Contests
BACK TO SCHOOL SCREENPLAY WRITING CONTEST (2025-2026)
1st Place: Sophia Mercado
— Pressed
2nd Place: Rhys Shuffman
— Before the Robots Come
3rd Place: Vincent Millunzi
— The Wrong Car
Honorable Mentions:
Jaxon Jacob
— Perfect Selfie
Vincent Purcell
— Split Decision
Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation- Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest knows that our strength lies not only in the words we stand by, but most importantly through the actions of our initiatives. Back in 2000, our Non-Profit Organization realized that by working together we could overcome our challenges much more efficiently, and that is why we ultimately decided to launch Dr. Barbra Seniors Harkins Foundation- Back to School Screenplay Writing Contest
Have you ever watched a movie and said: “You know what would make this better?” Now is your chance to show the world how scary, romantic, dramatic, imaginative, funny and just-plain amazing you can be! Create your own screenplay for the movie you wish you could watch!
The Screenplay Writing Contest is Open To Teens between the ages of 11-17!
We Want To Read Your Stories! The Top Three Finalists Winners Will Have The Opportunity To Win Digital Tablets!
- ONE WRITER
- ONE STORY
- THREE WINNERS!
Top three winners will win a
Amazon Fire Tablets with 8GB to write continue to write your Award-Winning Script!
For More Info: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
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Screenwriting Judges
Thea Rodgers
Thea Rodgers is a bicultural American-Salvadoran writer and actress. Heart and humor lead her genre-bending narratives exploring the intricate relationships of the families we're given and the families we create. Thea's work is guided by the artistic curiosity, sky-high expectations, and strong moral compass her parents passed down to her—exploring how to forge our unique paths in life while honoring our deepest values, regardless of institutional teachings. Thea wrote on the Emmy-winning interactive Twitch series, Artificial: Factions. Thea is an alum of the Women In Film x The Black List Episodic Lab; the Women in Film Writer Fellowship; Gotham Week Series Creators to Watch; and Mentorship Matters. When not writing, Thea works for the non-profit HowlRound, a global resource center for theatre makers, and performs Shakespeare in English and Spanish.
Chelsea Ishikawa
Chelsea Ishikawa is a 2023 Mentorship Matters fellow where she was mentored for one year. Chelsea writes chaotic half-hour comedies inspired by the optimistic themes commonly found in Japanese animation. She is currently serving her community as a Hospice Legacy Writer, assisting in articulating and memorializing the final thoughts and moments of patients before they pass.
Michelle Massie
Michelle Massie brings a dedicated blend of 15 years of high school mathematics teaching experience, including specialized work with Special Needs students, and a commitment to public service. She transitioned her skills in coordination and family support to the non-profit sector, serving as a Family Services Coordinator for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). A passionate leftist activist, Michelle has been engaged in community organizing, notably increasing her advocacy during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Essay Writing Contest
Win the Grand Prize: Amazon Fire 7 tablet
Imagine that you could give advice to someone—it could be someone you know personally, a historical figure, or a famous person living today. Write an essay that identifies the person and the advice you would give. Choose a familiar subject so that you can provide details and explain why this person needs your advice (Answers must be from 300-500 words)
Essay Writing Contest 2024-2025 Winners!
- 1st Place Winner: Lexie Bishop, Ross N. Robinson Middle School
- 2nd Place Winner: Aydin Soner, Ubuntu Nation Builders Academy
Requirements:
- Only one essay per student may be submitted.
- Your essay must be 300-500 words.
- All essays should:
- be double-spaced
- have 1-inch margins
- include page numbers
- include an essay title
- student’s name, age, and grade must appear on each page of the essay
- be typed in Times New Roman, 12-pt font
- be in Microsoft Word, PDF, or other compatible format
Entry Deadline:
Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Only the person entering the essay is eligible to win. No substitutes with be accepted. Only one entry per person and only one person is allowed on the entry form
Eligibility:
Entrants must be a middle school student (5-8 grades) attending school in the United States. Student can attend a public/private school or homeschool program.
Contest prizes:
- 1st place: Amazon Fire 7 tablet
- 2nd place: $50.00 Gift Card for Barnes & Noble
- 3rd place: $25.00 Gift Card for Barnes & Noble
How to enter:
Entrants must complete an official entry form (make sure that your parent/teacher signs the form). Submit the form with the essay via:
- Electronic Entry: Register Now
OR - Mail Entry:
Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation
3680 Wilshire Blvd
Ste P04 – 1516
Los Angeles CA 90010
Entries must be complete, or they will not be eligible for consideration.
Questions?
Email us at: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org