The Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission has presented retired U.S. District Judge George Leighton with the first Honorable George N. Leighton Justice Award.

Over the years, George Leighton has been honored with a number of awards that are named for great Chicagoans, such as Harold Washington and John Paul Stevens. On Wednesday, he will receive an award named for another outstanding Chicago citizen: himself. Leighton, 96, is not as widely known as some of Chicago's most famous leaders. Perhaps that's because he didn't follow a politician's path, he lived a life in the law. But his is an incredible story of perseverance, patience and principle. Best of all, it's a story still in progress.

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