Scholarship Value $1,000

Number of Scholarships 6

Assignment

Description: Pope Leo XIV, a citizen of both the United States and Peru, emphasized building “bridges with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people, always at peace.” This assignment asks you to share a personal story about how you or someone close to you was changed by an encounter that bridged cultures and revealed God’s love. Essays should reflect on dialogue, encounter, and the transformative effects of cultural bridging with clarity and personal insight. Focus on concrete events and the spiritual or relational lessons learned from the experience.

• Respond to the prompt about cultural encounters and revealed faith.
• Use specific, personal examples that show transformation.
• Emphasize dialogue, encounter, unity, and peace.

Entry

Submission: Entries should be 500–750 words and must include your name and division typed on each page. Spelling and grammar are part of the evaluation, so submit polished, proofread work. Students may submit essays online or mail them; mailed essays should be typed, stapled, and accompanied by an ENTRY COVER SHEET. Essays will not be accepted without a completed entry form.

• 500–750 words, name and division on every page.
• Proofread carefully—spelling and grammar count.
• Submit online or mail typed, stapled essays with the entry cover sheet.

Awards

Award Value: Prizes are awarded by division with top monetary awards for the upper divisions and reduced amounts for middle school. For the primary divisions, awards are: 1st Place $1,000; 2nd Place $700; 3rd Place $250. For middle school, awards are: 1st Place $500; 2nd Place $300; 3rd Place $150. Prizes are distributed per division according to placement.

• Upper-division prizes: $1,000 / $700 / $250 for 1st–3rd.
• Middle school prizes: $500 / $300 / $150 for 1st–3rd.
• Awards are assigned by division and placement.

Eligibility

Eligibility: Eligible students are those in grades 6–8 (Division I) and grades 9–12 (Division II) who are currently enrolled in a Catholic school, a religious education program, or a youth ministry program. Entries should be submitted through the sponsoring organization’s channels by eligible participants only. Confirm your division and enrollment status before submitting to ensure your entry is considered. Ineligible or incomplete entries will not be accepted.

• Division I: grades 6–8; Division II: grades 9–12.
• Enrollment in a Catholic school, religious education, or youth ministry is required.
• Verify division and enrollment before submitting.

Contact

For more information: Call 1-914-570-4118 or email Walter Hidalgo at whidalgo@maryknoll.org for questions or clarifications. The contact is available to answer procedural questions about submission, required forms, and eligibility. Allow sufficient time before the deadline for any questions to be addressed.

• Phone: 1-914-570-4118.
• Email: whidalgo@maryknoll.org.
• Contact for submission, form, and eligibility questions.