Your assignment:

Students in grades 5 through 8 attending area Catholic schools responded to this contest challenge from the Department of Catholic Schools, Diocese of Pittsburgh. First and second place essays and first and second place posters were selected, with each winning student receiving a $250 tuition scholarship. These and a number of essays and posters receiving honorable mention are presented here.

The essay winners were . . .

FIRST PRIZE

The Homeless Are People Too
by Luke Mingone, 7th grade, St. Valentine School

"The word homeless is a stereotype. People jump to conclusions about the homeless when they see a homeless person or the news reports on the homeless." [more]

SECOND PRIZE

Right Before Thanksgiving, Let Us Remember the Less Fortunate
by Melissa Ferranti, 8th grade, St. Sylvester School

"The troubles that those without a home face can be both lonely and difficult. Addressing their struggles by participating in this week may bring greater knowledge and understanding to many, as well as promote future participation." [more]

The poster winners were . . .

{Click on an image to view an enlarged version of a poster.}

FIRST PRIZE

by Alice Zurawsky, 8th grade
Brookline Regional Catholic School

SECOND PRIZE

by Nicholas Hudak, 6th grade
Madonna Catholic Regional School

Honorable mention

Additional essays and posters focusing on homelessness among children

"A home is one of the main essentials of living a healthy, safe, and happy life. Unfortunately, many Americans are deprived of this basic need through no fault of their own. All over our country there is an issue that some try to hide or shy away from. This is homelessness." [more]

Let Us Remember the Less Fortunate by Kelly Mehal
8th grade, Transfiguration School

"Somewhere in my heart, I always find a desire to help others. One that stands out the most is to help the homeless. You just don't know what your donation can do for a homeless child." [more]

by Shannon Masterson, 6th grade
St. Sebastian School

by Hayley Dowd, 6th grade
St. Valentine School

by Brianna Traska, 7th grade
Brookline Regional Catholic School

by Brittni Earl, 7th grade
St. Irenaeus School

Additional essays and posters focusing on homelessness among adults

Being Hungry and Homeless by Alexandra Celio
8th grade, Mt. Gallitzin Academy

"How sad in today's world that people don't have enough food to survive or live in a warm and safe home. I don't know what it's like to be hungry or not have any food. I don't know what it's like to be homeless." [more]

Helping the Homeless by Llyndis Kenny-Howell
5th grade, St. Irenaeus School

"There are some people who won't have a Thanksgiving or a Christmas, or a Hanukkah, or a Kwanzaa. It's not because they don't want to, it's because they can't. They aren't as lucky as you or me." [more]

Help for the Homeless by Samantha Acker
6th grade, St. Valentine School

"Did you know that there are thousands upon thousands of people who are homeless? We, as individuals, should be thankful we have the same roof over our heads every day." [more]

by Rose Doerfler, 8th grade
St. Sebastian School

    by Lauren Stroh, 6th grade
    Madonna Catholic Regional School

by Maria DeAngelis, 6th grade
Brookline Catholic Regional School

by Corey Stefan, 6th grade
Madonna Catholic Regional School

    by Carly Glatz, 6th grade
    Assumption School

by John Tiani, 8th grade
Brookline Regional Catholic School

by Andrew Urko, 7th grade
Madonna Catholic Regional School

    by Sydney Lee, 7th grade
    Brookline Regional Catholic School

12/22/06