2025 LUX MIDDLE SCHOOL SACRED POETRY CONTEST

Unleash Your Creativity

Enter the Contest and Get Recognized

Catholic Literary Arts Announces the
2025 Winners of the
LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest

Catholic Literary Arts is pleased to announce the outstanding students whose work has earned them the distinction of being winners in the LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest for independent Catholic schools and homeschool communities in the Houston area.

Chosen from a wide field of entries, these poems display a high level of craftsmanship and a unique vision.

These poets, while young in their careers, have used their skill with words to express their love of Our Savior Jesus Christ as The Divine Mercy.

All the winners are to be congratulated and celebrated, as well as the other finalists who have reached high levels of artistry to reveal sacred truths.

Please register here to attend the Awards Ceremony on April 9, 2025, at St. Thomas University, Houston, Texas in Cullen Auditorium, nine a.m. Registration will help us plan a reception after the reading.

Sixth Grade Winners

First Place: Natalie Frazee, Holy House Academy
Second Place: Abel Skaria, Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy Homeschool
Third Place: Caroline Hough, Magnolia School
Honorable Mention: Luke Dorney, Holy House Academy; Raquel Berry, Magnolia School

Seventh Grade Winners

First Place: Isabel Chavez-Lujambio, Magnolia School
Second Place: Alonso Carillo Jimenez, Holy House Academy
Third Place: Marie-Josefa Ruhnke, Magnolia School
Honorable Mention: Quinn McConn, Magnolia School

Eighth Grade Winners

First Place: Paxton Hager, Homeschool
Second Place: Charlotte King, Magnolia School; Peter Ochoa, Western Academy
Third Place: Tillman Banks, Western Academy; Gabriel Aycock, Western Academy
Honorable Mention: Luke Mason, Western Adademy; Susan Powell, Magnolia School

Catholic Literary Arts Announces the
2025 Finalists of the
LUX Sacred Poetry Contest

Each year Catholic Literary Arts is pleased to announce the outstanding students whose work earns them the distinction of being finalists in the LUX Sacred Poetry Contest for independent Catholic schools and home-school communities in the Houston area.

Chosen from over a thousand entries, these poems display a high level of craftsmanship, a unique vision, and artistry with words.

It is a high honor to be chosen as a finalist in a literary contest. Judges have spent hours carefully selecting these finalists. These writers, who are young in their careers, have used their skill with words to express their love of Our Savior Jesus Christ as The Divine Mercy. All of the finalists are to be congratulated and celebrated, as well as the other contestants who have reached high levels of artistry and vision of sacred truths.

The winners of first, second, third prizes and honorable mentions will be chosen from this extraordinary group of 2025 finalists.

Sixth Grade Finalists

Holy House Academy: Luke Dorney, Natalie Frazee
Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy Homeschool: Abel Skaria
Magnolia School: Raquel Berry, Caroline Hough

Seventh Grade Finalists

Holy House Academy: Alonso Carillo Jimenez
Homeschool: Ruby Mohr
Magnolia School: Isabel Chavez-Lujambio, Elynn Eastham, Marie-Josefa Ruhnke, Quinn McConn

Eighth Grade Finalists

Homeschool: Paxton Hager
Magnolia School: Annslee Harren, Hannah Isaac, Charlotte King, Lucia Martinez, Lauren Mull, Susan Powell
Western Academy: Gabriel Aycock, Tillman Banks, Luke Mason, Peter Ochoa

Are you a young writer eager to express your creativity but unsure where to start? The 2025 LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest is your opportunity to share your voice, gain recognition, and improve your writing skills.

The goal of the LUX Middle School Sacred Poetry Contest is to inspire students in homeschool communities and independent Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston to write about spiritual topics, to increase writing skills, and to increase writing confidence.

View Contest Flyer

Benefits of Joining the Contest

At Catholic Literary Arts, we provide the tools, mentorship, and community to help writers develop their craft, rooted in the Catholic tradition. Through workshops, retreats, and expert guidance, we help writers of all levels express their faith through literature.

Skill Development

Through this contest, students will enhance their writing skills, preparing them for future opportunities.

Enhance Curriculum

Teachers and homeschool
parents can combine faith with
creative writing, inspiring children
to express their beliefs while
fostering meaningful discussions
and a deeper connection within
their school environment.

Fostering Spiritual and Creative Growth in Children

Parents will see their child grow spiritually and creatively through the contest, while feeling proud of their child’s efforts and reflections.

How the Contest Works

1. Read the Contest Guidelines

Here you can find detailed guidelines, deadlines, and frequently asked questions.

Read Contest Guidelines

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2. Submit Your Entry

Here are instructions for submission, including registration, payment.

Submit Your Entry

3. Await Results and Celebrate

Finalists will be announced by March 11, 2025, and winners will be announced by March 19, 2025. The awards ceremony for the winners will be on April 9, 2025.

View 2025 Finalists and Winners

RSVP Here for Awards Ceremony

Testimonials

“It was awesome. I never submitted my writing before to anyone else. My mother would check my writing. So, with the positive feedback from Catholic Literary Arts, I was able to later join the Teen Writing Mentorship program.”

Mariam Henderson
2022 Poet Laureate
Homeschool Student