The Stettler Legion was teeming with youngsters, their parents and grandparents, plus veterans and members of the Stettler branch of the Legion as people gathered to recognize the 2014 poster, essay and poem contest.
Even though the contest takes place every November, it's usually May or June before the local Legion branch has all the results because the winners at the local level go on to compete at different levels.
This year, the celebration took place on June 17.
The highest a Stettler area youth made it in this year's competition was regional, the Legion's Rosalind LaRose explained. The contest starts at the local level before graduating to Area, then Regional, contests. From Regional, winners go on to provincial, and from provincial, winners go to dominion (national).
It isn't until all these levels are complete that the results are officially sent back to the local legions.
Every year, as Remembrance Day, November 11 approaches, students are able to participate in black-and-white and colour poster contests, poem contests and essay contests. The competitors are broken into four categories, which are primary (grades 1-3), junior (grades 4-6), intermediate (grades 7-9), and senior (grades 10-12).
"We have loads of entries," LaRose said. "When we have to narrow it down to first, second and third place, we have to go through hundreds of excellent pieces of work."
For the first time this year, several categories didn't have competitors in the senior level, high school students having not partaken in the contests.
"Please, if you know students, encourage them to submit," LaRose said, adding with a laugh, "There's cash prizes, so I don't know why you wouldn't."
In addition to announcing this year's winners and handing out the winner cheques and certificates, the Legion also distributed some of its earnings from this year's poppy fundraising.
Kris Coolen, on behalf of Hearthaven Seniors' Lodge, received a cheque for $1,000, which will be used to buy a new flat-screen television for the lodge.
Cheryl Smith also accepted a cheque for $1,000 on behalf of Meals on Wheels, which will be used to help bring hot, nutritious meals to veterans in the community.
William E. Hay Composite High School graduate Andrew Sommerville is going to Augustana to work toward a Bachelor of Science degree, and received a $1,000 bursary since his grandfather was a veteran.
The Legion's poppy fund was also used to make a $3,000 donation to the University of Alberta's brain traumatic unit, which, according to LaRose is making giant strides at helping wounded soldiers and veterans.
Finally, another $2,000 was sent to the Veterans Food Bank in Calgary, which helps homeless veterans have healthy, hot meals.
Results:
Colour PosterPrimary1st – Ethan Nichols, SES Gr. 3 (2nd at Area)2nd – Rhys Pederson, SES Gr. 3
Junior1st – Reagan Robbins, SES Gr. 5 (1st at Area, 2nd at District)2nd – Erinn Dunn-Jackson, SES Gr. 5
Intermediate1st – Jayden Swaren, CKS, Gr. 72nd – Bailey Strandquist, CKS Gr. 7
Black and White PosterPrimary1st – Etta Dryden-Brown, SES Gr. 3 (1st at Area, 1st at District)2nd – Pearl Bansel, CKS Gr 3 (2nd at Area)
Junior1st – Sophie Diegel, SMS Gr. 6 (1st at Area, 2nd at District)2nd – Jussica Turnbull, SES Gr. 5
Intermediate1st – Dariel Abando II, CKS Gr. 8
PoemsJunior1st – Jenna Ensign, SMS Gr. 6 (1st at Area, 1st at District)2nd – Emma Worbowesky, SMS Gr. 6
EssaysJunior1st – Jackson Muhlbach, SMS Gr. 62nd – Brody Nichols, CKS Gr. 6 (2nd at Area)
Intermediate1st – Amanda O'Donnell, CKS Gr. 92nd – Abby Bohn, CKS Gr. 7