Winning Entries Announced in Safe Environment Poster Contest

FALL RIVER — Four area students were winners in the first-ever poster contest sponsored by the Office of Safe Environment of the Diocese of Fall River as part of its observance of National Child Abuse and Prevention Month in April.

Earlier this month Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., presented awards to the winners in two grade-level categories: for primary (K-4) group, first-place, Kazin Madeira, grade three, Espirito Santo School, Fall River; and second-place, Jacob Pacheco, grade two, also Espirito Santo School. In the middle school (5-8) category: first-place, Ella Levesque, grade eight, St. Teresa of Calcutta School, New Bedford; and second-place, Emma Young, grade six, Espirito Santo School.

This Circle of Grace poster contest was open to any student attending a school or parish faith formation program in the Diocese of Fall River. Circle of Grace is the name of the safe environment curriculum used in diocesan parishes and schools that teaches children and youth important safety skills. In their entries, students were asked to focus on Circle Grace themes such as God wants me to be safe; healthy boundaries make healthy relationships; or talking to a trusted adult can help me stay safe.

“We launched this contest to highlight the important lessons our schools and parishes teach children through our safe environment curriculum Circle of Grace,” explained Carolyn Shipp, who is director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance for the Diocese.

“We were thrilled to receive almost 300 entries from parishes and schools across the Diocese. It was difficult to select the winners from so many wonderful posters! The winning entries impressed us in the impactful way they conveyed the messages of the curriculum.”

Middle school-winner Ella Levesque explained that her piece depicts the theme of “God wants us to be safe” as it “shows Jesus comforting a boy in his time of sorrow.”

Student winners and their families received their contest prizes in a brief ceremony in diocesan headquarters in a conference room adorned with many of the poster contest entries.

Winning Entries

FR Diocese