Theresa Bui, winner of the Rancho Santa Fe essay contest, was released early from school on Friday, May 18th to enjoy a congratulatory luncheon for her essay. She, along with two other students from San Dieguito Academy and La Jolla Country Day, were awarded for their exceptional essay admissions.
Theresa originally heard the news during her AP US History class with Mr. Don Deangelo, when Mrs. Marilyn Harmining interrupted and announced to the entire class that Theresa had won. All the students were excited to hear the news and Theresa was speechless.
She said, “I was extremely excited!”
The three winners, Theresa, Amber Gallant of SDA, and Cassandra Go of La Jolla Country Day, were presented their awards at the Grand Del Mar Hotel. They were served a lunch of salmon with berries and cream for dessert.
Theresa said,  “I don’t think i’ve ever been to a more beautiful hotel in my life!”
The two girls that Theresa ate lunch with had tied for second place.
As for the actual ceremony, Theresa did not have to give a speech, but English teacher Mr. Jeff McMurtry said a few congratulatory words.
He said “She took first, of course, and won a cash award of $1000. The judges were impressed that she was able to adopt such a mature tone in a reflective essay, which is rare. We were able to listen to the author [Simon Sebag Montfiore] talk about his biography Jerusalem and he gave Theresa and the other prize winners advice for their writing in the future.”
Theresa’s parents and other teachers and students also had the privilege of meeting British writer Simon Sebag Montfiore. He especially emphasized that as writers they should not be afraid to take risks, make sure they listen to other people’s advice, and never stop doing what they think is best for their own writing.
Theresa said, “He’s such an inspiring, passionate, and brilliant person, and talking with him has really made me consider what I want to study in college!”
Theresa is excited that she won the award and hopes to write more successful essays in the future.