San Marin Sophomores Sweep Essay Contest

sophomores took first, second and third place in the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise’s annual Laws of Life essay contest at a recent award ceremony at the Hill Education Center.

More than 200 entries were submitted in the high school and middle school categories. This year’s topic was "friendship and goodwill," one of the four core principles of Rotary International.

Camille Pflugradt captured the first-place prize of $300 with a moving essay about her friendship with sister, Gabrielle, that sustained her during a difficult period in her childhood. Gilbert Kwong took home second place and Ben Rasmussen took third. Alina Poggenburg and Jacob Creamer won honorable mentions. 

“I’m so proud of these kids," said San Marin English/journalism teacher Scott MacLeod. "They did some deep reflection and wrote about personal experiences with power and eloquence.”

MacLeod added that he incorporates the essay in a unit on Siddhartha. “The essay fits perfectly with Siddhartha since both require the kids to do serious reflection and evaluation of their own values and identities,” he said.