Students share what it means to be Canadian
Winners revealed in Rotary Club Canada Day Essay Challenge
Canada’s democratic society, natural resources, attitude of acceptance and access to education and clean drinking water were among topics highlighted by youth who penned essays for the annual Peterborough Rotary Club Canada Day Essay Challenge.
Five students from Grades 4 to 6 showcased their winning entries that answered the question “What does it mean to me, to be a Canadian” as the service club held its weekly luncheon meeting at the Holiday Inn on Monday.
First-place winner Jake Smith of Kawartha Montessori School wrote about how he learned “to enjoy the changing seasons and all the fun that comes with them,” such as learning how to ride his bike and going to the cottage in summer.
But more than that, the 12year-old also learned how fortunate he is to have access to universal health care and having the right to vote.
Second-place winner Amealia Beaton of École Monseigneur Jamot wrote about a train trip across Canada in which she saw the CN Tower in Toronto, Grand Beach Provincial Park in Manitoba, the Prairies in Saskatchewan, the Rocky Mountains in Alberta and both coasts.
Her essay concluded with the realization that she had actually dreamed the journey, before being awoken by her mother – much to the audience’s delight.
Third-place winner Ryder Adair of Kawartha Montessori wrote about how he learned how we should feel lucky to have access to health care and clean water, because so many don’t have access to those things.
First runner-up Lilly Fenton of Saint Catherine School highlighted Canada’s “jaw-dropping wildlife,” multiculturalism, acceptance, pride and spirit – as well as how safe it is.
Second runner-up Reilly Bates also pointed out how not everyone has the educational opportunities we have – so we shouldn’t take that for granted.
Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef spoke about how her family came to Canada to have a voice and a choice, reasons that haven’t changed. “There are a lot of places in the world where if you speak up, there are negative consequences. But not in Canada.”
Mayor Daryl Bennett noted how the community is built on the strong work of service clubs including Rotary and praised the student. “Your words, your actions … connect all of us to this great country we call home.”
Peterborough County Warden Joe Taylor pointed out how inclusiveness has become a key part of Canada’s identity and how we must continue to foster it. “It gives us a sense of security. It gives us a sense of purpose.”
The event was founded in 1994 by Rotarian and former Citizen of the Year Isadore Black, whose family continues to support the event – they purchased scooters for each of the winners, event chairperson Jaimie Donohue told those gathered.
The meeting also included a presentation by Mati Giannoni, a native of Sarzana, Italy participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange in Peterborough since last August.
She spoke of the highs and lows of her experience, including how a trip to Algonquin Park shortly after she arrived was the highlight.