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Youngsters competed in two age categories—grades 6-8 (Division I) and 9-12 (Division II)—and submitted essays composed of 500-750 words. A panel of Maryknoll missioners and employees chose the following winners:
1st Place "Bishop Francis X. Ford Award" $1000
Shelby Miguel, St. Veronica’s Catholic School, South San Francisco, Calif., Grade 7
1st Place "Bishop Patrick J. Byrne Award" $1000
Patrick Wallace, La Cueva High School, Albuquerque, N.M., Grade 12
2nd Place $300
Kevin Burns, Christ the Teacher Catholic School, Newark, Del., Grade 8
Kelsea Linderman, Reicher Catholic High School, Waco, Texas, Grade 12
3rd Place $150
Allison Scacalossi, Sacred Heart School, Glendale, N.Y., Grade 7
Emily Boudreaux, Archbishop Chapelle High School, Metairie, La., Grade 11
Margaret Gaughan, managing editor of Maryknoll magazine and one of the contest judges, was struck by the maturity and insightfulness of the students as they described situations today in which Jesus would say, "Put away your sword."
"For some students, the 'sword' was physical aggression, such as bullying. For others, it was gossip and verbal abuse. Many students shared personal stories, acknowledging how difficult it is to follow the way of non-violence.
"We were impressed at the practical solutions they offered—talking things out before responding in anger and seeking God's help when tempted to retaliate," she said. "These young people have a lot to teach all of us about making the world a better place."
Miguel's and Wallace's first-place essays will be reprinted in the May/June issue of Maryknoll magazine, together with the names and photos of second and third-place winners. They also will be found here at www.maryknoll.org/winners.
Stay tuned to this website at www.maryknoll.org/essay for information on the 2008 Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. Or, students can send us their e-mail addresses at mkinformation@maryknoll.org and we will send you an e-mail with the 2008 rules, when they become available. Don't forget to write "Student Essay Contest" in the Subject area of the e-mail.
Good news for teachers: Maryknoll magazine has an exciting, new classroom program for middle school through high school, including ready-to-use lesson plans. The monthly Maryknoll Magazine Classroom Program, accompanying Poster and Teacher's Guide can add a whole new dimension to teaching religion, social studies, geography or multicultural studies.
For more information about the program for your parish or school, call 1-888-627-9566, e-mail classroomorders@maryknoll.org or write Maryknoll Magazine Classroom Program, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302
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