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I have been a judge in a few contests. And I know it is not an easy job.
Do judges have biases? Yes, all humans do, but judges do their best to look for two things: authenticity and humanity in a product or a person.
I think the winner of the essay competition soaked her storytelling with authenticity and humanity. And she made a few mistakes.
My sister teaches Government and Economics in high school. She gives a D or F to a well-written essay. Why? She knows a parent or tutor writes an A+ essay for a D or F student. She confessed to giving extra points to the ones with mistakes but good ideas.
An experienced judge or teacher knows better.
Authenticity and Humanity:
These two things often give a grand prize winner of an essay a competitive edge over well-written articles.
Ms. America's competition rarely gives us the most beautiful woman in the world. I have no idea the definition of a beautiful woman.
