Essay Contest

Chairman BILL LUECKENHOFF, (573)619‐8969, bill.lueckenhoff@gmail.com

The Missouri State Council conducts an annual Knights of Columbus State Essay Contest which is separate from the Supreme Council Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest. The State Essay Contest is open to all students attending Catholic Schools and to Catholic students in grades 6 through 8 attending parochial, private (including home schooled) and public schools throughout the State.  Essays will be judged for each individual grade level.

The 2026-2027 Essay Topic is as follows:

“Why should the rights of unborn children be protected?”

Timeline

During August and early September, Councils and Assemblies should contact schools to encourage participation. During October through January, student essays should be written and judged at the local level. Councils must judge local entries and submit only their top one (1) essay selection per grade level for State judging by January 31, 2027.  Essays must be submitted to the Essay Chairman, Bill Lueckenhoff, by mail at 13310 Route B, St. Thomas, MO 65076 or by email at bill.lueckenhoff@gmail.com by the January 31 deadline.

Submission Guidelines

Essays must be 350 to 500 words; a student’s original work; reflect the assigned topic and be typed on 8 ½” by 11” paper.  All entries become the property of the Missouri Knights of Columbus and will not be returned. Plaques will be awarded to the top three winners in each grade level in the State.