Introduction
On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine to challenge their Statehood and an alleged expansion by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It continues to be a hostile military operation, more appropriately referred to as War, with missiles, airstrikes and ground invasion from multiple directions. The human, physical, economic and political devastation of this War and the resulting enormity of a refugee crisis – the largest since World War II – unfold before our eyes.
Contest Objective
Given this catastrophic present-day real-world experience, it is an opportune time to listen to the views of young people about War and peaceful co-existence throughout the world. The contest’s objective is to inspire youth to contemplate a world – their world – without War and the significance of democracy, freedom and Remembrance.
2 x $1000 Educational Awards
One award for grades 7 through 9. One award for grades 10 through 12.
Submission Deadline
November 11th, 2022
Download contest posters for your school/classroom bulletin boards
Application Requirements
Download the Application form in PDF format This Application form is e-fillable but should be printed and signed, and mailed together with the printed essay.
- This literary contest is open to British Columbia students attending grades 7 through 12.
- Application and essay submissions are due on or before Friday, November 11, 2022.
- Students should submit essays – up to 1600 words – in a letter-sized (8.5″ x 11″) printed document.
- Applications should be printed and signed and then, along with the printed essay, mailed with sufficient postage to:
Lt.Col. (Ret’d) Archie M. Steacy CD UE120 East St. James RoadNorth Vancouver, BC V7N 1K9
Guidelines and Judging Criteria
Essay Guidelines for Students and Parent(s) (click to expand)
Download this document in PDF format
Essay Guidelines for Students and Parent(s)
Essay Length: Up to 1600 words
The Past – Historic Wars
Reflect on the past Wars of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and other Wars that your culture may have experienced. Take the time to understand the human toll on life, freedoms and democracy and think about how you believe your life in Canada is better because of these selfless sacrifices.
The Present – Alliances – The Russian War in Ukraine
Consider how global Nations’ alliances, such as NATO, are critical in defending democracy. Think about what we lose and what we gain when Nations engage in War. Consider Canada’s proud Military alliances and why and how you think this is important.
The Future – Democracy or Autocracy
It is a very critical time in history for the future of democracy. How do you believe your life is affected by living under a democracy? How might your life be affected under an Autocracy? Why is it important for Canada to have well-trained and well-equipped Military, Regular and Reserve Forces?
Remembrance – Carry Forward the Remembrance Legacy
Canada has a proud and stellar military history. Service, sacrifice and valour have established Canada as one of the best countries in the world to live. Learning about this military history and honouring it through revered Remembrance is every generation’s responsibility. What is the significance of remembering Canada’s Fallen and honouring Canada’s Veterans? How will you accept responsibility and plan to carry forward the Remembrance Legacy?
Essay Guidelines for Teachers (click to expand)
Download this document in PDF format
Essay Guidelines for Teachers
Essay Length: Up to 1600 words
The Past – Historic Wars
Students should reflect on the past Wars of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and other Wars that their culture may have experienced. They should take the time to understand the human toll on life, freedoms and democracy and consider how they believe their life in Canada is better because of these selfless sacrifices.
The Present – Alliances – The Russian War in Ukraine
Students should consider how global Nations’ alliances, such as NATO, are critical in defending democracy. They should consider what we lose and gain when Nations engage in War. They should consider Canada’s proud Military alliances and why and how they feel this is important.
The Future – Democracy or Autocracy
It is a very critical time in history for the future of democracy. How does the student believe their life is affected by living under a democracy? How might their life be affected under an Autocracy? Why is it important for Canada to have well-trained and well-equipped Military, Regular and Reserve Forces?
Remembrance – Carry Forward the Remembrance Legacy
Canada has a proud and stellar military history. Service, sacrifice and valour have established Canada as one of the best countries in the world to live. Learning about this military history and honouring it through revered Remembrance is every generation’s responsibility. Students should reflect on the significance of remembering Canada’s Fallen and honouring Canada’s Veterans. How will they accept responsibility and plan to carry forward the Remembrance Legacy?
Judging Criteria (click to expand)
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Judging of student essays will be weighted under four criteria.
Criterion (A) – 40% Understanding of Objectives and Themes (Past, Present, Future, Remembrance)
Essays will be judged on students’ general knowledge and understanding of Canada’s historical and present military role in supporting Allied Nations in defence of freedom and democracy. Mentioning various Wars and Military Operations in which Canada participated will help determine their degree of general knowledge.
Criterion (B) – 40% Original Views and Insights of Objectives and Themes (Past, Present, Future, Remembrance)
Judges will look for students’ original views about service, sacrifice and Remembrance. Students’ insights about War, peace, democracy and freedoms will demonstrate to the judges the type of world young people envision for their future.
Criterion (C) – 15% Manner of Presentation to Inspire Reader
Students will be judged on their manner of writing and presentation to engage the reader’s interest. The purpose is to make the reader want to know more about the students’ views and insights.
Criterion (D) – 5% Proper Grammar
Judges will review standard grammar and sentence structures for the reader’s ease of comprehension.
