Jordan McCoy ‘17 and Maxwell Voltz ‘19 each earned first-place distinction to lead a strong St. Thomas showing at the 13th annual University of St. Thomas / Archdiocesan Essay Contest.

[CLICK HERE for Into the void: Where do we find purpose? by McCoy and Viva Cristo Rey! by Voltz]

Grayson Drinkard ‘20 was recognized with a second-place result, while Christopher Ezuede ‘20 and John William Gardner ‘20 received third-place merit and Juan Castillo ‘18 fourth place.

Students were honored at an awards ceremony and Mass celebrated by Daniel Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston,  at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart.

Students were asked to submit an original and creative work inspired by the theme “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service,” which relates closely to the St. Thomas Basilian motto of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.  

Jordan McCoy ‘17

The contest is sponsored by the University of St.Thomas Office of Catholic Outreach and traditionally leads into National Catholic Schools Week, commemorating the benefits of Catholic education.

First and second-place essay winners in the 11th and 12th grades receive a $1,500 scholarship to UST, if they chose to enroll.

Maxwell Voltz ‘19

Catholic. Basilian. Teaching Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge since 1900.