12 students chosen to participate in Young Citizen program

“One of the important lessons I have learned is the ability of people to overcome total loss and destruction,” said Benjamin from Green’s Harbour. “Twelve-thousand people had lost everything they owned, but they did not give up.”

A screen capture from Windell S’s video submission “The 1929 Tsunami.”

Benjamin was referring to the great fire of St. John’s in 1892. Although he may sound like a history professor, he is one of 12 students from Newfoundland and Labrador who has been chosen to participate in this year’s Young Citizens program.

The Young Citizens program is an annual event in which students between the ages of 10 and 16 years old research Canadian heroes and legends, and key events in Canadian history.

Participants make a short video about their chosen topic, which is then posted online and reviewed by a panel of judges for a chance to win a trip to Ottawa to attend the Canada’s History Youth Forum.

These students were chosen at regional heritage fairs for their outstanding projects and excellent communication skills.

Projects range from “The History of Logging in Newfoundland and Labrador” to “Telling Stories Without Words: The Art and Ingenuity of Christopher Pratt.”

Two students from Newfoundland and Labrador will be chosen as 2017 Young Citizens.

One student will be selected via popular vote, and a panel of judges will select the second student.

Voting closes at midnight on July 7.