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 39 schools. Students were asked to explain how (where) they learned this year and how the architecture of their environment affected learning.
This year we had 2 First Place winners!
One of the 1st place State Level Scholarships ($1,000) was awarded to Justice resident Aleksandra Wozniak. Her video focused on three key areas of the Portillo’s Performing Arts Center which include the orchestra room, practice rooms and performing arts space at Argo Community High School. She explained how the variety of spaces enhanced her learning and love of music.
The second 1st place State Level Scholarships ($1,000) was awarded to Lea Ryndak of Flossmoor. Lea’s entry focused on the TV and Radio Studio at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. As a student and Public Relations Manager at HF, Lea highlighted how this space has prepared her for future media experience and even has an internship lined-up and is planning on majoring in new/radio production in college.
Recipients of the $500 School Level Scholarship include:
- Aleksandra Wozniak (Justice), graduate of Argo Community High School (District 217)
- Keenan O’Keefe (West Chicago), graduate of West Chicago Community High School (Community High School District 94)
- Mikee Kasandra Quiacos Medrano (Elmwood Park), graduate of Elmwood Park High School (District 401)
- Lea Ryndak (Flossmoor), graduate of Homewood Flossmoor Community High School (Homewood Flossmoor School District 233)
- Alexandria Koulourianos (Lake Zurich), graduate of Lake Zurich High School (District 95)
- Erin Barndollar (Lemont), graduate of Lemont High School (Lemont THSD 210)
- Isabelle Escatel (Mendota), graduate of Mendota High School (Mendota High School District 280)
- Lily Butler (Oak Lawn), graduate of Oak Lawn Comm High School (School District 229)
- Nyla Gimza (Chicago Ridge), graduate of Richards High School (Comm High School District 218)
- Lauren Howe (Bartlett), graduate of South Elgin High School (School District U-46)
We also awarded two $300 Honorable Mention to:
- Ivan Little Jr. (Oak Lawn), graduate of Richards High School (Community High School District 218)
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 view count/ratings, did the student promote their submission well?
Take a look at this year’s top entries:
Aleksandra Wozniak
Lea Ryndak
