CONTESTS

TAP Proudly Presents
The 2011-2012 Essay Contest Winners!


The High School Division Essay Contest Winners:

First Place Prize: $300

Sarah Beth Schuessler, Oshkosh North High School, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Second Place Prize: $200

Brittney Diane Tracey, Oshkosh North High School, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Third Place Prize: $100

Kimberly S. Mejia-Cuellar, Media College Prep High School, Oakland, California

Honorable Mention

Michelle Kim, Oshkosh North High School, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Rebecca Lyga, Oshkosh North High School, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Johnathon Peters, Judson High School, Converse, Texas


The High School Question:

How are different groups (religious, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and/or other groups) portrayed in the media? Choose one group that is particularly affected by bias in the way it is depicted and give specific examples. If you were the producer of a movie or television program or the editor of a newspaper or magazine, what would you do to ensure objective and balanced portrayals of this group?

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

The Middle School Division Essay Contest Winners:

First Place Prize: $300

Joyce Hida, Vernon Center Middle School, Vernon, Connecticut

Second Place Prize: $200

Katie Lord, West Hills Middle School, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Third Place Prize: $100

Jenna Kiraly, Carl Traeger Elementary, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Honorable Mention

Ally Jaksen, West Hills Middle School, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Alan Shi, West Hills Middle School, West Bloomfield, Michigan


The Middle School Question:

Think about your favorite character from a TV show or film. Give examples of how their story would be different if their race, gender, religion, body shape, disability, or sexual orientation was changed. Explain what the audience would come to understand and respect about the character's background.

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