The award, named in honor of the Knicks’ first African-American player, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, recognizes those people that have made a significant difference in the lives of others. Each month, a winner is chosen by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at Madison Square Garden’s center court prior to a home game. Each winner receives a $2,000 donation, in his or her name, to a charity of his or her choice.

John will accept the award during Monday's 7:30 p.m. New York Knicks-New Jersey Nets game at Madison Square Garden. He will donate the award money to the United Way.

John, a student athlete at New Jersey City University (NJCU), proves that hard work and dedication really pays off. John recently completed his second season as a starting forward for the Knights. Prior to joining the Knights in 2005, John had no experience playing organized basketball at any level. Upon his graduation from high school in 1998, John put off college to help support his family, which includes his three-year-old son and handicapped nephew. During the week, John works at the United States Post Office from midnight - 8:00 a.m. before heading off to class and basketball practice at NJCU. Despite his commitments to his family, job and school, John managed to finish his season as the leading scorer for the Knights (18.4 ppg) and was named to the 2006-07 D3Hoops.com First-Team All-Atlantic Region in voting by the region’s sports information directors.

To nominate your hero, or to read more about Dana John, and other past winners, please click here.