Throughout the years, many individuals have contributed their talents and efforts to make Sydney Prize an organization that is worthy of recognition. Whether through awards ceremonies, or just acknowledging the contributions of our members, the Society seeks to honor those who have made a difference in their field, or in the lives of others. The Society also strives to encourage a spirit of excellence among students, recognizing their accomplishments and potential through its numerous academic prizes.
Most literary prizes require submission of an original written work, such as an essay or poem on a particular topic. These works are usually published and submitted under a pseudonym, although many writers choose to submit their work as themselves rather than using an academic name. The majority of our academic prizes are given for specific subjects, while some are based on the overall performance and promise of students. Students are nominated by their professors, and most are awarded based on mid-year and final-year academic results.
The Sydney Taylor Book Award was established in 1968 in memory of the distinguished scholar on the history of dyes and dye processes, philanthropist, and founder of the Dexter Chemical Corporation. The Sydney Taylor Book Award is SHOT’s most prestigious book award and is presented to the best historical work in the field of history of technology by an author, researcher, or historian. The 2024 winners are Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield, Two New Years; Mari Lowe, The Dubious Pranks of Shaindy Goodman; and Elana K. Arnold, The Blood Years.
Each year the Sydney Peace Prize is awarded to a person or group who promotes “peace with justice”, human rights and non-violence. The winner is chosen by a panel of judges, including eminent scholars and practitioners from around the world. The prize has been awarded to a wide variety of people and groups, including Noam Chomsky, Julian Burnside, Mary Robinson, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Sidney H. Schanberg Prize is awarded monthly to an outstanding piece of journalism in service to the common good. The prize, named for George Polk judges and former Newsday reporter Sydney Schanberg, is given in memory of her father. The work must be at least 5,000 words long and represent a distinguished example of long-form investigative reporting or enterprise in the areas of armed conflict; local, state or federal government corruption; military injustice; or sedition or authoritarian government abuses. The deadline for nominations is the last day of each month. The winner is announced on the second Wednesday of each month. The prize is funded by a gift from the Sidney H. Schanberg Foundation. The prize is administered by a committee of which Robert Frost ’96 and A. B. Guthrie are honorary chairmen and Budd Schulberg ’36 is the active chairman. Contributions may be sent to the committee, 1 Occom Ridge in Hanover, N.H., 01750. The foundation also awards the Hillman Prizes in the U.S and Canada.