TAP Proudly Presents
The 2004-2005 Essay Contest Winners!
The 2004-2005 High School Division Essay Contest Winners:
Gregory Tellier, 11th grade, St. Bernard's High School, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
Sreyashe Dhar, 11th grade, Farmington High School, Farmington, Connecticut
Meghan Athnos, Westhill High School, Stamford, Connecticut
Chris Mayo, Horizon Community Learning Center, Phoenix, Arizona
The High School Question was:
With the proliferation of 24-hour news channels and "celebrity" news anchors, it seems that our news is more "hype" than hard facts. Reporters have been accused of slanting their stories in order to paint a picture, making it hard to tell the difference between a network's version of the story and the actual truth. Even respected newspapers and news programs have come under criticism for selective reporting. Some examples of underreporting, slanted journalism, and versions of the "truth" include reporting on the killing in the Sudan, the war and rebuilding in Iraq, the U.S Presidential election, the issue of same-sex marriage, and the coverage of the Kobe Bryant case.
Do you believe that journalistic integrity still exists or is it a thing of the past? Cite at least two and no more than three examples of TV stations, news anchors, newspapers or newsmagazines that support your view/position. Discuss ways that you can make intelligent, informed decisions in these days of talk TV and tabloid sensationalism.
Please limit your essay to 750 words or less and include examples.
The 2004-2005 Middle School Division Essay Contest Winners:
Justine Neubarth, 8th grade, Middlebrook School, Wilton, Connecticut
Second Place (3-way tie): Prize $75 Savings Bond
Lauren Ferrucci, 8th grade, Saxe Middle School, New Canaan, Connecticut
Jesse Iassogna, Baldwin Middle School, Guilford, Connecticut
Kelly Tropin, 8th grade, Saxe Middle School, New Canaan, Connecticut
Laura Campbell, 8th grade, Georgetown Middle School, Georgetown, Kentucky
Demmi Choo, 6th grade International School of Beijing, Beijing, China
Aiden Deane, 7th grade, Vernon Center Middle School, Vernon, Connecticut
Matthew DeCaprio, 6th grade, Baldwin Middle School, Guilford, Connecticut
Rosanna Kim, 8th grade, Gaithersburg Middle School, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Kassandra King, 6th grade International School of Beijing, Beijing, China
Emily Miller, 7th grade, Middlebrook School, Wilton, Connecticut
Maureen Sweeney, 8th grade, Saxe Middle School, New Canaan, Connecticut
J.C. Tecklenberg, 6th grade International School of Beijing, Beijing, China
Anonymous, 8th grade, Middlebrook School, Wilton, Connecticut
Stephanie Zhan, 6th grade International School of Beijing, Beijing, China
The Middle School Question was:
Movies, TV programs, music videos, and books often send powerful messages about situations or groups of people. Common themes are discrimination and prejudice against a race, religion, ethnicity, gender, the disabled, socioeconomic or other group of people.
In 600 words or less, describe one movie, TV program, music video or book that has taught you a valuable lesson about stereotyping or confronting prejudice. What have you learned from this movie, TV program, music video or book? How has it changed the way you relate to people? Would you recommend that others see or read it? Why or why not?
Please include the title of the movie or book, the name of the song and the group who recorded it, or the name of the TV show.
Criteria: Entries must be typed or neatly written. For contact purposes only, students must include their name, address, phone number, e-mail address (optional), school and grade. Entries will not be returned and become the property of TAP. All entries must be postmarked by December 15, 2004.
