For distinguished editorial writing, the test of excellence being clearness of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning, and power to influence public opinion in what the writer conceives to be the right direction, Five thousand dollars ($5,000).

Awarded to John C. Bersia of The Orlando Sentinel for his passionate editorial campaign attacking predatory lending practices in the state, which prompted changes in local lending regulations.

Columbia University President George Rupp (right) presents John C. Bersia with The 2000 Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing.

Finalists

Also nominated as finalists in this category were: Fred Hiatt of The Washington Post for his authoritative editorials on the crisis in Kosovo, and Philip Kennicott of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for his carefully reasoned editorial campaign against the passage of a proposition to legally allow Missouri residents to carry concealed weapons.