DEKALB—On May 7 the Catholic Daughters of the Americas’ local court, Immaculate Conception 996, presented awards to winners of this year’s national education contest. 

 

The contest is open to and encourages students of the community, local schools, CCD classes, homeschooled children, and even adults, to use their imagination and freedom of thought to reflect on one of two themes: “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” (Ps 40) or “Doing my best to do good.” 

 

Entrants may do this in several areas of expression: traditional art, computer art, music, photography, essays and poetry. 

 

There were 192 entries from students at St. Mary School in DeKalb, St. Mary School in Sycamore and a parish religious education program. They competed for awards in multiple categories at two division levels. 

 

First, second, and third place winners received a money prize and a certificate. 

 

Winners in Division I —fourth and fifth grade students: 

 

â–º Essay: Samuel Schatteman, first; Darina Echevarria, second; Kaylyn Wackerlin, third.

 

â–º Poetry: Alexandria Earl, first; Lainey Justice, second; Ella Eklund, third. 

 

â–º Art: Alana Anderson, first; Grace Amptmann, second; Nicholas Waddle and Harper Lundeen (tied) third. 

 

Division II — fifth through sixth grade students: 

 

â–º Essay: Tyler Lojko, first; Audrey Duncan, second; Giana Huffstutler, third. 

 

â–º Poetry: Sage Kleckner, first; Keisha Simms, second; Delaney Larson, third. 

 

â–º Computer Art: Natalie Morken, first; Quin Dukes, second; Fiona Arado, third.

 

â–º Art: Emma Hansing, first; Mariana Martinez, second; Annie Brandt and Alyssa Tumminaro (tied) third. 

 

â–º Photography: Josh Dudziak, first; Jamie Deegan-Warkins, second; Isabella Kirchmann, third. 

 

First place winners advanced to state level competition. First place winners at state proceed to the national level.

 

Judges were Barbara Ball, Sharon Challand and Christine Roberts.