KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
CATHOLIC CITIZENSHIP ESSAY CONTEST
2026 Essay topic: “The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state but from the hand of God.” [1]
Eligibility: Open to students in grades 8 through 12 (public, private, parochial, or homeschooled).
Length: 500 to 750 words.
Goal: To encourage young Catholics to connect with their faith and community through creative writing and civic discourse.
Schedule for our Council's contest:
20-October - 24 November - students have a 5-week interval in which to *write and submit an essay to KofC16347@gmail.com or mail to Knights of Columbus c/o St. Pius Parish 834 Brookside Drive Fairfield CT 06824
25 November thru 30 November: essays judged
1 December - winners announced, prizes awarded, winning essays handed up to State level
Prizes/Awards
$150 for winner in each grade and entry into State and National competition
All entrees receive a certificate of participation
*(use of AI in writing prohibited)