Essay Contest

Congratulations to
Miss Madelyn Hopper!

International Essay Contest Winner for 2024!

2024-2025 Essay Topic 

In an essay of 500-750 words answer the question: What are the two most important virtues for an elected leader to possess, and why? How can you determine if the leader has these virtues? 

“Here on earth, it’s impossible to perform a more meritorious act than visiting Jesus often in the Eucharist. If you took all of the good works done by all of the humans who have ever lived in all of history and stacked them all up and multiplied them by a million, they wouldn’t equal the merit, the virtue, and the worth of one Mass. The Eucharistic sacrifice is Christ’s infinite merit, infinite value.” – St Teresa of Avila 

This contest encourages today’s youth to be more connected to their community and their faith. 

Contact Info

Greg Koester

2705 S Veterans Drive

Effingham, IL

phone number 317 821-7731

email gkoester665@gmail.com

Contest Forms & Info

SUPREME ESSAY CONTEST TIMETABLE

July/August: Council and/or assemblies should order Catholic Essay Contest Kits.  Kit contents available on program guide sheets and can be ordered along with additional program material via Officers Online. Contact schools to obtain participation.  At this time, the due date and means of recognizing winners should be determined.

 

September/October: Students write essay

 

October/November: Judges review essay for Council level.  Once Council judging has been completed, the chairman should pass the winner essays to their District Deputy before Thanksgiving.  If the District Deputy receives multiple Essay winners from the same grade, he will choose a winner to pass along to the State Essay Chairman Greg Koester.  The essays should be mailed to Greg no later than December 31st.

 

December: Judges review essay at the District Level.  If a District Deputy receives multiple Essay winners from the same grade, he will choose a winner to pass along to the State Essay Chairman Greg Koester.  The essays should be mailed to Greg no later than December 31st.

 

January: Jurisdiction (State) judging. Essays due to the Supreme Council for international judging by January 31 - Jurisdiction winners should be recognized at the annual convention

 

March: International Essay Contest winner is announced

JUDGING

 Judges (three or more) will be selected by the sponsoring Knights of Columbus council, assembly or circle. Council and/or assembly members, teachers, clergy, civil officials and/or members of the community may serve as judges. 

Essays will be judged on a 100-point scoring system: