A pair of Sooke students are celebrating a big win while honouring the lives of Canadians who were lost in the line of duty.
For 50 years the Royal Canadian Legion has honoured fallen servicemen and women with the National Youth Remembrance contest. The competition prompt was “what does Remembrance Day mean to you?” and invited youth throughout Canada to create works of art and pieces of literature, fostering the tradition of remembrance among youth.
Marley Dekelver and Adi Pina Mazariegos were announced as this year's zone winners on Jan. 29. Dekelver, an 11th grade EMCS student, won first place in the senior literary division (Grades 10-12) with an essay she composed, while Mazariegos, a 2nd grade Ecole Poirer student, placed first in the primary colour poster category (grades K-3). The pair competed against students from schools throughout Sooke, their work was evaluated and eventually chosen by a team of legion judges. After winning at the local level their work moved onto a wider local competition.
“When I spoke to our two winners, both were very humble. They appreciated that I complimented them on their thoughtfulness, creativity, and efforts. These attributes you can read in the essay and see in the poster,” said Ken Levert of the Royal Canadian Legion.
“It’s all about ‘what does Remembrance Day mean to you?’ The responses are many, the judging is difficult, many great entries, but these are the top ones.”
Now, the pair and their work will move onto provincial judging with the opportunity to win a cash prize, should they win out there they will move onto the national stage. Should her essay take the top prize, Dekelver would win a trip to Ottawa to take part in the national Remembrance Day ceremony.
