From Page to Screen: Celebrating the Winners of Our “Back to School” Screenplay Contest
The Computers were buzzing with more than just the sound of ringing bells this season, as students across the region traded their textbooks for scripts to enter our Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest. We were absolutely blown away by the sheer volume of entries and the cinematic imagination on display; from gripping classroom dramas to hilarious cafeteria comedies, the talent of these young writers made our judges’ jobs harder than ever. We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who submitted their work. Completing a screenplay is no small feat, and the passion we saw on every page proves that the future of storytelling is in very capable hands.
After weeks of careful deliberation, we are thrilled to spotlight four outstanding writers whose scripts truly rose to the top. These winning entries stood out for their sharp dialogue, unique perspectives, and compelling character arcs that jumped off the page. Please join us in a huge round of applause for our 2025 winners:
Honorable Mentions
Jaxon Jacob — Perfect Selfie
Vincent Purcell — Split Decision
We are so proud of your dedication to the craft, and we can’t wait to see where your creativity takes you next. Keep writing, keep dreaming, and stay tuned for our next call for entries!
Student of the Month Spotlight: From Dr. BSH Foundation to the University of Iowa
We are so proud to announce our Student of the Month, Danielle Warner a talented filmmaker whose journey with us began during their senior year at of high school. Now a freshman at the University of Iowa, she is already making waves in her collegiate screenwriting courses with plans to dive into filmmaking classes next semester. Before graduating high school, Danielle’s goal was clear: major in screenwriting and eventually direct a short film. To help bridge that gap between high school and college, she joined our Online Screenwriting Mentorship Program over the summer. This experience proved to be a turning point, providing the high-level guidance needed to refine their voice and prepare for the rigors of a professional film program.
The impact of the mentorship was immediate, specifically in transforming her scripts into “Hollywood-worthy” material. While Danielle came into the program with previous screenwriting knowledge, her mentor with writer, Tara Herrmann helped her master the crucial skill of writing concisely, teaching her how to replace long blocks of text with punchy, cinematic prose. Beyond technical formatting, Tara provided a supportive environment, checking in between meetings and offering creative plot ideas that helped shape the screenplay into its best version. Today, our Student of the Month, Danielle Warner moves forward with a new sense of confidence in their ideas and a solid foundation as they pursue their dream of becoming a professional screenwriter.
Essay Writing Contest: Win the Grand Prize: Amazon Fire 7 tablet
Calling all middle school visionaries and voices of the future! The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024-2025 Essay Writing Contest, inviting students in grades 5-8 across the United States to share their wisdom with the world. This year’s prompt asks you to step into the role of a mentor: if you could give one piece of life-changing advice to anyone—whether it’s a close friend, a famous celebrity, or even a legendary figure from history—who would it be and what would you say? We’ve seen incredible talent in the past from winners like Lexie Bishop and Aydin Soner, and now it’s your turn to follow in their footsteps. This is your chance to dive deep into a subject you’re passionate about, explain the “why” behind your guidance, and craft a compelling narrative between 300 and 500 words.
Not only is this a fantastic opportunity to sharpen your writing skills, but there are some amazing prizes up for grabs, including a grand prize Amazon Fire 7 tablet for first place and Barnes & Noble gift cards for our second and third-place finishers! To make sure your entry is eligible, please ensure your essay is typed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, and includes your name, age, and grade on every page. All entries must be submitted electronically or postmarked by Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Whether you choose to mail your masterpiece to our Los Angeles office or register online, remember to have a parent or teacher sign your official entry form. We can’t wait to read your unique perspectives and see who will take home the gold this year—happy writing! Visit our Foundation’s website to Enter the Contest and for more information.
Scholarship Time!
The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation is thrilled to announce a new season of scholarship opportunities designed to empower the next generation of leaders and creators. For our high school seniors in the Compton, California, area, the Tonya James-Gordon Educational Scholarship offers a $250 award to honor the legacy of a dedicated contributor, while seniors in Miami, Florida—with a preference for the South Dade area—can apply for the Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Educational Scholarship. Both regional awards are looking for students with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher who are ready to head off to a two- or four-year university. To apply, you’ll just need to submit your transcript, a letter of recommendation, and a thoughtful 500–800 word essay reflecting on your passions or an experience that changed your life for the better. These scholarships are a wonderful way to celebrate your hard work and get a little extra help as you transition to college life!
If you are a student living anywhere in the U.S. or have a specific eye for photography, we have incredible opportunities for you as well! The Carla Hairston Communicate Well Scholarship offers a $500 award to students at any level—from incoming freshmen to graduate students—who believe in the power of heart-centered, effective communication. For the visual storytellers among us, the Joshua James Memorial Photography Scholarship honors a beloved teacher by providing a deserving photography major with a full digital camera package, including a DSLR camera, lens, and tripod to fuel your artistic journey. The deadline for these life-changing opportunities is June 2, 2026, so be sure to visit the Foundation’s website for all the official forms and details. We can’t wait to read your stories and help you achieve your educational dreams—reach out to info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org if you have any questions!
Foundation: Save The Date Events:
Online Film Screening: Film DESPICABLE ME 4, January 17
Film Camp Sign-Up: February 1
Online Film Workshop: Topic: Television Directors, February 21
Middle School Essay Contest: Present-March 27’ 2026
Scholarship Applications Deadline: June 2, 2026
Support Us
The foundation accepts donations throughout the year for all of its programs. If you would like to donate to the foundation, please visit our website at https://barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org and click “Support Us” in the top right corner.
