We’re pleased to announce that the judging is complete and we’ve awarded the final THINK [about architecture] scholarships. This year we offered the scholarship at 29 schools. Students were asked to explain how(where) they learned this year and how the architecture of their environment affected learning. Whether this school year meant full virtual, hybrid, or in-person learning, the environment in which students learn affects the experience, and it was fascinating to hear how students (and educators) adapted.
We had some great entries, and the committee had a difficult time narrowing down the finalists. Some Honorable Mentions were even awarded because the competition was so fierce.
The 1st place State Level Scholarship ($1,000) was awarded to Lake Zurich resident Rachael Lee. Her video focused on Studio “C” at Lake Zurich High School. She did a great job at pointing out architectural features and explaining how the design facilitated learning.
The 2nd place State Level Scholarship ($500) was awarded to Rinna Kim of Deer Park. Her entry focused on the Performing Arts Center at Lake Zurich High School. She highlighted how the space enhanced her experience and the skills she was able to learn.
Recipients of the $500 School Level Scholarship include:
- Christopher Heintz (Homer Glen), graduate of Lockport Twp. High School in Lockport Township High School District 205
- Ben Bergman (Mokena), graduate of Lincoln-Way Central High School in Lincoln-Way School District 210
- Monica Lesnicki (Lemont), graduate of Lemont High School in Lemont THSD 210
- Jake Pulciani (Countryside), graduate of Lyons Twp. High School in Lyons Township High School District 204
- Marissa Beranek (Tinley Park), graduate of Lincoln-Way East High School in Lincoln-Way School District 210
- Shelby Bergeron (Manhattan), graduate of Lincoln-Way West High School in Lincoln-Way School District 210
- Sam Calhoon (Flossmoor), graduate of Homewood Flossmoor Community High School in Homewood Flossmoor School District 233
- Rachael Lee (Lake Zurich), graduate of Lake Zurich High School in District 95
- Kate Wisnionski (Lake Zurich), graduate of Lake Zurich High School in District 95
- Vince Petropoulos (Lake Zurich), graduate of Lake Zurich High School in District 95
- Rinna Kim (Deer Park), graduate of Lake Zurich High School in District 95
The criteria used by the judges to score the videos:
- Does the student express how they interact with the space(s)?
- Does the student express how that interaction affected their education/ability to learn?
- Does the student express how the space makes it possible to make connections to their teachers or classmates for things such as group or teamwork?
- Does the student discuss their personal experience with the space(s) or demonstrate the role that the architecture plays in their lives?
- Does the student point out any particular architectural or sustainable design aspects that show they thought about the architecture of the space?
- Does the student do a good job of focusing their discussion and adequately discussing the space(s)?
- Does the submission demonstrate creativity and/or ingenuity?
- Does the submission demonstrate originality and/or uniqueness?
- Does the student demonstrate an understanding of the built environment and how people interact with it?
- Based on the viewcount/ratings, did the student promote their submission well?
Take a look at this year's top entries:
Rachael Lee
Rinna Kim
