Fanwood Resident Wins Cardinal Joseph Tobin Essay & Video Contest

Dominic Auricchio, a Fanwood resident and incoming eighth-grader at Holy Trinity School in Westfield, has won the Cardinal Joseph Tobin Essay & Video Contest, one of the most prestigious competitions in the Archdiocese of Newark. He received $1,500 and a plaque for his entry. The eighth-year contest drew entries from seventh-grade students across the archdiocese's 64 Catholic schools.

Union County Life is covering this achievement as part of our ongoing coverage of local youth accomplishments and community stories across all 21 Union County municipalities.

In his essay, Auricchio described a lifelong calling to faith and service. At age 4, he said he heard God's voice calling him to become a priest. Five years later, at age 9, after being diagnosed with a brain mass, Auricchio reported an experience that deepened his faith: an apparition of the Virgin Mary who assured him he would recover. The mass subsequently began to shrink.

Auricchio has faced additional health challenges, including seizures that began in December 2025. The seizures resulted in hospitalizations and missed school time. Despite these difficulties—alongside medical treatment and uncertainty—he has maintained strong academic performance and deepened his spiritual practice.

Now 13, Auricchio translates his faith into action. He works as an altar server at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church in Westfield and volunteers at a soup kitchen, donating money to those in need. He also serves as a buddy to a child with autism, offering friendship and support.

Auricchio's family has shaped his values. His father, Neal Auricchio, is a Marine who served two tours in Iraq and received the Purple Heart. Before pursuing the priesthood, Auricchio said he plans to follow his father's path and serve as a Marine himself. He has two brothers, Vincenzo, 14, and Maximo, 10.

"We are deeply proud of Dominic and the resilience he has shown," his mother, Maria Auricchio, said in the submission. "His faith has carried him through difficult times and continues to guide his choices."

Auricchio's journey reflects the contest's broader mission: recognizing young people who embody the archdiocese's values of faith, service, and leadership in their communities.

Find more Fanwood events, community news, and local stories on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who is Dominic Auricchio and what did he win?
A: Dominic Auricchio is a 13-year-old Fanwood resident and incoming eighth-grader at Holy Trinity School in Westfield. He won the Cardinal Joseph Tobin Essay & Video Contest, earning $1,500 and a plaque for his entry.

Q: What is the Cardinal Joseph Tobin Essay & Video Contest?
A: The contest is open to seventh-grade students enrolled in one of the Archdiocese of Newark's 64 Catholic schools. Participants submit essays between 500 and 1,000 words and videos between 3 and 4 minutes long on topics related to faith and service. This is the eighth year the contest has been held.

Q: What did Auricchio write about in his essay?
A: Auricchio wrote about his lifelong faith journey, including a spiritual calling he experienced at age 4 and his experiences with health challenges, including a brain mass diagnosis and more recent seizures. He described how his faith has sustained him through these difficulties.

Q: What community service does Auricchio do?
A: He works as an altar server at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Church in Westfield, volunteers at a soup kitchen, and serves as a buddy to a child with autism.

Q: What are Auricchio's plans for the future?
A: Before pursuing the priesthood, Auricchio plans to serve as a Marine, following in his father's footsteps. His father is a Marine veteran who served two tours in Iraq and received the Purple Heart.

Q: Where can I find more information about Fanwood community news?
A: Union County Life covers Fanwood events, achievements, and local stories. Visit unioncountylife.com for more information.