Second Essay Contest

Corbin Weitenhagen

Everett, Washington

Congratulations to Corbin Weitenhagen of Everett, Washington for winning the East Rock Films Second Essay Contest! He made a brilliant video essay discussing the film Whiplash and why this work resonated with him.

We were extremely impressed with Corbin’s ability to tell a story, provide insightful commentary, and choose just the right shots to illustrate his points. Corbin is currently a sophomore in college.

Alice Adams

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Alice Adams from Allentown, Pennsylvania is our Finalist! She wrote a very engaging and insightful essay discussing how a Pulitzer Prize winning photograph taken in 1963 about a protesting Vietnamese Buddhist monk made a deep impression on her. Alice is a senior in high school.

Honorable Mentions

Seara Ricks

Cotonwood Heights, Utah

Seara Ricks of Cotonwood Heights, Utah wrote a very thoughtful essay on the fairy tale figure Cinderella and how cultures around the world have interpreted this story. Seara is a senior in high school.

Gabe Salazar

Monroe, Ohio

Gabe Salazar of Monroe, Ohio made a fantastic video essay about Paul Simon’s album Graceland. Gabe is a senior in high school.

Kaia McMullen

Aiken, South Carolina

Kaia McMullen of Aiken, South Carolina made a very interesting video essay on “Kiki’s Delivery Service: A Lesson on Burnout, Simplicity, and Self-Discovery.” Kaia is a senior in high school.

Kim Sarah Lux

Madison, Wisconsin

Kim Sarah Lux of Madison, Wisconsin wrote an excellent essay about the classic book The Good Earth. Kim is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Olivia Radecki

Cincinnatti, Ohio

Olivia Radecki of Cincinnatti, Ohio made a very engaging video essay on Shakespeare’s Hamlet and why this play and character resonate with her. Olivia is a senior in high school.

Contest Judges

There were three judges for this year’s essay contest:

Nora Krasniqi is a writer, painter, and filmmaker who resides in Berlin, Germany.

Alfred Robert Hogan is a journalist, media historian, and environmental activist.

Andrew D. Kaplan, Ph.D. is a writer-editor for the federal government, adjunct professor of communication, and documentary filmmaker.

Feeling inspired?

Join our current essay contest and get the chance to receive a scholarship of $500 (US).

Learn how you can apply by following the link below.