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Kassadi Yost, daughter of Greg and Candace Yost, Hays, took first place in the St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus essay contest. The contest is conducted annually challenging sixth grade students at Holy Family Elementary to write on a respect life issue.

In Yost’s essay, “Euthanasia,” she encourages people to trust in God throughout their lives, Lester Robben, Respect-Life chairman for the K of C, said.

“She advocates good decision making throughout one’s life, and if someone isn’t sure which choice to make, Kassadi encourages them to look at God’s Commandments and the Bible for the answer. That’s good advice,” Robben said in presenting the award Thursday.

Second-place winner is Grace Pope, daughter of Jason and Michelle Pope, Hays. Pope wrote her essay on abortion and emphasizes that free will is doing the right thing, not just what an individual desires.

Third-place winner is Bryce Seib, son of Brent and Jessica Seib, Hays. Seib also wrote his essay about abortion stating that killing babies is killing “our future.”  He also emphasizes the forgiveness of God for those who have made a decision to abort.

All three received ladder rosaries that were blessed by Pope Francis when he was in the United States in September.