Two students at St. Joseph Regional Academy in Jim Thorpe have been named regional winners of the Diocese of Allentown's 27th annual "Stand Up For Life" essay contest.

Samuel Badusky, an eighth grader, and Riley Carroll, a seventh grader, both of Jim Thorpe were Carbon County winners in the junior division for seventh and eighth grade students. Regional winners were presented with certificates.The theme of this year's contest for the junior division was "ON the Dignity of Life."The Knights of Columbus and the Diocese of Allentown's Office of Pro-Life Activities sponsor the contest, which is intended to stimulate awareness of life issues among young people. The contest is open to all students in grades 7 through 12 in diocesan schools and religious education classes. This year's winners were chosen from more than 600 participants.The Knights of Columbus did the judging. Awards were presented at a banquet in Wyomissing.