Video contest runs through Oct. 14

Catholic school students are encouraged to think creatively about ways to serve their communities and explain those ideas on video.

This year’s contest, renamed “Shine a Light in the Community,” began Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 14. It is open to all students in the 71 schools of the archdiocese.

The winner, who will be announced in late October, will win up to $1,000 to implement their  idea, along with a $200 Amazon gift card.

Last year’s winner, Eliana Lee of St. Thomas More School in Omaha, proposed assembling “blessing bags” consisting of toiletries, socks and uplifting messages, and distributing them to homeless people in the community.

“The effort shows our larger community the wonderful things happening in our schools,” said Michael Ashton, superintendent of Catholic Schools.

“I continue to be impressed by all our students accomplish, and I encourage students to participate and share in this community service challenge,” he said.

For more information and contest rules, visit lovemyschool.com/shinealightcontest.