Excellent essays

Senior Jordan McCoy and sophomore Maxwell Voltz each earned first-place distinction to lead a strong St. Thomas showing at the 13th annual University of St. Thomas/Archdiocesan Essay Contest. Freshman Grayson Drinkard was recognized with a second-place result, while freshmen Christopher Ezuede and John William Gardner received third-place merit, and junior Juan Castillo received third place in the contest. Students were honored at an awards ceremony and mass celebrated by Galveston-Houston archbishop Cardinal Daniel DiNardo at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Pictured (front row, from left) are Drinkard, Castillo, Voltz, McCoy, Gardner; (back row) assistant principal Mary Criaco, Ezuede and dean of theology Jenny McConnell.

Editor’s note: The Buzz congratulates Buzz About Town columnist Annie Blaylock McQueen on the arrival of her beautiful baby Georgia. Annie is taking a short break to spend time with Georgia and twin toddlers Cash and Lila. In the meantime, associate editor Jordan Magaziner Steinfeld is handling this column. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.