Students selected as first-place winners and runners-up in the diocesan Respect Life contest were recognized during Masses March 3 in each of the Diocese’s four counties.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade created essays, posters or memes in support of the contest theme “Every Life – Cherished, Chosen, Sent.” The submissions were grouped by various grade categories and were judged on creativity, clarity of message, and when applicable, visual appeal. Each winner received a $100 prize; first runners-up received a $40 prize.

Winners and runners-up were recognized and their entries were displayed during Masses March 3 in their respective counties. The Masses were hosted by the parishes of St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson; St. Peter Church, Point Pleasant Beach; St. Mary, Middletown, and St. James, Pennington.

To read interviews with the contest winners and see photos from each Mass, see this article from The Monitor.