Essay Contest now open to all 8th graders

October 1-October 31 is our Essay Contest.  Essays are due October 31.  This year, we're opening it up to any 8th grade students at St. Clare's and St. John Fisher- not just the Parish schools.  1st Prize, $100, 2nd Prize $50, 3rd Prize $25.  Prizes will be awarded at the Knights potluck on the 3rd Tuesday of December. Kids essays will be judged with those entered from the school kids, but we are looking for 6 winners- 3 from each parish- to send on to State.  The theme this year is fascinating:  

Virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do good. It governs our acts, orders our passions, and guides our conduct by reason and faith. It also encourages Christians to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity. The call to live a virtuous life applies to individuals in every state of life and occupation, including our elected leaders. 

In an essay of 500-750 words, what are the two most important virtues for an elected leader to possess, and why?  How can you determine if the leader has these virtues?