For much of its 232-year history, the Pennsylvania Prison Society has recognized leaders and volunteers at its annual meeting. In recent decades individuals in three categories have been honored: correctional professional of the year, official visitor of the year and prisoner of the year.
On June 5, at the Love Above Bars Bash at the Eastern State Penitentiary Historical Site, Superintendent Thomas McGinley was recognized by the PA Prison Society for his compassion, effectiveness and commitment to the men incarcerated at SCI Coal Township. Coincidentally, the Prisoner of the Year award went to Samuel Barlow, who three weeks prior had been released from SCI Coal Township having received a commutation of his sentence. McGinley was a critical advocate for the release of Barlow.
In 1787, one of the PPS founders, Dr. Benjamin Rush, emphasized the humanity of those in prison and the importance of finding ways to restore prisoners to "lives of virtues and happiness" no matter how severe their crime. According to Executive Director Claire Shubik-Richards, "Tom McGinley exemplifies the pinnacle of these qualities that are highly valued by the Pennsylvania Prison Society. I was delighted to present Superintendent McGinley with the Correctional Professional of the Year award."
About the Pennsylvania Prison Society
The Pennsylvania Prison Society is the nation's oldest human rights organization. Founded in 1787 by Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin and other signers of the Declaration of Independence, the mission of The Pennsylvania Prison Society is to advocate for humane prisons and a rational approach to criminal justice.