Recently, all ten finalists of the 2012 "Letter to My Parents" essay compeition were students from Morton East High School. 

Whereas essays are submitted from schools all over the Chicago and suburban Chicago area, the "ten best" letters selected for final presention and awards all came from East. Maritza Zarco, Alan Sanchez, Mayan Olvera took first, second and third, respectively. The finalists (pictured) came together for the final presentation at Chi Town, February 5; each finalist read his or her essay in front of judges and an audience of parents and peers. While letters were read in Spanish and English, they were translated on a screen so that all audience members could enjoy them.

Junior Maritza Zarco's letter won first place. She will be going on a trip to Japan in April and received a $1,000 scholarship. 

"It was really enjoyable experience. All of the letters read were extremely good. I was so surprised I won."

 Sophomore Alan Sanchez won second place and $200. 

"Al principio, yo pensaba que la carta era un trabajo más, pero después me di cuenta de que podía ser una gran oportunidad para expresar lo que siento acerca de mis padres," Alan Sanchez said. 

Junior Mayan Olvera won third place and $100. 

"I was nervous reading my essay to people because it was about something really personal. But, I'm glad I did,"Mayan Olvera said. 

Spanish and English teachers submitted essays from their classes. "I'm very proud of (the finalists). We have a lot of great writers here," Principal Zarate said.