MARTINSBURG — Four fifth-grade students from St. Joseph School have competed in the 2023-24 Catholic Daughters of the Americas National Teaching Competition for their work depicting how God's love and kindness shine through.
Elizabeth McMillan placed first in art at the local and state level. Stella Van Hilst won first place in the poetry category. Lilia Kelly and Vivian Olsen took second and third place respectively in the art category.
Students and adults in grades 4 to 12 were invited to submit work that reflected one of two themes: “God’s love and kindness shine on us like the sun rising in the sky” (Luke 1:78) or “How does my love shine for others?” 4 Grades and fifth graders can submit work in the form of essays, poetry, art, or computer art. Students in grades 6 through 12 were invited to submit works in these genres, as well as music and photography, and adults could submit poetry, art, and photography. Contestants may only enter once in one category, but may submit entries in multiple categories.
Ten entries were submitted for review by the local Catholic Daughters Court 392. His first place winners at that level were judged at the state level. McMillan and other state winners will be judged at a national level, and winners will be announced on the Catholic Daughters website (www.catholicdaughters.org) after August 20th.
The four recipients from St. Joseph School were recognized at the school's monthly assembly on May 3 in the school gymnasium. Court 392 member and SJS substitute teacher Mary Zygmunt presented them with certificates and cash prizes.