On April 22, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recognized the 2010 economic essay contest winners and finalists with an awards luncheon and ceremony.

Essay winnners and finalists with teachers.

Dallas Fed Senior Economist and Research Officer Pia Orrenius gave the luncheon address. She spoke about her upcoming book and current research. The luncheon preceded an awards ceremony, during which the students were recognized for their achievement and presented with U.S. saving bonds.

The 2010 topic was “Economics Outside the Box.” 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 all the finalists!

Winning essays

First Place Kenny Lee Teacher: Sally Meek Plano West Senior High School Plano, TX Romeo and Juliet: The Cost of Love

Second Place Tess O'Meara Teacher: Lynn Kaneps The Hockaday School Dallas, TX Lobster Lesson

Third Place Genesis Chapa            Teacher: Blake Emmons Pasadena Memorial High School       Pasadena, TX To Steal or Not to Steal: The Economics Behind Criminal Activity

Finalists

William Branden Devine Teacher: David Reast McAllen High School McAllen, TX

Kyle Hansen Teacher: David Mayer Winston Churchill High School San Antonio, TX

Taylor Jellison Teacher: Greg Nelson Cypress Creek High School Houston, TX

Joanna Lyles Teacher: Juan Armijo Mayfield High School Las Cruces, NM

Sarah Mendiola Teacher: David Reast  McAllen High School McAllen, TX

Laura Pineda Teacher: Carolyn Anderson Silva Magnet High School El Paso, TX

Clarissa Quinn Teacher: Carl McCaig Franklin High School El Paso, TX

Helen Schorsch Teacher: Blake Emmons Pasadena Memorial High School Pasadena, TX

Trevor Walker Teacher: Pam Howeth Sherman High School Sherman, TX