For 45 years the Young Men's Institute (YMI), a Catholic Fraternal Organization, has conducted a national essay writing contest. The contest is open to students in grades 7 -12, and different writing prompts are provided for grades 7/8 and grades 9-12. This year we are pleased to announce that we had two junior high students and five high school students finish in the top 13 of each category.
Students in grades 7 and 8 were asked to answer the following question in 500 words or less, "Why does God allow crosses (difficulties, hurdles, troubles) in people's lives and tell us about a time when you had ato overcome a cross?" 7th grade student Bess Scheiben and 8th grade student Tessa Hamilton both finished in the national top 13.
High School students were asked to write on the topic of the pros and cons of electronic devices that affect a teen's busy schedule and social interactions, as well as, any thoughtful suggestions to better manage usage. What a topic! We had five student essays place in the top 13. Congratulations to sophmores Audrey Mosey, Evalynn Aleman, Jake Moynihan, Shelby Kutter and senior, Trent Reichley!
All of the winners will be awarded with a cash prize at the Honor and Awards ceremony on Friday, May 24.