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Over 700 students from all over the diocese entered into the annual Keep Christ in Christmas art contest co-sponsored by the Archbishop John Hughes Council No. 481 of the Knights of Columbus and The Tablet newspaper.

From those, 11 winners walked away with a medal. Their work was judged to best exemplify the theme, Keep Christ in Christmas, and display original artistic value.

Camillo Casano, grand knight, presented each young artist with a medal at an awards ceremony hosted by the council. The winners also received a check from the Knights and three certificates: one from the Knights, one from The Tablet and one from State Senator Marty Golden. Members of the Knights of Columbus and the editorial staff of The Tablet congratulated the students in person at the ceremony.

The contest was open to every student in first to 12th grade in the diocese. This year, each winner hails from a different school.

First-Grade Winner
Joshua Ortiz, Our Lady of Hope School

Second-Grade Winner
Caitie Smith, Leif Ericson Day School

Third-Grade Winner
Kaitlyn Cortez, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy

Fourth-Grade Winner
Antonio Gentile, St. Bernadette School

Fifth-Grade Winner
Makayla Rolon, St. Athanasius School

Sixth-Grade Winner
Catalina Sercaru, St. Matthias School

Seventh-Grade Winner
Valentina Padovan, St. Joseph Academy

Eighth-Grade Winner
Sarah Gallagher, Our Lady of Mercy School

High School

First Place
Caroline Baclawski, Christ the King R.H.S.

Second Place
Bernadette McCrann, St. Agnes A.H.S.

Third Place
Janet Muñoz, St. Saviour H.S.