salazar looks to a referee after falling during the Marine Corps-Army wheelchair basketball game at the 2014 Warrior Games on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Marine Corps beat Army to remain undefeated.
Air Force’s Nicholas Dadgostar crosses the finish line in the 100-meter dash open at the 2014 Warrior Games at Garry Berry Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Thursday, October 2, 2014.
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lara Ishakawa warms up in the pool before the start of the championship swim events at the 2014 Warrior Games at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.
Army’s Brian Boone warms up before the start of preliminary heats in the swim competition at the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Tuesday, September 30, 2014.
Col. Shane Tomko, commander of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, congratulates Adam Vickers, gold medalist in the men’s recumbent cycling race at the 2014 Warrior Games at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Monday, September 29, 2014.
Air Force assistant swim coach Cami Stock hugs retired Staff Sgt. Nicholas Dadgostar following a preliminary heat of the 50-meter freestyle swim at the 2014 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs. Dadgostar was injured in a diving accident and only recently returned to the water.
The US Air Force Academy Falcons defeat the US Naval Academy Midshipmen 30-21 at the US Air Froce Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Saturday, October 4, 2014. The halftime program served as the closing ceremony for the Warrior Games.
–Sports Picture Story 2nd Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–From the historic Yorktown Battlefield to the largest naval base in the world, Hampton Roads lives and breathes the military. In addition to producing athletes that go on to compete at Division 1 colleges and universities across the country, Hampton Roads is also home to a large military population. This series of portraits celebrates the best in athletics from a region marked by its military strength. These young athletes, like the men and women who protect our country, represent the best of their field. From Left to Right: Connor Rinoski, Allyson Babinsack, Rachel Brewer, Lia Batchelor, Chantel Ray and Austen Delnicki are photographed on the flight-deck of the carrier of the USS Harry S. Truman. These athletes excelled at their sport earning the title “All-Star”. The USS Truman is the eighth of the Nimitz-class carriers and was commissioned in 1998. The super carrier can accommodate approximately 90 aircraft and the flight deck is 4.5 acres and is capable of launching aircraft from two forward and two waist catapults.
Grafton swimmer Jonathan Spires is photographed with an F-15 Eagle on display at Langley Air Force Base. The F-15 is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter that went into service in the 1970’s.
Schekel Wallace is the defensive football player of the year from Lafayette High. He is pictured with a RS-1 diesel locomotive. This train engine was used in WWII to move supplies over a railroad that ran from Persia to get supplies behind the lines to the Russians. This mission became especially important in the winter when Russian ports were frozen closed.
Chase Pinder of Poquoson High is the baseball player of the year. Pinder is in front of the USS Wisconsin. The Wisconsin first saw action in the Pacific in 1944 and served her final combat mission during Desert Storm.
York High’s Connor Rinoski is the golf athlete of the year. Rinoski is teeing off from the deck of the USS Truman using the arresting cable. There are four of the heavy steel cables that snag the tailhook of the aircraft bringing it to a stop on the flight deck. An aircraft coming in to land ideally tries to snag the “3 wire” as it’s referred to.
Corey White from Heritage High is the male volleyball palyer of the year. He is pictured with a U.S. Army CH-54 Skycrane helicopter at Ft. Eustis. It is capable of carrying many different types of loads from vehicles to artillery pieces weighing up to 20,000 pounds.
Reeves Trott of Lafayette is the male soccer player of the year. Reeves is on the USS Wisconsin underneath the 16 inch guns. The Iowa-class battleship has nine guns that fire explosive rounds some over 2,000 pounds and can accurately engage targets up to 23 miles away.
Kelly Esch is the girls volleyball player on the year from Jamestown High. She is pictured with a two and a half ton Army M35 truck also known as the famous “deuce and a half.” This beloved multipurpose vehicle has served in one form or another since WWII to transport supplies and men on the battlefield.
Terrence Dingle of Denbigh High is the offensive football player of the year. He is posing on an M60 Patton tank which entered service with the Army in the early 1960’s. The M60 was the main battle tank of the Army until being replaced by the M1 Abrams. These tanks are still in use with militaries in Egypt, Israel and Turkey and were last used in combat my the Marines during Desert Storm.
–Sports Picture Story 3rd Place: L. Todd Spencer/The Virginian-Pilot –The 52nd Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, were held this year at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. More than 200 professional surfers competed in the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest.
The 52nd Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, were held this year at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. More than 200 professional surfers competed in the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest.
Michael Dunphy kicks up a wall of spray as he cuts back on a wave during the Vans Pro Final today Aug. 24, 2014 at the 52nd Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships (CE-ECSC) presented by Vans at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Michael who is from Virginia Beach, Virginia won the event. (L. Todd Spencer / The Virginian-Pilot)
The 52nd Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, were held this year at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. More than 200 professional surfers competed in the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest.
The 52nd Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, were held this year at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. More than 200 professional surfers competed in the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest.
The 52nd Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, were held this year at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. More than 200 professional surfers competed in the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest.
Holmes Clarke gets covered up on a small beach break during the semifinal of the Grand Master event at the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest the 52nd Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships .
The 52nd Annual East Coast Surfing Championships, were held this year at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. More than 200 professional surfers competed in the world’s second-oldest continuously-run surfing contest.
Brogie Panesi gets some air during his Men’s Pro Heat at the 52nd Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships.
Michael Dunphy of Virginia Beach, Virginia wins the Vans Pro Final at the 52nd Annual Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships.
–Sports Picture Story HM: Jonathon Gruenke/The Daily Press–Wrestlers prepare backstage at Cozzy’s Comedy Club before performing in the Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation.
Jacob Brooks, Lil Show, left, waits backstage at Cozzy’s Comedy Club before a wrestling performance Wednesday evening.
Wrestlers perform at Cozzy’s Comedy Club Wednesday evening.
Wrestlers Jacob Brooks, Lil Show, top, and Chris Blanton, Lil Fabio, perform at Cozzy’s Comedy Club Wednesday evening.
Danny Campbell, Lil Nasty Boy, center interacts with the crowd during a wrestling performance at Cozzy’s Comedy Club Wednesday evening.
Gotti waits backstage at Cozzy’s Comedy Club before performing in the Extreme Midget Wrestling Federation Wednesday evening.

THE 2014 VNPA PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS GALLERY: News Picture Story

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–News Picture Story 1st Place: Griffin Moores/The News-Leader– “Cheer” Waynesboro High School’s Sonny Carey stretches her arms on the ground in preparation for the team’s cheerleading state championship performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014. With emotions running high and the weight of an entire season riding on their shoulders, the annual cheerleading competition brings dozens of teams from around Virginia together to compete for the state championship.
Wilson Memorial cheerleading coaches Renae Bailey, left, and Shannon Capriotti, right, celebrate the final moments of their team’s Group 2A cheerleading state championship winning performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Wilson Memorial High School cheerleaders hold hands awaiting the results of the Group 2A cheerleading state championship in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Wilson Memorial High School cheerleaders perform during the Group 2A cheerleading state championship in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Wilson Memorial High School’s Savannah Hull, center, talks with teammates before their Group 2A cheerleading state championship performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Robert E. Lee High School’s Michelle Spencer walks off the competition mat with her face in her hands after falling during the school’s final performance in the Group 2A cheerleading state championship in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Waynesboro High School cheerleaders warm up before the start of their Group 3A cheerleading state championship performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Wilson Memorial High School cheerleaders walk together to the warm up area before their Group 2A cheerleading state championship performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Robert E. Lee High School’s Gabby Sansom, who tore her ACL and meniscus in a previous competition, is comforted by her teammates before they started their state finals routine without her in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Wilson Memorial High School cheerleading coach Renae Bailey, left, gives one of her athletes, Rachel VanFossen, a kiss on the cheek before their performance in the Group 2A cheerleading championship in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Robert E. Lee High School cheerleaders run out to the competition mat to start their Group 2A cheerleading state championship performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
Kelsey Sims, right, a senior on Wilson Memorial High School’s cheerleading team, embraces her classmate Taylor Bailey moments after completing their Group 2A state championship winning performance in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014. “It’s the best and worst feeling I’ve ever felt in my life,” said Sims, describing the final performance as perfect but bittersweet as it is her last with the team.
Wilson Memorial High School cheerleaders perform during the Group 2A cheerleading state championship in Richmond on Nov. 8, 2014.
–News Picture Story 2nd Place: Jonathon Gruneke/Daily Press–Monsur Dawodu, left, stares off into the distance as Jide Oshin, right, hands back the mugshot of Rashad D’Antrell Ashlock, a 20-year-old who has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of Jide’s father, Isaac Oshin, owner of Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar. Dozens of people gathered outside the club Friday evening for a vigil to remember Isaac Oshin. Oshin was shot to death Wednesday evening inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Ave.
Jide Oshin begins to cry while remembering his father, Isaac Oshin, owner of Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar, inside the club before the start of Friday’s vigil. Dozens of people gathered outside the club Friday evening for a vigil to remember Isaac Oshin who was shot to death Wednesday evening inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Ave.
Friends and family listen during a vigil for Isaac Oshin outside Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar Friday evening. Dozens of people gathered outside the club to remember Isaac Oshin who was shot to death inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Avenue Wednesday evening.
Former employees, friends and family hold candles and balloons during a vigil for Isaac Oshin outside Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar Friday evening. Dozens of people gathered outside the club to remember Isaac Oshin who was shot to death inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Avenue Wednesday evening.
Friends and family lights candles during a vigil for Isaac Oshin outside Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar Friday evening. Dozens of people gathered outside the club to remember Isaac Oshin who was shot to death inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Avenue Wednesday evening.
Rita Thornton begins to cry during a vigil for Isaac Oshin outside Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar Friday evening. Dozens of people gathered outside the club to remember Isaac Oshin who was shot to death inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Avenue Wednesday evening.
Terry Riddick walks past a sign during Friday evening’s vigil for Isaac Oshin outside Majik City Gentlemen’s Club and Sports Bar Friday evening. Dozens of people gathered outside the club to remember Isaac Oshin who was shot to death inside the club at 5825 Jefferson Avenue Wednesday evening.
–News Picture Story 3rd Place: Jonathon Gruneke/Daily Press–Guests find their seats prior to the christening of the submarine John Warner SSN 785 Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Navy crew of the submarine John Warner SSN 785 stand before the start of the christening Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Adelynne MacKenzie, 2, plugs her ears as the U.S. Fllet Forces Band plays prior to the christening of the submarine John Warner SSN 785 Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Navy personnel and guests tour around the submarine John Warner SSN 785 before the christening Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Navy crew of the submarine John Warner SSN 785 stand before the start of the christening Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Jeanne Warner christens the submarine John Warner SSN 785 Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Jeanne Warner, John Warner and Commander Dan Caldwell acknowledge the crowd after fireworks and christening the submarine John Warner SSN 785 Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Navy crew of the submarine John Warner SSN 785 watch as fireworks and a light show fills the sky after christening the submarine John Warner SSN 785 Saturday evening at Newport News Shipbuilding.

THE 2014 VNPA PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS GALLERY: Feature Picture Story

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–Feature Picture Story 1st Place: Jay Westcott/Freelance–“The Rebel Troubadour”: For the past year I’ve been documenting musician Phillip Roebuck. He performs as a one-man band. Roebuck was in an alternative rock band in the Õ90s with his cousin Shea Roebuck. The two put out an album on their own in the mid-’90s, but those efforts failed to get traction. In 2000, Roebuck started experimenting in the New York subways with a banjo in his hands and a drum rig on his back, which consists of a bass drum, a tambourine and levers to operate both with straps that go down to his feet. These days, Roebuck, 43, is back in his home town of Norfolk, Va. ,still making music and still trying to make it. His wife, Phoenix, works as his manager and merchandiser. On stage, he is a rollicking storm of punk rock, folk, rock, blues and bluegrass. But his unique style of performing can be its own kind of trap. I want to make it as a songwriter, says Roebuck, not as a one-man band. The current approach to performing developed out of necessity for me but that’s not what he wants to be known for. In that way, his vision has stayed the same: It’s all about the songs. HAMPTON, VA – APRIL 17: Phillip Roebuck performs to a packed house at The Taphouse on Thursday, April 17, 2014 in Hampton, Va.
HAMPTON, VA – APRIL 17: Phillip Roebuck takes a drag off of his vaporizer while back stage at The Taphouse on Thursday, April 17, 2014 in Hampton, Va.
HAMPTON, VA – NOVEMBER 8: Straps attached to his boots activate the drum rig on his back while Phillip Roebuck performs at The American Theater on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 in Portsmouth, Va.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – FEB 15: Dada Gauche, left, accompanies Phillip Roebuck on stage during his album release party at The Jewish Mother on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 in Virginia Beach, Va.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – MARCH 23: Phillip Roebuck drinks his master cleanse solution while driving to a concert venue on Sunday, March 23, 2014 in Charlottesville, Va. Roebuck is performing at a benefit concert in the evening.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – MARCH 23: Phillip Roebuck performs at a benefit concert at the Paramount Theater on Sunday, March 23, 2014 in Charlottesville, Va. Poorly promoted, the benefit concert attendees were mostly the musicians that were asked to perform.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – MARCH 23: Phillip Roebuck, left, is comforted by his Phoenix after performing at a benefit concert at the Paramount Theater on Sunday, March 23, 2014 in Charlottesville, Va. Something Roebuck ate didn’t agree with him and made him sick.
LANCASTER, PA – OCTOBER 3: Back in their hotel room, Phillip Roebuck, left, checks his email on his smartphone while his wife Phoenix Roebuck, right, enjoys a microwaved burrito from a gas station after a performance at The Chameleon Club in the early hours of Friday, Oct. 3, 2014 in Lancaster, Penn. Roebuck opened up for The Devil Makes Three for two nights on their tour.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – OCTOBER 4: Phillip Roebuck works on a song in his studio on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 in Virginia Beach, Va.
CHESAPEAKE, VA – NOVEMBER 20: Phillip Roebuck unloads his gear “backstage” before a performance at The Riff House on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in Chesapeake, Va. The venue is known for having hard rock and heavy metal acts, but is hosting an “Americana Night” this evening. The backstage area is nothing more than a curtain separating a spot for musicians to set their gear down.
CHESAPEAKE, VA – NOVEMBER 20: Spit flies as Phillip Roebuck belts out a song at The Riff House on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 in Chesapeake, Va. The venue is known for having hard rock and heavy metal acts, but is hosting an “Americana Night” this evening.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 3: Phillip Roebuck waves goodbye to the crowd after performing at The Jefferson Theater on Friday, October 3, 2014 in Charlottesville, Va. Roebuck opened up for The Devil Makes Three for two nights on their tour.
–Feature Picture Story 2nd Place: Rich-Joseph Facun/The Virginian Pilot–“Cosplay” Cosplay, literally means “Costume Play.” Cosplay is a subculture where individuals dress up and pretend to be a fictional character usually based upon a sci-fi, comic book, manga or anime character. The rapid growth in the number of people cosplaying as a hobby has made the phenomenon a significant aspect ofÊpopular cultureÊin Japan and some other parts of Asia and in the Western world. Cosplay events are common features ofÊfan conventionsÊand there are also dedicated conventions and local and international competitions, as well asÊsocial networks, websites and other forms of media centered on cosplay activities. CAPTION: Taylor Whitehurst, 17, cosplays as Bonnie from Five Nights at Freddy’s. Whitehurst said she chose her character because “I could make her cute yet very creepy.”
Robert Laubach III , 20, cosplays as Sorin Lucien. Laubach III said “As an original character for the game from Iron Kingdom me and the group [I’m with] promote the game with our cosplay.”
Alexis Delese, 14, cosplays as Freddy Fazber from Five Nights at Freddy’s. Delese said “I chose to cosplay this character because Five Nights at Freddy’s is one of my favorite horror games and my friends needed a Freddy for their group.”
Cameron Allen, 29, cosplays as Frank the Bunny. Allen said he chose his character because “Frank the Bunny is one of my favorite movie characters from Donnie Darko, he tries to get Donnie to understand time travel and why the world was ending. He is dark and quite misunderstood. Like a demonic bunny version of Alice in Wonderland’s Cheshire Car. Truly a fan favorite.”
Ryan Lee, 22, cosplays as Kamina. Lee asked “Why wouldn’t someone cosplay kamina?”
Elvis Brown, 18, cosplays as the Joker. Whitehurst said “My favorite DC character is Joker so why not dress like him? Harley is my girlfriend’s favorite character anyway.”
Katelyn Heath, 15, cosplays as Foxy of Five Nights at Freddy’s. Heath said she chose her character because “I wanted to do something different with her to make her cute. I also fell in love with the game.”
Terry Hall, 31, cosplays as Kiriya. Hall said he chose his character because Kiriya is his “favorite online character.
Caleb Baker, 28, cosplays as Iron Man. Baker said he chose his character “because we saw Iron Man 3 and I got inspired.”
Payge Williams, 14, cosplays as Chica from Five Nights at Freddy’s. Williams said she chose her character because “I think she was the cutest one.”
–Feature Picture Story 3rd Place: Griffin Moores/The News-Leader–Matthew Mitchell sits for a picture in his room wearing his prosthetic arm. Although the arm is intended to aid in completing everyday tasks his mom Lori Mitchell describes it more as a hinderance for the 11-year-old. While Matthew was developing in the womb, a thin strand of tissue wrapped so tightly around his arm that the limb failed to fully form, a condition called amniotic band syndrome that may contribute to two percent of all miscarriages. Since he was a baby, he has had to find ways to adapt to life with only a left hand. That has done little to hold him back.
Matthew stretches his “narm,” a nickname he created as a mix between “nub” and “arm,” while making holiday treats alongside his cousin Tori Critzer.
Matthew plays video games while hanging out with his cousin. Watching the screen it is hard to tell which of the players was using only one hand.
Matthew struggles through a round of pushups during gym class at Wilson Elementary School. Hunter Ingersoll, Matthew’s P.E. teacher, says he admires the 10-year-old’s spirit and unwillingness to use his disability as an out for difficult activities. “IÕve never seen the kid when he wasnÕt smiling and it really made me feel good for him to come in and try whatever we were doing,” Ingersoll said.
Looking for his Elf on the Shelf, Matthew walks through his family’s living room at their home in Fishersville.
Matthew says the Pledge of Allegiance before homeroom class at Wilson Elementary School. One of his dream’s is joining the military to drive trucks, fly jets or work with computers.
Matthew wrestles with his cousin Patrick Henderson on a chilly afternoon in Waynesboro.
Matthew ties his shoes while getting ready for school. Figuring out how to knot his laces with one hand wasn’t easy, but as his 4th grade teacher Martina Carroll explains, his “let me keep going” attitude carried him through.
Matthew dribbles a basketball during gym class at Wilson Elementary School. Although there have been moments of anxiety for Matthew concerning how he’s being perceived by classmates, “They treat me like IÕm one of them,” he said.
Matthew hugs his mom Lori Mitchell as she gets ready to leave for work early in the morning. One of the first things Lori will tell you about her son is that “can’t” is a word he’s not allowed to use.
Matthew Mitchell cracks an egg while cooking breakfast early in the morning before heading to school.
Matthew Mitchell laughs as he’s sprayed with a hose before diving down a slip and slide at a Staunton Braves and Waynesboro Generals baseball game during the summer.
–Feature Picture Story HM: Autumn Parry/The News& Advance–Promise Guy, 13, is encouraged by her host mother Barbara Austin to touch moss on a tree, while on a scavenger hunt in the woods at Claytor Natures Study Center in Bedford, Va. “I’m not built for this,” said Promise as she ventured on the nature walk with her host family. This is Promise’s fourth year participating in The Fresh Air Fund of New York City, which sends thousands of children to rural homes every year so they can experience life outside the city.
Sahara McKnight, 12, holds onto Promise Guy, 13, as they rise from underwater while swimming in the pool at the Presbyterian Home in Lynchburg, Va. Swimming was one of Sahara’s favorite activities during her stay with the Austin family.
Promise Guy, 13, and Sahara McKnight, 12, run up the hill, screaming, as they try to escape the rain, which brought an end to their evening fishing trip at a pond in Bedford, Va. The girls are part of The Fresh Air Fund of New York City, which sends thousands of children every year to rural homes so they can experience life outside the city.
Promise and Sahara share a laugh while preparing blackberry cobbler with fresh berries they picked earlier that morning at Morris Orchard in Monroe, Va.
Sahara (left) and Promise (right) cuddle together on the recliner as they watch TV on a slow day at their host family’s home in Madison Heights, Va.
Barbara Austin comforts Sahara as she wipes away tears after frustrations from making rubber band jewelry led her to take a break from the class at Michaels in Lynchburg, Va.
Promise looks out the window at Sahara playing outdoors while at her host family’s home in Madison, Heights, Va. The girls are part of The Fresh Air Fund of New York City, which sends thousands of children every year to rural homes so they can experience life outside the city.
Promise slowly reels in her line as she waits for fish to bite during a fishing trip at a small pond in Bedford, Va. Promise began to express her frustrations after hours of fishing without any luck.
Promise reads recipe instructions as she helps her host mother Barbara Austin make blackberry cobbler from the berries they picked earlier in the morning at Morris Orchard in Monroe, Va.
Sahara and Sapalo Puta wait for the bus to arrive to take them back to New York City at Northminister Presbyterian Church in Madison Heights, Va. on the last day of their visit in Virginia.
Promise sits in the car as she refuses to get on the bus heading back to New York City at the end of her ten day stay in Virginia with Barbara Austin.
–Feature Picture Story HM: Mike Morones/Navy Times—The plebes of the class of 2018 arrive for Induction Day, or I-Day, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on —-Tuesday, July 1, 2014. I-day marks the beginning of their transformation from civilian to future naval officer, starting with a haircut, memorizing the rules, Navy traditions and facts in Reef Points and the appropriate military responses to commands.
Sharon and Roy Ledesma say goodbye to their son Sam as he and his fellow plebes of the class of 2018 arrive for Induction Day at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
Ensign Ryder Ashcraft distributes copies of Reef Points to incoming plebes at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
Zachary Wesemsnn, left, and Mitchell Perry get their hair cut as plebes of the class of 2018 arrive for Induction Day at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
Plebes listen to instructions during Induction Day at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
Incoming plebes get measured for uniforms during Induction Day at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
Midshipmen 1st Class Eric Viscardi, left, Charles Parker Jordan, working as detailers on Induction Day, inspect plebes at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
Marine second lieutenants correct plebes as they learn to salute properly on Induction Day at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
A plebe studies his copy of Reef Points on Induction Day at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.
–Feature Picture Story HM: Rich-Joseph Facun/The Virginian Pilot — “American Summer” There was a time when summer was punctuated by the cross-country family road trip. In the first half of the last century, freshly laid blacktop helped catapult automobile travel. The idea of heading West on the open road to discover the land, to lasso the unknown, and to churn the imagination was adopted as another facet of the ÒAmerican Dream.Ó Then in the 1950s, the United States became the world’s largest manufacturer of automobiles. Middle-classÊAmerican families were able to afford an automobile and the car culture was born. Under the tutelage of Dwight D. Eisenhower,the Interstate Highway System spread like wildfire, allowing Americans a new-found mobility that permeated the ways of our life and culture.ÊOnce-iconic roads like Route 66 were mostly replaced by larger arteries, relentlessly pumping freight and people across the country. In the residue of today’s tech-savvy culture where life is now set to hyper-drive, time has been forfeited. Kinfolk no longer choose to spend countless hours buckled into the seats of the family station wagon, watching the world go by. Why drive when you can fly? The Facun family, my family, bucked the trend and, from coast to coast, embraced the open road. This is our story, our ÒAmerican Summer.Ó
Despite a push to move away from technology while on the road my daughter, Opal Facun, 3, watches a movie and reacts when she spots dairy cows dotting the landscape while heading west on US 64 in Virginia.
The morning after completing the first leg of the trip my wife Jasmine Facun, our daughter Opal and Levi-Joseph, 9, wait to be seated at a cafe in Athens, Ohio. We stopped in Athens to give my son a tour of Ohio University where I attended school.
Open spaces and radical changes in the landscape serve as a crash course in US geography. Just off of US 76 in Northeastern Colorado, a handmade sign at a gas station, unintentionally serves as a definitive icon of the Americana road trip.
From the terrace of Lookout Studio, my wife Jasmine and our son Levi-Joseph, 9, visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona. Providing our children the opportunity to visit one of our nation’s National Parks was one of many goals we set prior to the road trip.
Road trips don’t always go as planned. While en route to a relatives ranch in Colorado we discovered that due to a miscommunication we weren’t going to be able to stay at their home. We made a quick adjustment and ended up visiting a friend in Denver, CO where our daughter Opal, 3, curled up in the warmth of the morning sun.
Levi-Joseph, my wife Jasmine and Opal, 3, feel at home in Sedona, AZ. The kids fell in love with Northern Arizona and kept asking if we could move to Flagstaff where Jasmine’s father and stepmother reside.
Road trips often lead us to loved ones who live across multiple state lines. In Palos Verdes, California the family catches up with cousins and other relatives for a birthday party.
Levi-Joseph and Jasmine search for sea life in the tide pools at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, California. Jasmine’s father used to take her to the same shoreline to search for marine life when she was a young girl. Jasmine wanted our son to share in those memories and to make some of his own.
Opal plays at her grandparents’ house in Mission Viejo, California. A few days later we would begin the 2,700 mile drive back east to Virginia.

The 2014 VNPA Photo Contest Winners Gallery: Singles

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Congrats to all the winners in this years competition!

–Feature 1st Place: Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press– Erica Carcamo, 4, plays in the sand while laying in a hammock as waves wash ashore underneath the pier of Buckroe Beach Friday morning.
–Feature 2nd Place: Jay Westcott/Freelance–Doug Church, of Mishawaka, Indiana, performs during finals of the 2014 Ocean City ElvisFest on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 in Ocean City, Md. Church went on to win the 2014 Ocean City ElvisFest.
–Feature 3rd Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Henry Baum wears a dog on his head during the Johnny Peers’ Muttvile Comix show at the Pets Expo in Hampton, Virginia. (Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press)
–Feature HM: Kevin Morley/Richmond Times-Dispatch–A dog waits for its human during the Fido Fest canine event on Brown’s Island, Sept. 21, 2014.
–Feature HM: Stephanie Klein-Davis/Roanoke Times–Jeff Durham, 30, a 2005 graduate of VMI, active duty stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, in brown, Keith Holman, a 2004 graduate. and David Adams, 27, a 2009 Graduate of VMI from Smithville, Va., march along Route 11 from Steele’s Tavern to Staunton on Monday, commemorating the 15oth Anniversary of the Battle of New Market. (Stephanie Klein-Davis/Roanoke Times)
–General News 1st Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell is swarmed by local and national media after leaving the federal courthouse in Richmond. The jury in his corruption case did not reach a verdict after the second day of deliberations.
–General News 2nd Place: Mike Morones/Military Times–Steven R. Woods becomes emotional after receiving the flag for his father Army Staff Sgt. Lawrence Woods during a burial service on Friday, March 21, for seven service members who died on Oct. 24, 1964 near Bu Prang, Vietnam. The remains of Staff Sgt. Woods were recently identified though partial remains of six service members and the complete remains of an eighth crew member were recovered in 1964.
–General News 3rd Place: Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly–During a vigil, Keyari Edwards, 7, holds a photograph of her father Kiarri “Kee Kee” Edwards, who was murdered in a shooting on Dinwiddie Avenue.
–General News HM: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Khori Allende-El of the Moorish Science Temple of America marches with about forty peaceful protestors up Jefferson Ave. to the Newport News Police headquarters. The march was held to draw attention to the situation in Ferguson, Missouri and to gun violence in general.
Gina Junkermann places running shoes with the message of “MEG STRONG WE LOVE YOU!” at the corner of Hickory Hill Road and East Patrick Henry Road in honor of Meg Menzies, who died a day before after being struck by a car driven by a drunken driver.
–General News HM: Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly–Layla Hall, 6, holds a candle in honor of her cousin Samantha Myers, 20, during a vigil. Myers’ step sister, Yvette L. Hairston, 40, confessed to the crime and has been charged with murder. (Scott Elmquist/Style Weekly)
–Illustration 1st Place: Alexa Welch Edlund/Richmond TImes-Dispatch–A good credit score using FICO numbers.
–Illustration 2nd Place: Stephanie Klein Davis/Roanoke Times–Table 50’s mixed fruit moonshine cocktail made with Virginia Lightning and local fruit from Tim Belcher at Rolling Meadows Farms in Snow Creek (Franklin County), is mixed and served in a mason jar.
–Illustration 3rd Place: Nikki Fox/Daily News-Record–Don and Lindsay Denny act out part of the Christmas Story. The couple’s “retro house,” is one of the stops on the Downtown Holiday Tour in Harrisonburg this year.
–Lifestyle 1st Place: L. Todd Spencer/The VIrginian-Pilot–Three year old Layla Sawicki inside her home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, along with Nasyah her service dog who is trained to spot seizures in Layla.
–Lifestyle 2nd Place: Joe Fudge/Daily Press–The city is making the this family get rid of their backyard chickens they have had since the end of the summer. Lauren Rash 3 picks up her chicken that she loves.
–Lifestyle 3rd Place: Daniel Min/Richmond Times-Dispatch –Rebecca Harris, foreground, and other Richmond Community High School 9th graders react to cold wave as they visit beach after the long day of their daily activities in Chincoteague. For some of them, this is their first time camping trip and being away from their parents as they grew up in urban setting and with single parents. “It’s a classroom that using a whole world as part of the learning tools. Bonding, share jokes they have, experience of being able to take care of themselves and their friends are really the other half of this trip,” teacher Summer Schultz said.
–Lifestyle HM: Alexandra Welch Edlund/Richmond Times-Dispatch–James Howard helps slow down Vance Sutphin’s wheelchair as Anthony Pendergrast guides it as they descend to the fishing dock during a retreat at Howard’s home for veterans from McGuire VA Hospital’s Spinal Chord Injury Unit Thursday, June 5, 2014. Nancy Wellons, James’ mother, carries the fishing pole. Pendergrast is a bus drive at the hospital.
–Lifestyle HM: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–A group of about forty members of the community pray before a short protest march up Jefferson Ave. to Newport News police headquarters Wednesday as they try to draw attention to the situation in Ferguson, Missouri and the shooting of Michael Brown.
–Pictorial 1st Place: Rich-Joseph Facun/The Virginian-Pilot –Aida Rodriguez plays a game of dominoes at her home in Mission Viejo, California. Aida, a Cuban immigrant.
–Pictorial 2nd Place: Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press–Patrik and Camilla Lasson walk their dog Roxy as snow piles melt while the sun sets Friday evening near Lions Bridge.
–Pictorial 3rd Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Spring pollen washed away by heavy rain flows into Lake Maury near the Mariners Museum. Every spring the vehicles, houses and streets are covered with the fine yellow powder.
–Pictorial HM: Nikki Fox/Daily News-Record–A flock of Canadian geese settle down for the evening north of a Harrisonburg, Va., cornfield as Massanutten Mountain looms in the background on Feb. 11, 2014.
–Portrait 1st Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Maurice Smith was the radio operator on a C-47 that flew through a wall of flack on D-Day to drop Airborne troopers behind the German defenders. Mr. Smith passed away two weeks after this photo was taken.
–Portrait 2nd Place: Jay Westcott/Freelance–Warren Taylor, a member of the Pamunkey Indian tribe, is dressed and painted for a ceremony commemorating the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ wedding to John Rolfe, on Saturday, April 5, 2014 in Jamestown, Va.
–Portrait 3rd Place: Griffin Moores/News-Leader–Kavon Robertson, who at 14-years-old has won six boxing championship belts, rests for a moment after a bout of hitting the punching bag at the Staunton Boxing Club on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014. Robertson is training for the chance to fight with the the U.S. Junior Olympic team in January.
–Portrait HM: Rich-Joseph Facun/The Virginian-Pilot–Hennglise Dorival, 15, who is from Haiti, at her host family’s home, Friday, April 25, 2014 in Virginia Beach, VA. Dorival suffers from a massive facial deformity caused by a tumor that began growing four years ago in one of the sinuses of her nose. This coming Monday, staff from Operation Smile will remove the tumor at CHKD through the World Care program.
–Sports Action 1st Place: Peter Casey/Freelance–Virginia Beach, VA, USA; Competitors dive at the finish of the second round of the beach flag race finals during the 2014 USLA National Lifeguard National Championships.
–Sports Action 2nd Place: Peter Casey/Freelance–Russell Henley chips up to the 1st green during the second round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course.
–Sports Action 3rd Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Brandon Britt of William & Mary gets a hand across the face from Rodney Williams of Drexel as he drives to the basket during the first half at W&M.
–Sports Action HM: Alexandra Welch Edlund/Richmond Times-Dispatch–Louisville’s Eli Rogers loses control of the ball against UVA’s Anthony Harris in the first half.
Lynchburg Hillcats catcher Joe Odom makes an out early in a game between the Hillcats and the Winston-Salem Dash Friday night August 8, 2014 at City Stadium in Lynchburg.
–Sports Feature 1st Place: Kaitlin McKeown/Daily Press–Tim Whitlock, Connor Stevenson, Everette Johnson and River Cypress react to a play while watching the first half of the United States versus Ghana World Cup game on Monday at Park Lane Tavern in Hampton. Stevenson described the game watching atmosphere as festive but tense. “It’s pretty much the best time you can ever have but it’s also nerve-wracking,” he said. “Everybody supports America, and that’s what it’s about. We’re all coming together for it.”
–Sports Feature 2nd Place: Alexandra Welch-Edlund/Richmond Times-Dispatch–Maryland’s Tayler Stiles puts another cap on Andrew Amaro’s head as Ben Brewster watches during their NCAA game against UVA in Charlottesville Sunday, June 8, 2014.
–Sports Feature 3rd Place: Jason Hirschfeld/Associated Press–The Savannah State women’s basketball team celebrates their 65-47 NCAA college basketball game win over Maryland Eastern Shore in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament championship, Saturday, March 14, 2015 in Norfolk, Va.
–Sports Feature HM: Max Oden/The News & Advance–Joshua Fowler, of the Liberty University S.O.A.R. Dunk Team, loses the ball between his feet as he flies through the air on a dunk attempt during halftime of a Liberty University women’s basketball game against VCU at the Vines Center. The team uses small trampolines to achieve their acrobatic dunks.
–Sports Feature HM: Kevin Morley/Richmond Times-Dispatch–UVA Cavaliers celebrate after defeating the Maryland Terrapins in the NCAA Super Regional at UVA, 11-2, June 9, 2014.
–Sports Feature HM: Stephanie Klein-Davis/Roanoke Times–Radford High School fans supported their team on Saturday in the VHSL Group 1A West Championship against Altavista High School. Sharon Jones, mother of player, Nate Jones had the poster heads printed of the team. (30)Altavista won 49-44. Photo taken March 15, 2014.
–Sports Feature HM: Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot–Cullen Kirk,9, of Virginia Beach( green sleeves) rests over the wall along third base during a break in light rain showers as he waits for Orioles players to sign autographs at Harbor Park Saturday afternoon, March 29, 2014 before the Orioles exhibition game with the Norfolk Tides. Cullen is a Red Sox fan according to his dad.
–Spot News 1st Place: Hyunsoo Leo Kim/The Virginian-Pilot–A Norfolk police pauses next to police vehicle as he investigates the scene of shooting where Norfolk Police Officer Brian Jones was killed in the line of duty late Friday, at the 7400 block of Wellington Road in Norfolk, Va. 2014.
–Spot News 2nd Place: Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press–A Newport News police officer assists a resident away from an apartment building in the 700 block of Waterfront Circle as Newport News firefighters respond to a fire Friday afternoon.
–Spot News 3rd Place: Rob Ostermaier/Daily Press–Friends and family of stabbing victim Taiwo Douglas-Wells react to the news that he had died from his wounds sustained in an attack behind Newsome Park Elementary School.
–Spot News HM: Griffin Moores/The News & Advance–An injured driver who crashed his drilling rig through a guard rail along I-64 screams as rescue workers attempt to remove him from an embankment in Waynesboro on Sept. 24, 2014.

Daily Press’ Gruenke wins 2014 Photographer of the Year

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1st place, Feature: Erica Carcamo, 4, plays in the sand while laying in a hammock as waves wash ashore underneath the pier of Buckroe Beach Friday morning. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)

1st place, Feature: Erica Carcamo, 4, plays in the sand while laying in a hammock as waves wash ashore underneath the pier of Buckroe Beach Friday morning. (Jonathon Gruenke/Daily Press)

Jonathon Gruenke, a staff photographer at the Daily Press in Newport News, is the 2014 Virginia Photographer of the Year, winning with 25 points spread among seven awards. Gruenke, who shared the 2014 Clip Photographer of the Year title with Roanoke’s Erica Yoon, edged out fellow Daily Press staffer and acting VNPA president Rob Ostermaier, who earned 21 points with nine awards. Finishing in third place was Mike Morones of the Military Times newspapers in Springfield with 16 points with 4 awards including top portfolio.

In all, 21 photographers from across the state placed in the 2014 contest. The contest was judged at the offices of Gannett Government Media in Springfield, VA by Preston Keres, Molly Riley and Dan Gross.