Rotary Announces Winners of Scholarship Essay Contest

Local students share insights on AI's impact on society

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:00am

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A highly stylized, repeating pattern of a neon-colored, silkscreen-printed computer chip or other AI-related object, conveying the technological advancements and ethical questions surrounding the rise of artificial intelligence.A local scholarship contest encourages students to thoughtfully explore the societal implications of artificial intelligence through creative writing.Berrien Springs Today

The Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor has announced the winners of its annual Scholarship Essay Contest, which challenged students to write about the potential societal transformations and ethical controversies surrounding artificial intelligence. The top three essayists were Daniel Kondrat of Andrews Academy, Melody Kertawidjaja of Berrien Springs High School, and Seth Martin of St. Joseph High School.

Why it matters

The Rotary Scholarship Essay Contest promotes critical thinking, writing skills, and awareness of contemporary social issues among local high school students. As AI continues to advance and become more integrated into daily life, understanding its implications is an important skill for the next generation.

The details

Students wrote their essays at the Berrien RESA building without the aid of smartphones or AI. A panel of eight judges from Berrien RESA and the Rotary Club assessed the essays on content quality, originality, style, coherence, and grammar to determine the top three winners. The essays expressed a 'cautiously optimistic' view on using AI while also emphasizing the continued importance of the human brain.

  • The Rotary Scholarship Essay Contest is now in its 46th year.
  • The contest has partnered with Berrien RESA for 18 years.

The players

Kristen Bawks

A representative of the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor who provided details about the scholarship contest.

Daniel Kondrat

The first-place winner from Andrews Academy who will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Melody Kertawidjaja

The second-place winner from Berrien Springs High School who plans to attend either Andrews University or the University of Michigan.

Seth Martin

The third-place winner from St. Joseph High School who plans to attend Brigham Young University after completing a mission trip.

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What they’re saying

“Cautiously optimistic to be able to use artificial intelligence to assist in a world that can't ignore it, but at the same time, needing to continue to utilize the human brain as much as possible.”

— Kristen Bawks, Rotary Club Representative

The takeaway

The Rotary Scholarship Essay Contest demonstrates how local organizations can engage students in thoughtful discussions about the societal impacts of emerging technologies like AI. By promoting critical thinking and awareness, the contest helps prepare the next generation to navigate the ethical complexities of an increasingly automated world.