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 33 schools. Students were asked to explain how (where) they learned this year and how the architecture of their environment affected learning.
The first-place scholarship ($1,000), awarded across two states, was presented to Lemont resident Lauren Ascolani. Lauren, who plans to pursue a degree in architecture, highlighted how Lemont High School’s location impacts her learning, particularly the windowless classrooms. She expressed a preference for spaces with ample natural light and flexible furniture. Additionally, she went above and beyond by conducting a peer survey that revealed the most favored wall color.
The second-place scholarship of $500 (awarded across two states) was presented to Quin Holland of Mendota. Quin shared valuable insights in his scholarship video on the impacts of natural light on student learning and well-being. During his time at Mendota High School, he gained hands-on experience as a stage-light operator. While honing his technical skills, he mentored fellow students before graduating.
Recipients of the $500 School Level Scholarship include:
- Julia Tchorz (Barrington), graduate of Barrington High School (School District 220)
- Freida Dantzler (Aurora), graduate of East Aurora High School (School District 131)
- Rebecca Hilliard (Aurora), graduate of East Aurora High School (School District 131)
- Vianney Martinez(Chicago Heights), graduate of Homewood Flossmoor (School District 233)
- Everett Van Til (Flossmoor), graduate of Homewood Flossmoor (School District 233)
- Noelle Dolan (Flossmoor), graduate of Homewood Flossmoor (School District 233)
- Lukas Robbins (Woodridge), graduate of Lemont High School (School District 210)
- Nicholas Bostjancic (Lemont), graduate of Lemont High School (School District 210)
- Lauren Ascolani (Lemont), graduate of Lemont High School (School District 210)
- Gianna Stack (Lockport), graduate of Lockport Township. High School (School District 205)
- Allison Budzynski (Lockport), graduate of Lockport Township. High School (School District 205)
- Dessa Komitas (Compton), graduate of Mendota High School (School District 280)
- Quin Holland (Mendota), graduate of Mendota High School (School District 280)
- Katelyn Britt Cook (Mendota), graduate of Mendota High School (School District 280)
- Jacob Carr (Channahon), graduate of Minooka High School (School District 111)
- Annemarie Fuller (Munster), graduate of Munster High School (School Town of Munster)
- Yuma Dennis (Waukegan), graduate of Warren Township High School – Almond Campus (School District 121)
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:
Lauren Ascolani
Quin Holland
