Dan Wakefield, whose internationally known work as a journalist, novelist, screenwriter, and memoirist ranged from best-selling novels such as “Going All the Way” to award-winning civil rights reporting, began his lifetime of writing as a reporter for the “Daily Echo” at Shortridge High School.

To honor Dan’s memory, and to encourage a new generation of aspiring Shortridge High School authors, the Indiana Writers Center and the Shortridge High School writing faculty have established the annual Wakefield Prize.

Initial funding for the prize has been provided by a small group of Dan’s friends, who hope that ongoing support will come from those who find pleasure, meaning and inspiration in Dan’s work.