St. Mary's junior class participated in a pro-life essay contest which was sponsored by the O'Neill Knights of Columbus Council #701 Charles Carroll of Carrollton. This year's topic was "Contraception and why the Church's teachings are right." The topic was based on Pope John Paul II's encyclical "The Theology of the Body". In today's society abortions, embryonic stem cell research, cloning and euthansia are accepted and even promoted. The purpose of the essay contest was to promote and expose young adults to the teaching and beliefs of the Catholic faith concerning these issues and how they are relevant in their everyday lives.

Pictured are Sister Anita Rolenc, N.D., junior theology teacher; John Slaba, Grand Knight; second place winner McKena Ludemann; first place winner Andrew Krotter; third place winner Matt Boyle; and Andy Ramold, Pro-Life Chairman for the Knights of Columbus.