Three times a charm for Adam Aleksic, a junior at Albany High School. This is his third year competing in the annual ATA Essay Contest but first time winning top honors.
Aleksic took home a $1,000 prize for an essay titled “Intergenerational Linguistic Cooperation in Russia and America,” which drew on research findings from both countries to discuss how the younger generation can help teach the older generation a new language. He argues that the language the millennial generation uses, both in Russia and the U.S., plays a positive role on cultural assimilation and diversity.
It’s no wonder Aleksic was so passionate about this topic; he runs the website etymologynerd.com that focuses on the origins, backstories and hidden secrets of words.
Another repeat contributor, Ian Moore, a senior at Averill Park, won the second prize of $500. Moore wrote that in a time of disquieting transition in society, with evolving values and diversity, the younger generation can help the older build trust and acceptance, embracing the means of establishing relationships through social media and exposure to new ideas. Moore admits that because of the hours spent researching Russia for ATA Essay Contests, he’d love to visit the country someday.
And, third place winner, Alexandra Reszytniak, has been familiar with our sister-city organization for a long time. The junior at Academy of Holy Names was encouraged to enter the contest by her mom who volunteered her Russia-English translation skills to the ATA in 1991.
Reszyntniak suggested that, while there are considerable differences between the United States and Russia in acceptance of lifestyle diversity and openness of speech, the disconnect between the older generation and the younger comes from misunderstandings from both parties and can be overcome.
Enjoy the videos shot and edited of the event on the ATA YouTube Channel!