2026 scholarship Essay Contest

Students in grades 5 through 11 are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Knights of Columbus Laguna Council 11236 Scholarship Essay Contest.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for this scholarship:

• Attend a Catholic elementary school or Catholic high school during the 2026–2027 school year.
• Length of essay must be at least 400 words and no more than 500 words (typed).
• Essays must be emailed to michaelbarnea7@gmail.com by
  5 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
• Student and parent contact information must be included on all entries.

Choose one of three essay topics:

1. How can a Catholic education prepare you to be a "Light of the World."
2. Describe a moment when you felt close to God.
3. Discuss your favorite Bible story and how it had an affected a moment or event in your life.

Scholarship awards will range from $500 to $1,500.

Questions? Contact:

Michael Barnea (650) 504-1113

Michael Blakey (209) 251-3105

Each year, Knights of Columbus Laguna Council 11236 provides scholarships for students attending Catholic elementary schools or high schools. The scholarships are awarded based on essays submitted by the students. The essay contest is conducted in the spring with an entry deadline of April 30. The winners are generally announced in May and the scholarships presented at Good Shepherd Church during a mass in June. The funding for the scholarships comes from the proceeds generated by the annual Knights of Columbus Arts and Crafts Fair. In 2025, five students were awarded a total of $7,500 in scholarships.