Jesse’s winning essay, “The Imprint of the Creator,” reflects on the inherent dignity and value of every human life, particularly the lives of those with disabilities. At the heart of his reflection is Matthew, Jesse’s older brother, who was born with Down syndrome and graduated from DeSales High School last year.

For Jesse, the dignity of a person with a disability is not an abstract principle or simply something taught in a classroom. It is something he has experienced through life with his brother.

In his essay, Jesse challenges the tendency to measure a person's worth by ability, achievement or independence. Instead, he points to a much deeper truth of the Catholic faith: every person is created by God and bears His image.

That understanding is reflected in the title Jesse chose: The Imprint of the Creator.

Matthew’s life has offered Jesse and his family a witness to that truth. His value is not determined by what he can accomplish or how closely he conforms to the expectations of the world. His dignity comes from something far more fundamental: he is a beloved child of God.

It is a lesson that has shaped the Vawter family for years. Their family has shared Matthew’s story publicly since he was young, offering glimpses into both the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome and consistently affirming the unique gifts he brings to their family and those around him

Now Jesse is adding his own voice to that witness.

His essay connects Matthew’s story with Christ’s words in the Gospel of Matthew, reminding readers that our response to those whom society may overlook or undervalue is ultimately a response to Christ Himself.

That message earned Jesse recognition first locally and then nationally through the Catholic Daughters essay competition. But the significance of his words goes beyond an award.

They offer a simple challenge to all of us: How do we see the person in front of us?

Do we see limitations first? Differences? Accomplishments? Productivity?

Or do we first recognize the imprint of the One who created them?

Catholic teaching reminds us that human dignity is not earned. It does not increase with achievement or diminish because of disability, age, illness or dependence upon others. Every human life possesses dignity because every person is created and loved by God.

Sometimes that truth is taught through Scripture.

Sometimes it is taught through the witness of another person. And sometimes,

it is learned simply by growing up alongside your brother.

For Jesse Vawter, Matthew has helped make the words of Matthew 25 something tangible, a reminder that in loving, honoring and recognizing the dignity of those the world might consider “least,” we encounter Christ Himself.

Read Jesse Vawter’s first-place essay, “The Imprint of the Creator,” 1st Place at Nationals! | Matthew Nicholas Vawter

Jesse Vawter is a junior at DeSales High School in Walla Walla. His brother, Matthew, graduated from DeSales in 2025.