On May 1, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recognized the 2008 economic essay contest winners and finalists with an awards luncheon and ceremony.

Left to right: Finalists Steven Galindo, Charles Herrmann, Jonathan Lallinger, Andy Ho, Rosemary Parravano, Christine Chow, Ryan Loeffler, Julie Ann Amthor, Elizabeth Fudge, Shea Houlihan

The 2008 topic was "Economics in Motion Pictures." The top essays from each of the four Eleventh District offices—Dallas, El Paso, Houston and San Antonio—were chosen as regional winners and advanced to the Dallas District finals, where the top three District winners were announced.

Congratulations to the top three winners and the finalists!

Winning essays

Charles Herrmann, Laura Wagner

First Place Charles Herrmann Bryan High School Bryan, TX Teacher: Laura Wagner Essay: "The Economics of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"

Lynn Kaneps, Rosemary Parravano, Dennis Parravano

Second Place Rosemary Parravano The Hockaday School Dallas, TX Teacher: Lynn Kaneps Essay: "Willy Wonka and the Economics Factory"

William Bedell, Jonathan Lallinger, Gina Bedells

Third Place Jonathan Lallinger Cypress Creek High School Houston, TX Teacher: Gregory Nelson Essay: "Scare Scarcity"

Finalists

• Christine Chow
  "All's Fair in Love and Economics"
  The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX
  Teacher: Lynn Kaneps
  
  
• Elizabeth Fudge
  "Movies, Millions and Marginal Utility"
  Rockwall High School, Rockwall, TX
  Teacher: Linda Smith
  
  
• Andy Ho
  "Trade Wars: In a Galaxy Far Far Away"
  Pasadena Memorial High School, Pasadena, TX
  Teacher: Blake Emmons
  
  
• Shea Houlihan
  "Children's Play"
  Franklin High School, El Paso, TX
  Teacher: Carl McCaig
  
  
• Kaelyn Higgs
  "The Ultimate Opportunity Cost"
  Legacy Christian Academy, Alamogordo, NM
  Teacher: Serena Ruediger
  
  
• Steven Galindo
  "American Gangster"
  Irvin High School, El Paso, TX
  Teacher: Wes Fortney
  
  
• Ryan Loeffler
  "Lord of War Deals With International Economics While the Lord of War Deals on the Black Market"
  L. C. Anderson High School, Austin, TX
  Teacher: William Lampkin
  
  
• Ady Wetegrove
  "The Economics of Drugs"
  W. B. Ray High School, Corpus Christi, TX
  Teacher: Lorinda Hamilton
  
  
• Julie Ann Amthor
  "Matchstick Men: Apple in Eden"
  Smithson Valley High School, Spring Branch, TX
  Teacher: Woodie Meyer

Essay Topic

Economics in Motion Pictures
Movies are filled with action, mystery, romance and—would you believe?—economics. Think about one of your favorite motion pictures. Do you recall any economic lessons or concepts lurking among the characters and storyline? Your mission is to go behind the scenes and reveal the economics starring in the film.

The Task
Select a movie and write an essay describing how the film demonstrates one or more important economic principles. Does the film illustrate a truth about economics? How do economic concepts shape the characters' decisions?