The University Writing Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder has announced the winners of the 2000 High School Essay Contest.
Beth Peck of Montezuma-Cortez High School in Cortez won first prize, a $1,000 scholarship to CU-Boulder, for her essay "Biblical Allusions in Robert Bolt聮s 聭A Man for All Seasons.聮 " David Feela, who was her sponsor, received the Benjamin and Jeanette Teaching Award of $250.
The second place award of a $750 scholarship to CU-Boulder went to Krista Luera of Evergreen High School for her essay "Colors of the Wind" about immigration. Her sponsor was Kathy Chaten.
The third place award of a $500 scholarship was given to two students. Teresa Bloemker of Brush High School won for her essay "Chocolate: A Food Group in and of Itself." Her sponsor was Greg Krob. Natalie Martin of Eaglecrest High School in Aurora won for her essay "Racism: A Bad, Bad Thing," an analysis of the novel "Lord Jim." Her sponsor was Bradley Luetkenhaus.
Seven finalists were given $250 scholarships to CU-Boulder: Mary Ellen Potter from Gunnison High School; Noah Schabacker from Niwot High School; Sheryl Cummings from Thornton High School; Brook Engebretson from Centaurus High School in Lafayette; Kyle Reeves from Idalia High School; Erin Burke from Glenwood Springs High School; and David Te from Thornton High School.
The essays were judged on organization, use of evidence and detail, and "felicity of expression" by an advisory board comprised of faculty of the CU-Boulder University Writing Program and high school English teachers.
The students received their awards at an awards luncheon on the CU-Boulder campus April 8.