WEA 2026 Faith Essay Contest Winners
✨ Celebrating Faith, Reflection, and Student Voice
Women’s Education Alliance proudly celebrates the winners of the 2026 Catholic Faith Essay Contest! Students from Archbishop Borders School, Cardinal Shehan School, and Mother Mary Lange Catholic School reflected on Scripture and shared how their faith shapes who they are and how they live.
This year’s contest invited students across PreK–8th grade to engage with age-appropriate Scripture, encouraging them to express their faith through drawing, storytelling, and written reflection:
📘 PreK–K — “I praise You because I am wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:14
📗 Grades 1–2 — “Be kind to one another.” — Ephesians 4:32
📙 Grades 3–5 — “Let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” — 1 John 3:18
📕 Grades 6–8 — “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching…” — 2 Timothy 3:16 Students in this band selected a favorite Bible story, bringing it to life in their own words while reflecting on how its message shapes their lives and strengthens their faith.
With an incredible 486 student submissions, this year’s contest reflects not only strong participation, but a deepening of faith-centered thinking and expression across all grade levels. We are especially proud of the continued school-wide engagement at Archbishop Borders and Cardinal Shehan, along with the growth at Mother Mary Lange Catholic School.
Submissions were thoughtfully reviewed and evaluated by a dedicated panel of judges, including faculty from Notre Dame of Maryland University, Notre Dame Preparatory School, and members of the WEA Board. Their time, expertise, and care ensured a meaningful and rigorous selection process.
📸 View Event Photos
📖 Read the 2026 Faith Essay Winners Booklet
Congratulations to all participants—and especially to our school finalists and overall WEA winners below!
🏆 Overall WEA Winners
🥇 Gabrielle C. — 8th Grade, Cardinal Shehan School
WEA Overall 1st Place Winner | $1,000 Tuition Prize
🥈 Helina F. — 7th Grade, Mother Mary Lange Catholic School
WEA Overall 2nd Place Winner | $500 Tuition Prize
🥉 Andres R. — 3rd Grade, Archbishop Borders School
WEA Overall 3rd Place Winner | $250 Tuition Prize
📚 6th–8th Grade
Archbishop Borders School
🥇 Frances C. (6th)
🥈 Ashlye R. (8th)
🥉 Araia A. (6th)
Cardinal Shehan School
🥇 Gabrielle C. (8th)
🥈 Mekhi J. (8th)
🥉 Kaylei-Mason F. (8th)
Mother Mary Lange Catholic School
🥇 Helina F. (7th)
🥈 Travis C. (8th)
🥉 London L. (7th)
🖍️ 3rd–5th Grade
Archbishop Borders School
🥇 Andres R. (3rd)
🥈 Seamus P. (3rd)
🥉 Aleyza B. (3rd)
Cardinal Shehan School
🥇 King H. (5th)
🥈 Tyler S. (5th)
🥉 Skylar R. (4th)
Mother Mary Lange Catholic School
🥇 Mosi C. (5th)
🥈 Draya J. (5th)
🥉 Allison D. (3rd)
🧸 PreK–K
Archbishop Borders School
🥇 Ellia C. (PreK4)
🥈 Brielle M. (PreK4)
🥉 Magdalena R. (K)
🥉 Andrew G. (K)
Cardinal Shehan School
🥇 Tristan H. (PK4)
🥈 Dion T. (K)
🥉 Mason J. (PreK3)
✏️ 1st–2nd Grade
Archbishop Borders School
🥇 Mirabelle R. (2nd)
🥈 Calia H. (2nd)
🥉 Manuel F. (2nd)
Cardinal Shehan School
🥇 Michael B. (2nd)
🥈 Delano M. (2nd)
🥉 Azarielle J. (2nd)
🍎 Honoring Our Educators
WEA is proud to recognize the educators who achieved 100% student participation in their classrooms. Each received a $50 gift card as a thank-you for fostering faith-filled reflection and student voice.
Archbishop Borders School
Carmen Beltran, Erika Canales, Angela Vodola, Stephanie Funez, Danica Ramirez, Isabella Teves, Joan Noble, Najla Miller, Tamerrah Wood
Cardinal Shehan School
Melinda Brooks, Valerie Kim, Angela Brown, Farrell Moorehead, Ayannah Jefferson, Sr. Mary Pauline
💬 A Final Word
WEA celebrates every student who courageously shared their faith journey. Through Scripture, reflection, and expression, our students remind us that faith is not only learned—it is lived.
This contest continues to be a powerful testament to the light our students bring to their schools, families, and communities. We are deeply grateful to our educators, judges, and donors for making this meaningful experience possible.
