The Winner’s Circle

On June 4, 2022, prizes were presented to the top four winners of “My Canada Project”. Our special guests included our Member of Parliament Valerie Bradford, Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Acting Waterloo Mayor Royce Bodaly, and of course Corporal Mackenzie.

Their essays and the clarity of their thoughts made us optimistic for the future of this country. These young people are the leaders of tomorrow…and we were lucky enough to get a glimpse of what that future might look like with these bright, thoughtful, and responsible young minds making an impact on this country.

We can think of no better Canada Day message than what we learned from these young people. Our country is in good hands. We will continue to do what we do well. We will continue to adapt and grow on the international stage. And we will do better in areas where we need to improve.

To the hundreds of students who thoughtfully and responsibly entered an essay for My Canada Project, you all have our deep respect and gratitude.

My Canada Project 2022 Finalists — Back Row, left to right: Corporal Mackenzie, Lorna Hundt, MP Valerie Bradford, Royce Bodaly, Berry Vrbanovic. Front Row, left to right: Jeeya Patel, Cailyn Yang, Sia Peetush, and representing his sister Abigail, Aris Chan.

The top ten finalists were:

Jeeya Patel, First Place – William G. Davis Public School, Cambridge

Sia Peetush, Second Place – Laurelwood Public School, Waterloo

Abigail Chan, Third Place – Centennial Public School, Waterloo

Cailyn Yang, Fourth Place – Laurelwood Public School, Waterloo

Bill Clinton Basnet – Finalist

Adam Abdi – Finalist

Zille Humma – Finalist

Cameron Smith – Finalist

Aishee Roychowdhury – Finalist

Zoe Abraham – Finalist

2021 Winners

FIRST PLACE
Kyo Lee ($1000 cash prize)
Laurelwood Public School ($250 for Nutrition for Learning Program)

SECOND PLACE
Casper Dong ($500 cash prize)
Laurelwood Public School ($200 for Nutrition for Learning Program)

THIRD PLACE
Shawn Lueck ($250 cash prize)
Sir Adam Beck Public School ($100 for Nutrition for Learning Program)

2020 Winners

FIRST PLACE
Jocelyn Dunnette ($1000 cash prize)
Laurelwood Public School ($250 for Nutrition for Learning Program)

SECOND PLACE
Klara Stjärne ($500 cash prize)
Centennial Public School ($200 for Nutrition for Learning Program)

THIRD PLACE
Matthew Hergott ($250 cash prize)
Margaret Avenue Public School ($100 for Nutrition for Learning Program)

HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Everyone who entered. Your thoughts were inspirational. Thank you!