AUBURN — To mark the first day of Lent, Saint Dominic Academy’s Ash Wednesday Mass concluded with a presentation from the Knights of Columbus.

Bob Dumond, Grand Knight of the Holy Family Council, Knights of Columbus, along with Jerry Poulin, secretary, presented multiple awards to students who participated in an essay contest about Catholic Faith. This year’s theme was “The Importance of Civil Liberties.”

Students were invited to write an essay on their experience with religious freedom and why it is important to them. Of all the students who participated, four were selected and awarded a monetary prize. The top winners for the eighth grade were Nick Bowen, Paige Enrico and Matthew Castagna. Tenth-grade student, Caroline Gastonguay, was also selected for the contest.

All four winners had their essays move from the council level on to the district level. If their essays continue to be selected, they each have a chance to be represented at the International Level of the Knights of Columbus.

First place for the eighth grade was Nick Bowen, who received a $50 prize. Second- and third-place winners were Paige Enrico and Matthew Castagna, respectively, each winning $25. Caroline Gastonguay, first-place winner from the 10th grade, was awarded $50.

“There were 15 students that entered the 2016 essay contest,” said Dumond. “Nick Bowen and Caroline Gastonguay both scored 96 out of a possible 100 points, which is very impressive.”

The Knights are a fraternal Catholic benefit society that renders financial aid to members and their families.