Randolph Youths Win Honors

In Statewide Essay Contest

Four young people from Randolph recently distinguished themselves in a statewide essay contest sponsored by the "Vermont Catholic Tribune," the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, and the Vermont Right to Life Committee.

All Vermont students in grades 7-12 were invited to write an essay on the topic, "Why is parental notification important legislation for Vermont?" Proposed legislation would require that at least one parent or guardian of a minor seeking an abortion in Vermont would need to be informed before the procedure was performed.

Claire Goldsworthy, an eighth grader at Randolph Union Junior High School, took first place in the 7-9 grade division, and John Mahaffy, a homeschooled 7th grader, was awarded second place in that category.

The second-place entry in the 10-12 grade division went to Johanna Mahaffy, a homeschooled 10th-grader. Paul Mahaffy, a seventh grader and brother of John and Johanna, was given an honorable mention in the younger age group. The first-place essay in the 10-12 grade group was written by Heather Bartlett, a 12th-grade student from Jericho,. All four of the writers from Randolph are parishioners of Sts. Donatian and Rogatian Catholic Church.

The top winners in each category were awarded $250, and second-place contestants took home $100. Awards were presented by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano at a special Mass held at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Burlington on October 8, with a reception following. Co-celebrating the Mass was Fr. John Milanese, pastor of Sts. Donatian and Rogatian.

"I am very proud of our young people for taking the time to research this issue and to articulate their views on it," said Fr. Milanese. "The whole parish rejoices with them and their families for their achievement."