Year in Pictures: Trib photographers document a tumultuous 2020 in Western Pennsylvania
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
A student looks out a bus window as she arrives for classes on the first day of school at Penn-Trafford School District’s McCullough Elementary on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The year 2020 is likely to be a benchmark in history for the upheaval of human lives around the globe. A pandemic virus, a loud call for social justice and an American election unlike any other have left an indelible imprint on the world.
Western Pennsylvania made frequent appearances in the spotlight as the region adapted to life with the coronavirus, residents marched in the streets and towns hosted presidential candidates. The Tribune-Review’s photojournalists stood front and center to record the joys and the sorrows, the victories and the defeats, the camaraderie and the loneliness that was 2020.
We share with you the moments that touched us most deeply.
Viral invasion
No sooner had the coronavirus swept into the state than we saw our community businesses and institutions shutting down, casting families adrift with unemployment and reduced income. Our society was deprived of its rituals that serve to bond us as a people.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Row House Cinema’s sign reads, "We Will get through this Pittsburgh" in Lawrenceville on April 7, 2020.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
The statue of George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta has faux masks added on Thursday, March 26.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Allegheny Health Network’s medical professionals administer collection of samples for testing of COVID-19 at their drive-up collection site in Monroeville on March 19, 2020.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Catherine Celender (left) and Jim Weigand chat from their balconies as Weigand’s dog, Scooter, looks out onto Sheridan Street in Millvale on Friday, March 20. The neighbors, who have lived next to each other for 17 years, said they regularly talk on their balconies, but are keeping a safe distance during the pandemic.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
World War II veteran Nick Scarlatelli of Carrick (right) gives a thumbs up to a passing vehicle as he watches a 100th birthday parade in his honor in Bethel Park on Monday, May 25. Scarlatelli was joined by his friend and fellow veteran Herman Skerlong, who will be turning 100 at the end of July. The two have been friends since they were teenagers.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
A smiley face balloon blows in front of a resident as they wait for a parade of families during a socially distant gathering for residents and their families at Norbert Personal Care Home in Carrick on Friday, June 12.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
David Herndon, of Edgewood, visits with his mother, Doris Arlene Herdon, 88, at Charles Morris Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Squirrel Hill on May 9, 2020.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Donna Costelnock of Hempfield holds her dog, Jackson, up to the window for resident, Bob Vertancik, to see during the fifth annual Halloween Doggy Walk at Hempfield Manor on Oct. 10.
Sean Stipp | Tribune-Review
Glenn Gill, 82, looks through the entrance to Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver County. Gill, who has dementia, has been a resident there for two years.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Karen Suchy (left) is comforted by her great niece Reese Temme, 12, as she reacts to seeing her mother, Elizabeth Milinski, 94, for the first time since March 12 during a socially distant get-together for residents and their families at Norbert Personal Care Home in Carrick on Friday, June 12.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Hundreds of vehicles lined up for the Farmers to Families food distribution program conducted by the Westmoreland County Food Bank and Turner’s Dairy on Monday, July 20, at the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds. The federal program, Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, helped purchase the goods that were given away.
Steven Adams | Tribune-Review
Recipients lined up in their cars for food at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in Duquesne. Monday, April 6, 2020.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Leechburg Area High School seniors wait to receive their diplomas during a graduation ceremony Thursday, June 4, at Riverside Drive-In.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Nana Adusepoku, a senior with the Gateway High School Class of 2020, stands with classmates in the front row for the Gateway High School commencement ceremony Wednesday, May 27, in the parking lot of Macy’s at the Monroeville Mall.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Shaun Bryan, a church member at Abundant Joy Fellowship in Tarentum, takes a moment to pray with a delivery driver who stopped for a free meal Thursday, April 30, 2020, during a free meal giveaway at Cindy’s Soft Serve in Tarentum.
While some embraced the restrictions enacted by our government, others resisted the infringement on their freedoms.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
A woman stands atop her car Monday, April 20, as demonstrators on Pittsburgh’s Grant Street rallied against the closure of some business to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania.
Racial tensions ignite
A history of injustices against Blacks, culminating in the killing of George Floyd, moved our nation to demand change and take to the streets in protest.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Protesters gathered un the Uptown section of Pittsburgh on Saturday, May 30, following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Chiah Alexander and their son Phoenix Alexander, 3, of the Hill District watch as protesters demonstrate in downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday, June 16.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Protesters in Pittsburgh on Saturday, May 30, destroy a city police vehicle during a rally following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Both public and private property was vandalized on Saturday, May 30, during protests following the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
A man attempts to dodge advancing police horses after protesters began damaging a police vehicle on Saturday, May 30, near PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto wraps up a discussion with demonstrators outside his home in Point Breeze on Aug. 19. Citizens had been pressuing the mayor to reform policing in the city.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Protesters take a stand for racial justice in downtown Pittsburgh on June 4.
America votes for change
Citizens cast ballots in record numbers across the country to unseat an incumbent president for the first time in decades — but not before Donald Trump and Joseph Biden paid numerous visits to the battleground state of Pennsylvania to make their pitches.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Sis Mikita, 91, sits for a photo among more than 91 Joe Biden campaign signs at her Jefferson Township home Monday, Sept. 28.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Tricia Cunningham, 48, sits for a portrait at her Washington Township home Friday, Oct. 9.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
A young Donald Trump supporter sports the president’s iconic hair during a rally and campaign stop on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Johnstown.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Frank Catanzano of Murrysville poses during a MAGA Meet Up event in near the new Murrysville Trump Victory Office on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
Robert Wideman, 69, of Homewood takes a selfie with the Biden-Harris stage in the background at the Pittsburgh African American GOTV event at Lexington Technology Park on Monday, Nov 2. Wideman said he does not recall a presidential candidate ever visiting his hometown of Homewood.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Supporters cheers at President Donald Trump’s plane arrives at Atlantic Aviation in Moon Township for a campaign rally on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Supporters cheer during a MAGA Meet Up event in a lot near the new Murrysville Trump Victory Office on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Trump supporters and participants in the 4th of July Trump Boat Parade & Salute To First Responders are separated from protesters during a demonstration at Pittsburgh’s North Shore on July 4.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
President Donald Trump fires up supprters during a campaign rally at Atlantic Aviation in Moon Township on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Former Vice President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill Biden (right) meet with family of Flight 93 crash victims on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County.
Our beloved sports
Pittsburgh’s image as the City of Champions was earned by professional athletes, but the region breeds annual crops of competitors at the high school and college levels. Sports are a dominant part of the fabric of our region, and the coronavirus sidelined the dreams of competitors of all ranks. But a lucky few donned masks, quarantined off the field and managed to triumph over everything 2020 threw at them.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Heinz Field seats are sparsely populated as thePittsburgh Steelers played the Cincinnatti Bengals on Sunday, Nov. 15.
Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger gets rid of the ball with the Ravens’s Morgan Cox draped on him on the game winning drive in the fourth quarter Sunday, Nov. 1, at M&T Bank Stadium.
Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin celebrates with JuJu Smith-Shuster after Smith-Shuster’s fourth-quarter touchdown against the Ravens on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Heinz Field.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Steelers tight end Eric Ebron makes a one-handed catch during the third quarter against the Bengals on Sunday, Nov. 15, at Heinz Field.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
The crowd inside of PPG Paints Arena pauses for a moment of silence for the passing of sports legend Kobe Bryant prior to their game against the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday, Jan. 31, 2020.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Penguins’ goaltender Matt Murray prior to their game against the Boston Bruins at PPG Paints Arena on Jan. 19, 2020.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
The Penguins’s Jason Zucker (16) scores against the Montreal Canadiens during their game at PPG Paints Arena on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
The Pirate Parrot and Oliver Onion stay socially distant during the Pirates game against the Brewers on Friday, Aug. 21, at PNC Park.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Pirates players wear 21 to honor Roberto Clemente during a moment of silence before a game against the White Sox on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at PNC Park.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Pirates shortstop Cole Tucker waits to bat in the Hyundai Club during a workout on Tuesday, July 7, at PNC Park.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
The Pirates’ Kevin Newman celebrates his walk-off, two-run base hit with Cole Tucker to defeat the Twins, 6-5, during the bottom of the ninth inning on Thursday, Aug. 6, at PNC Park.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Robert Morris’s Josh Williams (0), right, and Yannis Mendy (15), left, celebrate after winning the NEC Championship game against Saint Francis at Robert Morris on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Pine-Richland head coach Eric Kasperowicz gets doused with water from Jacob Domer after the Rams defeated Cathedral Prep, 48-7, in the PIAA Class 5A state championship game on Friday, Nov. 27, at Hersheypark Stadium.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Thomas Jefferson quarterback Jake Pugh celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating Aliquippa, 35-28 in overtime in the Class 4A final on Saturday, Nov. 14, at North Allegheny.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Ricco Ciccarelli leaps while driving the ball down field against Rockwood on Saturday, Nov. 14, in the PIAA soccer playoffs at Norwin High School.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Deer Lakes’ Michael Sullivan heads the ball over Fairview defenders during their PIAA Class AA state semifinal on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, at Deer Lakes High School. Deer Lakes won, 3-0.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Mars’ Dane Beller celebrates his first goal with teammates during the second half of the PIAA Class 3A boys soccer state championship game against Northern on Friday, Nov. 20, at Hersheypark Stadium.
Shane Dunlap | Tribune-Review
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Bethany Winnor (left) and Natalie Ward embrace in celebration after defeating West Branch on Saturday, Nov. 14, in PIAA soccer playoffs at Norwin High School.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Deer Lakes’ Michael Sullivan (right) delivers Hershey’s chocolate bars to Ryan Rodgers and Colton Spence after they defeated Fairview, 3-0, in their PIAA Class AA state semifinal on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Deer Lakes High School.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Plum’s Annabel Arhin (right) celebrates her goal with Ava Weleski and Kaitlyn Killinger during their game against Oakland Catholic Thursday, Oct. 15, at Plum.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Chartiers Valley’s Megan McConnell celebrates with her dad, coach Tim McConnell, in the final seconds of the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Trinity Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Petersen Events Center.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
North Allegheny celebrates after beating Bethel Park in the WPIAL Class 6A championship game at Petersen Events Center on Feb. 29, 2020.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Butler’s Ethan Morton celebrates with the student section after defeating Upper St. Clair in overtime of their WPIAL Class 6A semifinal Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Robert Morris University.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher celebrates as time expires in the WPIAL Class 5A championship game against Mars Friday, Feb. 28 at the Petersen Events Center.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Highlands’ Johnny Crise hoists the WPIAL Class 4A championship trophy with teammates after the Rams defeated Belle Vernon Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Petersen Events Center.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
Butler’s Raine Gratzmiller celebrates as time expires in a PIAA Class 6A second round state playoff game against Upper St. Clair Wednesday, March 11, at UPMC Events Center in Moon.
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review
The North Allegheny girls volleyball team celebrates with the WPIAL Class 4A championship trophy after defeating Shaler on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Chartiers Valley.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Waynesburg’s Cole Homet wrestles Seneca Valley’s Alejandro Herrera-Rondon during the WPIAL Class AAA wrestling team championship semifinal at Norwin High School on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020.
Swimmers compete in the boys 200 medley relay during the 2020 AA WPIAL Swimming and Diving Championship at Trees Pool on Thursday, Feb. 27.
A better 2021
The prevailing sentiment as 2020 closes is that 2021 can only be better. Let us hope.
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
Karissa Thompson of Washington, Pa., rides Wingdog at the Rolling Hills Ranch in Bridgeville on Friday, Nov 20. Thompson rides at the ranch several times a month that offers over 70 acres of trails with more then 50 horses to ride for every skill level. The average ride is about one hour.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Isaiah Thompson, 1, of New Kensington plays in a pile of leaves with his father, Brian Hayes, on Nov. 13.
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
A lone snowboarder passes through a winter landscape in Hempfield on Thursday. Dec 17.
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
A sign of summer ending as a Eastern Black Swallowtail Butterfly collects nectar from a Buddieia (butterfly bush) in Lower Burrell Monday. Aug 10, 2020.
Nate Smallwood | Tribune-Review
Jai’mon Brown, 7, throws snowballs at Alonna Littlejohn, 9, while enjoying the snow in Homewood on Dec. 1.
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
A hen fosters a duckling at Kistaco Farm in Apollo on Wednesday, April 29.
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