Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Normal Community High School Entry Title: When focus beats the feed Entry Credit: Andrew Naour Judge Comment: I interviewed Damien Chazelle about "Whiplash," and I feel he would be impressed by this writer's skill in conveying the essence of his film through the prism of modern technology.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Normal Community High School Entry Title: Photo Illustration Cinemojis [game] Arwen Georgas, Senior Staff Reporter Jan 13, 2026 Click to play the Inkspot’s newest game, Cinemojis, where Arwen Georgas challenges you to figure out the title of a 2025 film using emoji clues. Continue Reading A dri Entry Credit: Elijah Conda Judge Comment: A marvelous review that zeroes in on specific aspects of the craft, such as sound design, to build its persuasive case.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: West Chicago High School Entry Title: La Birria Loca delivers bold flavor – and the best tacos in town Entry Credit: Josh Ptak, Lesly Correa Judge Comment: My mouth was watering along with that of the writer while reading this enticingly immersive restaurant review.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: West Chicago High School Entry Title: Trader Joe’s chips are Thanksgiving stuffed into one bag Entry Credit: Allison Komaniecki, Magdalena Schave, Flor Leal, Milly Mora-Zarco Judge Comment: Never have I read a more thorough analysis of a potato chip brand's value to consumers.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Washington Community High School Entry Title: Review: "Sunrise on the Reaping" Entry Credit: Annabelle Hiel Judge Comment: A fine assessment of what the writer perceived as being "more of the same" in the new "Hunger Games" book.
Competition Comment: You know a review is working its magic when you find yourself wanting to watch the movie or eat the food being analyzed, which happened to me multiple times while reading these impressive submissions.
