C.A.A.C. Academia & Speech Contest Sets Participation Record

On February 20th and 27th, Catholic School students from across the Archdiocese of San Antonio primed themselves for the annual Catholic Arts and Academic Competition. In a span of two days, almost 600 students from 22 Catholic Schools gathered in a display of excellence, ethics, and enjoyment at The Atonement Academy and Rolling Hills Catholic School. Tests in Spelling, Mathematics, Biblical Heroes and Saints, and Knowing My Catholic Faith were administered throughout the day. Performers exhibited their creativity and innovation through Bible Storytelling, Witness to the Word (Solo Acting), Impromptu Speaking and Original Oratory.

2nd grade students from St. James the Apostle Catholic School line up for the Spelling Test.

The contest provides a platform for the best students from each school to compete against each other. This opportunity helps students become great problem solvers as they relish in the challenge. One of the pillars of C.A.A.C. is to develop a competition community, one in which Catholic students encourage other Catholic students. Through the contest, students are able to recognize excellence and effort in others as well as foster a spirit of community, even in the midst of competition. C.A.A.C. Coordinator for Sacred Heart School in Uvalde, Lena Jo Rodriguez, was thankful for the opportunity to attend the event with other Catholic schools in the Archdiocese saying, “The students enjoyed a day of healthy competition and meeting new friends.”

(Pictured L-R) In the category of 3rd & 4th Grade Impromptu Speaking: 6th Place: Sophia Mercado (The Atonement Academy), 5th Place: Andreas Gonzalez (St. Luke), 4th Place: Esther Martinez (St. John Berchmans), 3rd Place: Paulina Esquica-Moreno (The Atonement Academy), 2nd Place: Trinity Williams (St. Luke), and 1st Place: Erin Robokowski (St. John Berchmans) 

Blue and White Zone Catholic Schools participating at The Atonement Academy contest: Holy Spirit Catholic School, Incarnate Word High School, Mount Sacred Heart Catholic School, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School, St. Anthony Catholic High School, St. Gregory the Great Catholic School, St. John Berchmans Catholic School, St. Luke Catholic School, St. Matthew Catholic School, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, and The Atonement Academy.

Red Zone Catholic Schools participating at the Rolling Hills/Antonian Middle School contest: Holy Name Catholic School, Little Flower Catholic School, Our Lady of Grace Academy (Pleasanton), Rolling Hills Catholic School / Antonian Middle School, Sacred Heart School (Del Rio), Sacred Heart School (Uvalde), St. James School (Seguin), St. James the Apostle Catholic School, St. Leo the Great Catholic School, St. Louis Catholic School (Castroville), and St. Thomas More Catholic School.

The Catholic Arts and Academic Competition season concluded with the first Sing@thecross Choir Contest. School choirs from across the Archdiocese of San Antonio gathered at Antonian College Preparatory High School on Saturday, April 30 to glorify the Lord through music as they competed in liturgical and religious song categories.

For more information on C.A.A.C., contact the Director of Enrichment Programs office at (210) 734-1958 or email to [email protected].