Pulitzer prizes are considered the highest honor for print journalism. (There are also Pulitzers given for other kinds of writing, as well as musical compositions).
On April 12, the 2010 Pulitzer Prizes were awarded. They’re inspiring works — check them out here.
In his will Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911) left an endowment for Columbia to establish a school of journalism and to give “prizes or scholarships for the encouragement of public service, public morals, American literature, and the advancement of education.”
In doing so, he stated: “I am deeply interested in the progress and elevation of journalism, having spent my life in that profession, regarding it as a noble profession and one of unequaled importance for its influence upon the minds and morals of the people. I desire to assist in attracting to this profession young men of character and ability, also to help those already engaged in the profession to acquire the highest moral and intellectual training.”
You can read more about the history of Pulitzer prizes here.
Dave Barry won a Pulitzer!