The Knights of Columbus Council 11103 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Pinehurst held an essay contest for Catholic students in grades eight-12.

The contest was part of a national competition. The theme of the essay contest was "The Responsibility of the Catholic Citizen in a Free Society."

Students were asked to write an essay of 500 to 750 words on the theme.

Six students participated: four from Pope John Paul II School, one from Union Pines High School, and one was home-schooled.

The winner of the senior high school level, Sarah Padgett, and eighth-grader Elizabeth Blake read their essays to the audience at the Jan. 19 social meeting of the Knights.

Certificates and monetary awards were presented. The winners will compete at the state and national levels.