Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest Winner
Samantha Amar, an eighth grade student at St. Emily School, Mount Prospect, placed first in the state of Illinois for her essay on Catholic Citizenship, "Sunshine and Storms."
Amar's essay won at the local level in November, and went on to win the state competition. Her essay will next be reviewed for the national contest.
The goal of the Knights of Columbus Essay Contest is to give students the opportunity to define the importance of religious freedom, and to strengthen the bond between the Knights of Columbus and local schools. This year's essay asked students to discuss how trusting in God during a difficult time has helped you or someone you know find the strength and hope to endure it.
In her essay, Samantha Amar wrote: "There's always going to be storms in our lives, but don't let that get you down too much because God will always be there to lift you back up."
The award was presented after a school Mass on Tuesday, Feb. 8.