Tolton Ambassadors-Louisiana and Associates recently held the third annual Venerable Father Augustus Tolton Essay Contest. An awards ceremony on Sunday, March 16, honored 38 students participating from Oak Park Middle School, Immaculate Conception Cathedral School, Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic School, all in Lake Charles, and Westgate High School in New Iberia.
The contest offered young writers in three divisions — Elementary, Middle and High School — an opportunity to explore the inspiring life of Venerable Tolton, the first recognized Black Catholic priest in the United States and reflect on his enduring legacy.
- The Elementary Division: Grades 4-5 reflected on Father Tolton’s Christian journey and described in great detail how his devotion to Christ enabled him to live a spiritual life in spite of the adversities he faced.
The first-place winner is Lincoln Crookshank, a fifth-grade student at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. He was awarded a Tablet and $50.00.
- The Middle School Division: Grades 6-8 reflected on Father Tolton’s spiritual life and how his love for the Church inspired him to see Christ in others, rather their race.
The first-place winner in Middle School is Nathan Wang, a sixth-grade student at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. He was awarded a Tablet and $100.00.
- The High School Division: Grades 9-12 reflected on the Christian values exhibited by Father Tolton’s life of Virtue and how these relate to personal struggles to overcome the challenges you face in living a devoted Christian life.
The first-place winner in High School is Kamryn Carter, a sophomore at Westgate High School. She was awarded a Tablet and $200.00.
All essays were anonymously (without knowledge of students’ names) read by the following judges: Phyllis Kittling, Bonnie LeDay, Barbara LeDay, and Ivy Mouton. Congratulations to all the winners and participants in the essay contest.
