Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Fund Schools at the Festival
Student Essay Contest

Through the generous support of the Nellie Wong Magic of Movies Education Fund, the Film Society presented the first annual Schools at the Festival Student Essay Contest at SFIFF51. Endowed by Tim Kochis and SFFS board member Penelope Wong, the Fund aims to cultivate students’ imaginations, enhance their critical thinking and creative writing skills and instill a greater appreciation for the magic of movies in young audiences. Students were invited to write about films they saw at the Festival, explaining how they related to their own lives and experiences and/or how they were inspired to take action or change their beliefs. Winners and runners-up at each grade level (2-5, 6-8 and 9-12) were announced at a special preview benefit screening of WALL*E at Pixar Animation Studios. The elementary and middle school winners were awarded four tickets to the WALL*E event; the high school winner and all runners-up were awarded cash prizes ranging from $50 to $500.

The Prize Winners

Elementary School Winner
Ariel Yu
Fifth Grade, St. Monica School
Prize: four tickets to WALL*E benefit
 
Elementary School Runner-Up
Carlos Cartagena
Fifth Grade, Alvarado Elementary School
Prize: $50

Elementary School Runner-Up
Mika Mercy
Third Grade, Grattan Elementary School
Prize: $50

Middle School Winner
Selena Yan
Sixth Grade, Francisco Middle School
Prize: four tix to WALL*E benefit

Middle School Runner-Up
Natalie Leon
Sixth Grade, Francisco Middle School
Prize: $75

Middle School Runner-Up
Flower Goings
Eighth Grade, Mountain View Whisham ISP Home School
Prize: $75

High School Winner
Yi Li
Ninth Grade, Balboa High School
Prize: $500

High School Runner-Up
Eric Wong
12th Grade, Balboa High School
Prize: $100

High School Runner-Up
Megan Coomans
11th Grade, Noe Street School
Prize: $100

High School Honorable Mention
Emma Freed
12th Grade, Academy F.P. Home School
Prize: two tickets to WALL*E benefit