Two Saint Joseph School students won a Catholic citizenship essay contest for the way they expressed why three of the Catholic Church’s 267 popes stand out to them.
Eighth-grader Rebecca Powell and ninth-grader Madison Regalia both chose Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis as their favorites to write about for a contest sponsored by Monsignor Lackey Council 1169 of the Knights of Columbus in Martinsburg. The 500-to-750-word papers were judged by Knights Jonathan Noyalas, Joe Schill and Doug Wolford.
All 43 of the eighth- and ninth-graders at SJS participated in the contest, describing their three favorite popes and outlining the two most important virtues they think an elected leader should possess. They also were asked to describe how to determine if a leader has those virtues.
Powell, 13, of Falling Waters, said her choices each brought something powerful and unique to the church and to her personally. “Pope John Paul II taught me about the strength of faith and the importance of fighting for human dignity,” she wrote. “Pope Francis reminds me to live with compassion and to care for the people and the planet around me. Pope Benedict XVI showed me the beauty of faith rooted in deep thought and tradition, and how humility is one of the greatest virtues a leader can have. Together, they’ve inspired me to try to live a life that’s more thoughtful, more compassionate and more meaningful. Their lives remind me that faith isn’t just about belief, it’s about action, courage and love.”
Regalia, 15, of Shenandoah Junction, said Popes John Paul lI, Benedict XVI and Francis each left a mark in history.
“Pope John Paul II is my favorite because of his bravery, his travels and how much joy he brought to people,” Regalia wrote. “Pope Francis is also my favorite because of his kindness, his focus on the poor and his attention to issues like the environment. Pope Benedict XVI is my favorite, too, because of his intelligence and his care for Catholic traditions. Even though they were all different, together they showed what it means to be strong leaders of the church.”
Powell and Regalia were honored during a Dec. 12 assembly in the school gym. Each of the winners received a $25 gift card and framed certificate. Their essays were submitted for judging at the district level.
