(Photo provided) Roncalli sophomore Grace Sidhom was recognized as the 10th grade winner of the Sierra Club of Indianapolis’ 2025 John D. Kelley Vocations Essay Contest.
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In late April, Roncalli sophomore Grace Sidhom was honored as the 10th grade winner of the 2025 John D. Kelley Vocations Essay Contest, sponsored by the Serra Club of Indianapolis. She was recognized at the organization’s annual awards luncheon, where she read her winning essay aloud to attendees.
Grace’s essay, “Pilgrims of Hope: Following God’s Call,” explores her personal journey of converting to Catholicism and the profound influence that Father Eric Johnson (Roncalli Class of 1992) and Father Tim Wyciskalla (Roncalli Class of 2006) had on her faith.
Each year, the Serra Club invites Catholic students in grades 7th through 12th from across the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, including those in parochial, public and homeschool settings, to participate in the contest. This year’s theme asked students to reflect on how a priest or consecrated person encouraged them to seek God, how pursuing a vocation brings hope into their lives and how they are preparing to discern God’s call using their unique gifts.
“I won the essay contest, which really surprised me,” Sidhom said. “It’s an honor to receive this award because it shows that people shouldn’t give up or assume they won’t win. I’m truly grateful for everyone who believed in me for this essay.”
Roncalli congratulates Sidhom on this outstanding accomplishment and commends her for courageously sharing her faith story.
