<p>One more thing: Given the very informal nature of the award, it's probably decided like this: The principal is given the award by the alum. Principal goes to English Dept Head and says: "Which Junior should win the award this year?" Reply: "Well, Jane/John isn't ranked 1 or 2 and my get overlooked on Awards night. Let's give it to her/him." "OK"</p>
<p>That's it. It's not an indicator per se of the winner's likelihood to be viewed favorably by Princeton besides the fact that he/she is probably one of the better students in the school.</p>
<p>And the number awarded in your state is determined by how much the local alumni association wants to pay for the awards.</p>