PETOSKEY – November 16, 2021 – St. Michael High School (SMHS), Northern Michigan’s only Classical Catholic high school, is pleased to announce the results of its Third Annual C.S. Lewis Festival Essay Contest and Awards Ceremony, which was recently held at the schoolhouse.

This year, St. Michael students read and crafted essays on C.S. Lewis’ The Four Loves, one of his most insightful and accessible works on a topic that resonated with the students. At the event, the finalists presented their essays, then took questions, engaging in discussion with the audience.  As in past years, the event showcased the outstanding work of SMHS students for the broader community.

This year’s winner, Macartan Moore, earned a $300 scholarship.  Other finalists, including runner-up Catherine Hayes, Liam Nolan, and Daniel Keefe, also earned scholarships.  All finalists, as well as honorable mention Grace Broz, received a set of books written by Lewis.

C.S. Lewis Festival Executive Director Ms. Anne McDevitt remarked, “I speak for all our judges that we remain blown-away by the talent and insights of St. Michael students.  When we established the Festival over twenty years ago, this is exactly the kind of intellectual and moral fruit that we hoped to produce.  How gratifying!”

St. Michael Headmaster Dr. Richard Brake added, “Another home run by the C.S. Lewis Festival and our students, who took Lewis’ insights on affection, friendship, romance, and charity – the Four Loves – and ran with them.  Our world certainly needs more love these days, but the right kind, and our students certainly spoke to the majesty of God’s Love at our ceremony.  Congratulations to all involved!”

St. Michael High School has emerged from the Covid crisis stronger and more vital than ever as it fully joins the Chesterton Schools Network, the largest and fastest-growing network of its kind in the country.  In light of the cultural turbulence of our times, SMHS welcomes all families who seek better education and faith formation for their teenagers and accepts transfers at any time during the academic year.

Established in 2013, the St. Michael mission is to nurture and elevate a new generation of joyful leaders educated in the Classical tradition and truth of the Catholic faith.

For more information on SMHS, please contact Dr. Brake at drbrake@stmichaelpetoskey.org or 231-881-9026.