In honor of Discover Catholic Schools in New England (DCSNE), the Catholic Schools Office ran its second annual DCSNE Art & Essay Contest. More than 600 students submitted entries and the chosen winners — along with their parents, principal and teachers — attended a celebration at the Pastoral Center November 15.

The 2019 winners are:

• Kindergarten: Elizabeth, Sacred Heart School-Early Childhood Center, Kingston
• Grade 1: Harlow, Saint Pius V School, Lynn
• Grade 2: Mia, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills Campus
• Grade 3: Kayla, Saint Patrick School, Stoneham
• Grade 4: Kaylei, Immaculate Conception School, Revere
• Grade 5: Cheyenne, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy, Lower Mills Campus
• Grade 6: Jaysen, Sacred Heart, Roslindale
• Grade 7: Amia, Sacred Heart School, Roslindale
• Grade 8: Sara, Saint Monica School, Methuen
• Grade 11: Aniyah, Cristo Rey High School, Boston
   

The contest had guidelines that were grade-level dependent:

• Kindergarten and Grade 1: Create a drawing with the theme “Mary is our Mother”
• Grades 2-3: Create a drawing or essay addressing “Who is your favorite Saint, and why?”
• Grades 4-8: Write an essay addressing “What happens when I pray the Rosary?"
• Grades 9-12: Create a work of art or write an essay addressing “We are all called to be Saints. What kind of Saint do you want to be?”

DCSNE is an annual effort to encourage and inspire people to explore their local Catholic schools. During this special week in November, every diocese in New England celebrates Catholic Education and highlights the achievements of our schools. DCSNE focuses on enrollment, marketing, and encouraging new families to join the school community.