Where the Past Comes to Life
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.