A series of pictures that depicts a feature story line or single feature theme. 12 photos maximum per story. (A picture story taken outside the U.S.A., depicting the President of the United States, other U.S. politicians, or U.S. politics is NOT eligible in this category.)
First Place
Bonnie Jo Mount, The Washington Post
Rock Creek Park: Rock Creek Park is America's oldest natural urban national park and the third oldest national park. Located in Washington, D.C., the park provides a natural retreat from an urban landscape.
Second Place
Jay Westcott, Freelance
One Man Band: Phillip Roebuck performs to a packed house at The Taphouse on Thursday, April 17, 2014 in Hampton, Va.
Third Place
Bonnie Jo Mount, The Washington Post
Camp: Summer Camp: Tradition and Adventure.
Award of Excellence
Matt McClain, The Washington Post
Jay Leno: Jay Leno, a longtime host of The Tonight Show has not slowed down after stepping down from the television program. He still tours extensively throughout the United States performing comedy. Leno originally began hosting the show after Johnny Carson retired. He is also well known for being an avid automobile collector.
Award of Excellence
Mary F. Calvert, Zuma Press
Survivor: US Army Spc. Natasha Schuette's sexual assault by her drill sergeant is one of an estimated 20,000 rapes and sexual assaults that took place last year in the U.S. Armed Forces. She suffers daily with the effects of Military Sexual Trauma, (MST), that include depression, substance abuse, paranoia and feelings of isolation. US Army Spc. Natasha Schuette, 21, was pressured not to report being sexually assaulted by her drill sergeant during basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Though she was hazed by her assailant’s fellow drill instructors, she refused to back down and Staff Sgt. Louis Corral is now serving four years in prison for assaulting her and four other female trainees. The US Army rewarded Natasha for her courage to report her assault and the Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response & Prevention office distributed a training video featuring her story.
Award of Excellence
Bonnie Jo Mount, The Washington Post
Zoo: As a child, Bob Candy dreamed of owning a zoo. A little more than a decade ago, Candy opened Tri-State Zoological Park in western Maryland. Ownership has been challenging. A fire in 2006 killed 100 exotic animals and the zoo has been cited for numerous violations, including inadequate enclosures, staffing, and quality of life issues. Still, Candy remains committed to his dream and uses every resource to keep the zoo operating. Cheyenne, a Siberian tiger, romps in an old swimming pool at Tri-State Zoological Park in Cumberland, MD. Cheyenne is one of five tigers living in the enclosure. Siberian tigers are critically endangered with fewer than 450 living in the wild. Zoo owner Bob Candy said that the space is not aesthetically attractive -- and that he wished he could find a way to make it more appealing -- but that the tigers are well cared for.