PUFFIN/NATION PRIZE

The winner of the third annual Puffin/Nation Prize for Creative Citizenship is David Protess, professor at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Protess founded the Innocence Project, which enlists journalism students, journalists, lawyers and private investigators to investigate questionable convictions for capital and other crimes. Over the past twelve years the Innocence Project was responsible for overturning the convictions of eight Illinois prisoners, four on death row. Former Illinois Governor George Ryan recognized the work of the project as being instrumental in his decision to suspend executions and grant clemency to every prisoner on death row. Protess is now engaged in setting up a program to help exonerated prisoners adjust to civilian life. The Puffin/Nation Prize, which carries a stipend of $100,000, is presented annually to an American citizen who has challenged the status quo "through distinctive, courageous, imaginative, socially responsible work of significance." Funding for the prize comes from the Puffin Foundation; it is administered by the Nation Institute. The winners are chosen by four judges, who remain anonymous.

PAUL SIMON

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