2017 Single-Topic News or Feature for Print/Online (Large Staff) Finalist: Jill Tucker

“Mr Wilson’s Second Act”

About the Entry

After glaucoma forces an elite professional trumpeter to quit the San Francisco Opera, he embarks on a new career in a middle school classroom. HIs tale anchors The San Francisco Chronicle’s look at music education in the public schools.

Comments from the Judges

“A beautifully written and moving portrait of a man who lost his identity — and threw himself into helping disadvantaged students discover theirs. The hours the reporter spent at the school really show, and she’s included just enough data and research to make this a bigger story about the importance of music education – and students’ unequal access to it.”

“Such a beautiful story. Just amazingly well told.”