2017 Story of the Year

Isolation rooms are seen at Solid Rock Ministries on Spring Hill Ave. and Ann Street are pictured in Mobile, Ala. (Sharon Steinmann/ssteinmann@al.com)

This story recently won 2017 Story of the Year from the Alabama Press Association, as well as Best News Feature.

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Lucas Greenfield was prepared to scale the razor-wire topped fence surrounding Restoration Youth Academy if it meant his freedom.
While an instructor was busy, Greenfield seized his chance. He was nearly out the door when another student ratted him out. His punishment for the attempted escape was “isolation,” an empty 8×8 room lit by a lone bulb that burned overhead day and night.