Continuing its annual tradition, The Tablet, in collaboration with Archbishop John Hughes Council No. 481 of the Knights of Columbus, invited youth residing in Brooklyn and Queens to participate in the Keep Christ in Christmas Art Contest.
In honor of the pontiff’s first Christmas season as successor to St. Peter, the contest was dedicated to Pope Francis. The contest challenged students in grades one to 12 to think about what the pope advises regarding the Christmas season. They were given the following quote by Pope Francis, which he said right before Christmas when he was a cardinal in Argentina:
“These are days of movement, days of emotion, but do not forget, it’s a day of birth because Christmas is Jesus.”
The editorial staff of The Tablet judged the art work that came from 19 schools and parishes. The winners will have received certificates at an awards ceremony hosted by the Knights after The Tablet went to press. The Knights also funded cash prizes for the winners.
The judges had an especially difficult time agreeing on the winners from all the beautiful artwork submitted. Therefore, honorable mentions were awarded to a number of students. Those students will receive certificates in the mail, and their artwork can be seen at thetablet.org. This week’s front page, includes art work by Jonnie Nicosia, from St. Agnes A.H.S., College Point, which was given an honorable mention.
Special thanks goes to all participants, teachers, moderators and parents for taking the time and effort to participate.
And the Winners are:
First Grade — Brandan Peralta
Pope John Paul II Family Academy, Bushwick
Second Grade — Leah Sheehan, St. Mel’s School, Flushing
Third Grade Tie — Karen Flores, Pope John Paul II Family Academy, and Dominick Crawford, Midwood Catholic Academy
Fourth Grade — Marko Yaremchuk, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Dyker Heights
Fifth Grade — Michael Bacarella, St. Mel’s School
Sixth Grade — Mikey Brienza, St. Mel’s School
Seventh Grade — Jacky Bian, St. Anselm Catholic Academy, Bay Ridge
Eighth Grade — Sofia Bauer
St. Thomas the Apostle, Woodhaven
HIGH SCHOOL
First Place — Jane Shan, Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst
Second Place — Kristen Perez
Bishop Kearney H.S.
Third Place — Jennifer Garcia-Ron, St. Agnes A.H.S., College Point