Family and friends packed into the Chemainus Legion Hall Sunday afternoon for the announcement of the Royal Canadian Legion literary and poster contest winners for Chemainus Branch 191.
Certificates were presented to the top three in each of four categories at four different age levels.
“I’ve been doing this a long time,” said Chemainus Legion 191’s Janet Mitchell, who chairs the awards program. “I’m never surprised how well the students do.
“They’re very smart, bright kids - very artistic.”
Mitchell marvelled at how some students she’s seen enter the contest as far back as Grade 4 such as Makenna Stobbe is now in Grade 12 and graduating from Chemainus Secondary School in June. That’s how time flies.
The ceremony began with the colour party’s arrival into the hall, led by piper Frank Nichol, flag-bearers Gordon Hughes, Mike Beggs, Colin Murphy and Don Gatward plus Sgt. At Arms Wes Everitt.
Judges were: Brenda Carmichael, Ellen Lavender, Verla Blogg, Everitt and Irene Dutton.
Legion 191 president Len Lavender praised the work of Mitchell and her committee. “They spend many hours making this happen every year,” he said.
To the students, Lavender said, “you have shown your skills with your entries. You should be very proud.”
Some examples of the work, such as Victoria McCauley’s poem and an essay by Stobbe, were printed in the Courier during the lead-up to Remembrance Day.
Each of the classes carried cash rewards of up to $100 for first in senior, $75 for second and $50 for third. The Legion gave out a total of $1,735 to the students, but had even more money available that wasn’t claimed because there weren’t enough entries in some classes.
Students from Chemainus Secondary, Chemainus Elementary, Crofton Elementary and St. Joseph’s Elementary all submitted entries.
Len Lavender, North Cowichan Mayor Jon Lefebure, Carmichael and Dutton made the presentations in each of the four classes, assisted by the RCMP’s Margo Hawley.
Richard Steele, the South Vancouver Island Zone Commander, was a special guest.
“It’s so important our young people get involved in this type of activity,” he said.
“It’s not just about war. It’s about sacrifices men and women gave so we can have the freedom we have in this country.
“Parents, thank you for taking the time to work with your children as well,” Steele added.
Top three awards were presented to the following:
SENIOR
Poetry: 1. Victoria McCauley, 2. William Ngenda, 3. Sarah Funk.
Essay: 1. Makenna Stobbe, 2. Kyra Moore, 3. Samantha Funk.
Black and white poster: 1. Makenna Stobbe, 2. Amanda Untalan, 3. Dyson Blitterswyk.
Colour poster: 1. Sue Youn Kim, 2. Makenna Stobbe, 3. Haley Burant.
JUNIOR
Poetry: 1. Keirah Giles, 2. Reagan Wright, 3. Tatum McMahon.
Essay: 1. Isobel Burno.
Black and white poster: 1. Taylor Ruckemesser, 2. Kirianne Healey, 3. Kaitlyn Ann Banister.
Colour poster: 1. Ashley Loeffen, 2. Reagan Wright, 3. Sarina Stirling.
INTERMEDIATE
Poetry: 1. Jacob Rafuse.
Essay: 1. Sienna Waller.
Black and white poster: 1. Brooklyn Stobbe, 2. Miah Bewcyk, 3. Sienna Waller.
Colour poster: 1. Brooklyn Stobbe, 2. Quinten Demeter.
PRIMARY
Colour poster: 1. Maddison James, 2. Lucy Harris, 3. Oscar Burdge.
