For a distinguished example of feature writing giving prime consideration to quality of writing, originality and concision, in print or in print and online, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
Awarded to Jim Sheeler of the Rocky Mountain News, Denver, Colo., for his poignant story on a Marine major who helps the families of comrades killed in Iraq cope with their loss and honor their sacrifice.
Also nominated as finalists in this category were: Dan Barry of The New York Times for his rich portfolio of pieces capturing slices of life in hurricane-battered New Orleans as well as his own New York City, and Mary Schmich of the Chicago Tribune for her intimate and compelling story about a federal judge whose husband and mother were murdered by an angry former plaintiff.