Lancaster Court Queen of Peace 1023 of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas has announced its 2024 National Education Contest. The contest is open to all youths in grades four through 12 from all schools, including public, private, parochial, home, and cyber schools, as well as religious education/CCD classes. Students do not need to be Catholic to participate. 

Students will be split into three divisions: grades four and five, grades six through eight, and grades nine through 12. Essays, poetry, art, and computer art will be accepted in all divisions, and music and photography may also be submitted in grades six through 12.

Students may submit entries in each category for their respective division. They must include an entry form with each entry.

This year's contest themes are "He who forgives an offense seeks love," which comes from Proverbs 17:9, and "How do I feel when I forgive?" Each entry should address one theme, not both.

Contest forms are available by visiting http://www.catholicdaughters.org and selecting Members, 2025 Contests, and National Education Contest.

Entries must be postmarked by or delivered by Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, to the local education contest chairperson, Robin Burgoon; for mailing details, email robinburgoon@outlook.com.

All first-place local winners will be entered in the state education contest, and first-place state winners will be entered at the national level. Cash prizes will be awarded at the national level. An awards ceremony for local winners will be planned for early June.