2021 Essay Contest Sets New Record
After receiving a record 250 essays from over 25 local high schools we are pleased to announce we have narrowed down the field to a final 21 in our 9th Annual Essay Contest.
A total of 10 high schools are represented in this top group with students from Crawford High School (6) and The Preuss School, UCSD (4) leading all schools with almost half of the total finalists. Escondido Charter High School (2) and El Cajon Valley High School (2) have multiple entries in the top group and two-time contest winner (2018 and 2020) Lincoln High School has one finalist. Additionally, students from Hoover High School, Monte Vista High School, Orange Glen High School, Stelle Canyon High School, Sweetwater High School and The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts each still have a chance of winning this year’s top prize of $2,500. Over $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to our top finishers this year.
1st Place - $2,500
2nd Place - $1,000
3rd-5th - $500 Amazon Gift Card
6th-10th - $100 Amazon Gift Card
The essays will now be sent to a panel of over 25 judges for the second round of judging where this group will be narrowed down to a final 10. Essays will be judged based on the creativity, originality, clarity and overall impact of the essay. That final group will then be ranked again, and the winners will be selected.
We look forward to announcing all of the winners the week of April, 12th.
Past Winners:
2020 Essay Contest Winner – Billy Nguyen, Lincoln High School
2019 Essay Contest Winner- Alexandra Morales, The Preuss School, UCSD
2018 Essay Contest Winner – Kevin Banks, Lincoln High School
2017 Essay Contest Winner – Jonathan Bojorquez, Helix High School
2016 Essay Contest Winner – Kiara Gomez, The Preuss School, UCSD
2015 Essay Contest Winner – Andria Montgomery, Patrick Henry High School
2014 Essay Contest Winner – Virginia Reyes, The Preuss School, UCSD
2013 Essay Contest Winner – Laura Castro, The Preuss School, UCSD