Family Rosary has selected eight students from St. Peter Chanel School in Paulina as winners in the 2014 U.S. “Try Prayer! It Works!” contest, a national competition that encourages students to express their faith through art, poetry and prose.

The students were selected from more than 1,100 finalists and more than 22,000 entries in the 19th annual contest.

The students are Noah Detillier, Grade 4, Jake Poirrier, Grade 1, and Lucas LeBoeuf, Kindergarten, who won first place in their categories; Maria Detillier, Grade 4, Faith Holley, Grade 2, and Addison Renee St. Martin, Kindergarten, who finished in second place in their groups; and Madison Beier, Grade 5, and Dylan Louviere, Grade 3, who were third-place awardees.

For his winning entry, Noah, 10, submitted colorful artwork of how God restores faith. Jake, 7, drew a picture of the Holy Family in the Temple. Lucas submitted a drawing of hand with a Rosary.

Maria, 9, presented artwork of her family praying for guidance. Faith, 8, drew a colorful picture of a cross. Addison, 6, submitted a drawing of Simon with the baby Jesus in the Temple.

Madison, 11, drew a picture of young people having their faith challenged. Dylan, 9, submitted a colorful drawing of a child praying. Noah, Lucas, Maria, Faith and Dylan live in Gramercy, Jake lives in Vacherie while Addison and Madison live in Paulina.

“The Presentation in the Temple shows us that faith is important,” said Father John Phalen, CSC, President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. “Believing in Jesus and Mary will help us make wise choices when faced with difficult decisions. The Fourth Joyful Mystery helps us understand the significance of accepting Christ on faith and trusting in his word.”