Eighth graders at St. Francis Xavier School in Winooski recently participated in the local Knights of Columbus Essay Contest.

Students were asked to reflect on what virtue means, specifically the virtue of charity, and how they try to incorporate it in their own lives.

First place was awarded to Gabby Allbee, second place to Owen Messineo and third place to Nathanael Gavin.

Their essays have been forwarded to the District Knights of Columbus for the next level of competition.

Greg Clairmont, grand knight of Knights of Columbus St. Stephen’s Council #2284, which sponsored the local contest, presented prizes of Ben and Jerry’s gift cards to the three winners.