CONTESTS

TAP Proudly Presents
The 2009-2010 Essay Contest Winners!


The High School Division Essay Contest Winners:

First Place Prize: $300 U.S. Savings Bond

Kelly Weber, Battle Creek High School, Battle Creek, Nebraska

Second Place Prize: $200 U.S. Savings Bond

Camille Stewart, Holy Names Academy, Seattle, Washington

Third Place Prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond

Samantha Herzing, Pennfield High School, Battle Creek, Michigan


The High School Question:

Film and TV are powerful vehicles for reinforcing prejudice and stereotypes. They can also be important tools for educating others about injustice and discrimination both past and present. In turn, they can serve as examples of how to combat prejudice in the future.

Which TV program or film that addresses an issue of prejudice or discrimination should be required viewing for all high school students? What theme(s) or message(s) does it address and how is it relevant to young people today? How would this show or film enhance students' general education or understanding of history, literature or other core subject area? If you were writing curriculum for your school, which subject area do you think this TV program or film should be incorporated into and why?

Essays must not exceed 1000 words, must be typed or neatly written, clearly organized, and must address all parts of the question.

The Middle School Division Essay Contest Winners:

First Place Prize: $300 U.S. Savings Bond

Christiene Auguste, Valley Stream South High School, Valley Stream, New York

Second Place Prize: $200 U.S. Savings Bond

Madison Ganter, East Shore Middle School, Milford, Connecticut

Third Place Prize: $100 U.S. Savings Bond

Kamish Kabani, Blalack Middle School, Carrollton, Texas

Honorable Mention

Ashley Tierney, Vernon Center Middle School, Vernon, Connecticut


The Middle School Question:

In real life, as in the movies, young people tend to find an affinity group, a group they can relate to and can focus on being a part of that group.

Please give an example of a film or TV show that demonstrates how young people have overcome barriers that segregate or exclude other young people based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical or mental challenges, or other differences. What has this movie or show taught you? How can you incorporate what you have learned from this film or TV show into your life and help reduce or eliminate prejudice and discrimination?

Please include the title of the TV show or film and give concrete examples.

Essays must not exceed 750 words, and must be typed or neatly written, clearly organized and answer all parts of the question.