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No Ordinary Day: 2003

No Ordinary Day: 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007

About This Project

"No Ordinary Day" is a visual diary of the events, both large and small, that serve as milestones in people's lives. It debuted on March 24, 2002 and concluded on Aug. 29, 2007. We hope you continue to enjoy looking at our archive of “No Ordinary Day” images.

Travis Long

The column is a celebration of the struggles, triumphs and tears we experience as we travel from birth to death. Our goal was to document moments in time that might otherwise be missed; sometimes it's the tiniest incident in one's life that has the most profound effect. When on assignment for the column, we looked for that one photo that tells a whole story. Some are the result of a found moment we came across on our daily assignments or our daily existence. For others, we thought of a specific event, like a first haircut or last dance, and sought out a subject who might illustrate the idea.

More photos: 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006

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May 14, 2003	John L. White
Lois Smith (left) gets a hug from Torrey Blackmar, the supervisor for the Garner Senior Center, after being announced as the valedictorian during graduation ceremonies held at Garner Historic Auditorium. The ceremony honored members of the Garner Senior Center who participated in their E.N.C.O.R.E. (Exceptional and New Creative Opportunities for Recreation and Education) program, which rewards its participants with points based upon activities they complete such as exercise, volunteering or attending workshops. Smith has a terminal form of cancer, and according to Blackmar, since finding out about her medical condition she has worked harder than ever with the program, building self-confidence and becoming more independent. "From the minute that she stepped through the door, (the program) has meant everything to her," says Blackmar, "She sees herself as a success story."