Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: University of Chicago Laboratory High School Entry Title: ‘Frankenstein’ film innovates, illustrates novel’s vision Entry Credit: Light Dohrn Judge Comment: By examining Del Toro's film through a specific prism, the writer is able to dig much deeper into the artistry itself.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: University of Chicago Laboratory High School Entry Title: New film ‘Hamnet’ delivers forceful, unsubtle tragedy Entry Credit: Lila Coyne Judge Comment: The writer's complex reaction to Zhao's film is effectively described here in all of its frustration and tears.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: St. Viator High School Entry Title: Young Thug album ‘UY Scuty’ goes down in flames Entry Credit: Anthony Pham Judge Comment: The artist's behind-the-scenes struggles are given as much as attention as the work itself, bringing us a much fuller picture of its shortcomings (according to the writer).
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Walter Payton High School Entry Title: Review: With “Alice in Wonderland,” the Payton Players make a strong debut into surrealist comedy Entry Credit: Raina Suri Judge Comment: A sophisticated and enormously enticing ode to the joy of an engaging theatrical performance.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Kaneland High School Entry Title: Man’s Best Friend review Entry Credit: Gavin Vaughn Judge Comment: As someone with very little knowledge of Sabrina Carpenter, this writer did a superb job of introducing me to her particular artistic voice.
Competition Comment: At a time where AI threatens the ability of young writers to think for themselves, I was impressed by just how much the voices of these talented contestants came through in their detailed and at times touchingly personal analyses.
