As devotion and fidelity to God and Country are essential attributes to one’s life, the Regina Coeli Council of the Knights of Columbus of Easton, Maryland is proud to sponsor the following essay contest for the students of Saints Peter & Paul School. Open to students in the 9th and 10th Grades.
- ESSAY THEMES
9th Grade – Theological Prompt (Theology):
- Select one of the Beatitudes, and discuss how it informs and inspires Christian beliefs and action, and what it means to you personally.
10th Grade – Patriotic Prompt (Social Studies):
- As we approach Memorial Day, discuss one day in American history in the first half of the 20th Century when members of our armed forces paid the ultimate sacrifice, and what it means to you.
- TIMELINE
Friday, April 19 – Essay Contests kick-off at school assembly
Thursday, May 2 – Essays due to SSPP teachers (Theology and Social Studies)
Thursday, May 9 – Teacher panel gives 14 finalist essays (seven for each grade/topic) to judges
Monday, May 13 – Judges provide the six winners to SSPP HS
Friday, May 17 – Winners announced at school assembly
Thursday, June 6 – Awards Ceremony/Reception in Marie Mitchell Parish Hall, 5:30-8 p.m.
III. ESSAY REQUIREMENTS
- MLA Format: Follow all MLA guidelines for spacing, margins, pagination, and headers. Please include your First Name/Last Name/Grade in the header
- Length: Limited to 400-500 words. No more than three, double-spaced, typed pages ● Essays will be judged on: (1) Content; (2) Writing Ability; and (3) Creativity/Originality.
- AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP
- Each grade level will receive the following:
○ 1st Place — $1,500 award
○ 2nd Place — $600 award
○ 3rd Place — $400 award
- In addition, the first-place winners will receive an engraved plaque, and all winners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from the State of Maryland courtesy of State Senator Johnny Mautz, a member of the Regina Coeli Council.
- PROCESS
- This is a graded assignment for members of the Freshmen and Sophomores. ● A panel of teachers will determine the seven best essays for each class and submit them, with names redacted, to the Regina Coeli Council of the Knights of Columbus.
- A three-judge panel from the Knights will score and rank the essays to determine the winners. ● The winners will be announced at a school assembly on May 17.
Our congratulations again to Samuel and Aidan, our inaugural essay champions!
Best wishes from the Knights of Columbus to all the student-contestants, and all members of the Saints Peter and Paul High School and Parish communities.
Vivat Jesus! God continues to bless and protect America!
