This student created a collection of acrostic poems describing nine famous and historic Canadians. He also heartwarmingly included his dad and teacher amongst Canada’s greatest heroes. His poems are short biographies and are centred around the accomplishments of each individual. This student creatively pieced together each acrostic poem using detailed research and an impressive vocabulary. His project demonstrates his love for poetry and admiration for the role models in his life. His project includes a heartwarming dedication, sharing that he wanted to enter the Lawson Literary Awards to act as a role model for his younger brother, just as the heroes he wrote about did for him. This student is a budding young poet, who will soon be following in his mother’s footsteps by publishing his own work!

Keitlyn has made a very thorough and creative project about multiculturalism in Canada. She has compiled extensive amounts of research and has created an in-depth timeline of the development of multiculturalism in Canada. She has also included a personal essay titled “How I feel in my skin” about her experience as a Filipino-Japanese-Canadian. Keitlyn creatively incorporates her feelings around her family’s immigration to Canada into a song. Her personal connection is beautifully written and is embodied within the angelic harmonies of her song. Keitlyn’s musical talent is outstanding as she plays the piano, harmonizes, and sings about anti-discrimination and the need for equality. Keitlyn’s project is a beautiful testimony to the diversity we are privileged to have in Canada.

Madison shares the story of Vimy Ridge from a unique and personal perspective by writing journal entries from the point of view of soldier, Michael K. Hawkins. She recounts the gruelling conditions of war as Michael is forced to constantly train and is abruptly sent into battle. Madison retells the events of Vimy Ridge from the soldier’s perspective and spares no details about the suffering and turmoil he experiences. This memoir is guaranteed to tug on heart strings and does an incredible job of transporting the reader directly into the middle of the chaos. Madison educates her audience about the tragedies that accompanied this historic battle and renders us very aware of the privileges that we experience today. Tying in her personal family connection with this battle, her journals were a testament to her great great-grandfather’s honourable service.

Lillian demonstrates an extremely creative approach to the retelling of Newfoundland’s heroic role in the events of 9/11. She has handwritten and illustrated a short story bound within a leather journal. Her story is extremely well written, using descriptive language that keeps the reader on edge as she explains the devastating events that transpired that day. Her story is accompanied by skilled illustrations that help bring her scenes and characters to life. Her story takes place in two parts, the first describing the events on ground zero, and the second emphasizing the important role Gander, Newfoundland played in the outcome of that day. Lilian truly embodies her characters as she shares the events from different points of view. Lillian is a skilled artist and excels at both drawing and storytelling; we can’t wait to see what she will master next!

Tyler designed a website that thoroughly explains the intricacies of the underground railroad. His website is extremely user-friendly and well organized. Using images amongst detailed research, the content is easily digestible for his readers. Tyler’s project includes a variety of information about the underground railroad, including key figures that were involved, such as the Quaker Family and Harriett Tubman. Tyler also shared his unique personal connection with this topic; his mother used to live near an abandoned safe house that was used during the days of the underground railroad. Tyler shows a clear desire to take action with regards to racial inequality, and his website is a great resource that can inform others of this important historical event.

Cassie has created a very professional magazine exploring the lives of immigrants and refugees. Her magazine is complete with a letter to the editor, well written articles, and even includes a fun facts and games section! Cassie does a wonderful job of exploring the history of Canada’s immigrants and includes detailed research about the four categories of immigrants, common countries of origin, and the struggles experienced by refugees. Her magazine is impressively assembled and includes vivid images, glossy paper, as well as creative ads. Cassie has done a marvelous job of informing her audience about the history of Canadian immigration and presenting her research in an aesthetically pleasing format. Her magazine looks as if it could be purchased off the shelves of your nearest convenience store!

Katie proves she is a girl of many talents as she includes an essay, art, and a poem in her project on the battle of Ypres. Using the research she assembled, Katie transforms her informative essay into a collection of journal entries between a soldier, Henry, and his love, Dorothy. Katie has stored the letters in a small wooden chest that she has decorated with poppies to represent World War 1 and the battle of Ypres. In the letters, Henry is wounded during battle. Dorothy is left to grieve and writes a poem about her love for Henry 50 years later. The poem is elegantly written and is a beautiful testimony to those who have experienced losing a loved one during the war. Katie’s skilled writing and knack for poetry leaves her readers shedding tears.

Silje has created a very deep and thorough collection of letters recounting the events that led to women’s right to vote in Canada. Silje has creatively unpacked the women's suffrage movement with extreme attention to detail, including writing in the voice of the time period. Her letters are written from the perspective of Nellie McClung, a leader in the push for women’s rights, as she addresses the government and advocates for the right to vote. Silje’s outlines the obstacles that Nellie and other women faced during those times and ends the collection of letters on a victorious note, with the Premier writing women’s suffrage into law. Silje’s goal in writing her project was to demonstrate that women are fully capable of doing whatever men can do. Thank you for this inspiring and educational piece of feminist literature!

Tajamin has created a very thorough and original narrative describing the life of Emily Stowe. In addition to her story, Tajamin has created both an infographic and timeline detailing the life of Emily Stowe. The narrative is written from Emily’s perspective and describes her feelings as she experiences pivotal and historic life experiences. The story describes Emily’s struggles as she attempts to become a registered physician and her perseverance as she continues to practice medicine without an official license, despite the fines and many other challenges. Tajamin shows a strong personal connection with an authentic interest in Emily Stowe and her accomplishments. Tajamin aspires to, one day, also become a female physician, like her Canadian hero Emily Stowe.

Madelene has written thoughtful and well-crafted personal journal entries from the perspective of Lillian Agnes Northrup. The writing comes through as an authentic account of her great-grandmother as she tells the story of enduring the love of her life being held prisoner by the Germans. Madelene’s letters describe the difficulties her great-grandmother, and all women during that time, experienced as well as the many societal challenges they overcame. These journal entries show a unique and very personal perspective on World War II, and do an outstanding job of highlighting the role women played in Canada’s overall victory. Thank you, Madelene for sharing your great-grandmother’s life experiences; it is inspiring to read about her service and all that she has done for Canada