Essay Contest

Bill Lueckenhoff, Chairman

The Missouri State Council is conducting an annual essay contest, with topics changing each year. Please note that this contest is separate from the Supreme Catholic Citizenship Essay. The State Essay Contest is open to all Catholic students in grades 6 through 8 attending parochial, private (including homeschooled), and public schools throughout Missouri. Essays will be judged at each individual grade level.

2025-2026 Essay Topic

“Given the fact that Poope Leo XIV was born and raised in the United States, how do you think that can inspire young men and women in our country to consider the priesthood and religious life?”

Timeline

August–September: Councils and Assemblies should contact schools to encourage participation.
October–January: Students write essays, which are judged locally. Councils must select their top essay for each grade level to submit for State judging.
January 31, 2026: Deadline for Councils to submit essays to the Essay Chairman, Bill Lueckenhoff. Essays may be emailed to bill.lueckenhoff@gmail.com or mailed (contact Bill for a postal address). Postmarked submissions by January 31 are accepted.

Submission Guidelines

Essays must be 350 to 500 words in length.
Work must be original and reflect the assigned topic.
Essays must be printable on 8½” by 11” paper, double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
All entries become the property of the Missouri Knights of Columbus and will not be returned.

Awards

Plaques will be awarded to the top three winners at each grade level in the State.

Important Note

Please do not send essays for the Missouri State Contest to the Supreme Council.