When Sam Anthony found himself climbing the ladder in the National Archives, he had no idea where the ascent would lead. Today, if you’re lucky you might be treated to Sam’s irreverent, unpredictable romp through the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and all of those historical murals. Dry stuff, brought alive by a man who’ll wear costumes, make fun of the founding fathers and encourage schoolkids to lie on the floor for a better view of the rotunda. The thing is, Sam is losing his lifeline to his vocation; cancer is chipping away at his voice. He could complain. Instead, he challenges others to be their best. As one tour participant said, an extraordinary life doesn’t depend on an impressive title and salary; it depends on matching the expanse of your inner world to the actions you take outside it. “Sam has the job that we all have,” she said, “but he makes everything more meaningful.”
From the Judges
This highly distinguished and extremely compelling piece grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. It's well written, fun, educational, heartfelt, and emotional. This is a profile that is "felt" rather than "read." The title is uniquely appropriate to the subject of the story, and the photos were amazing, providing an effective complement to the text. The author successfully interweaves elements of career, personality, history, and cancer diagnosis and treatment with a wonderful integration of meaningful quotes from the subject. The writing provides a powerful showcase of resilience in life and a positive attitude.
