Jane Harkness of Virden, recently won the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize.
Harkness was awarded two weeks in England, Belgium and France from August 7 – 21.
Harkness said, “My history teacher; Mrs. Hayward suggested that I apply for a different award with the Vimy Foundaytion (Vimy Pilgrimage Award - one week in France visiting WWI sites) and I made the final shortlist. When the Vimy Foundation told me this they suggested that I apply for the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize.”
This prestigious scholarship is offered to individuals 15-17 years old; to study history of Canada, France, and Great Britain during WWI and WWII. There are 16 spots available; 14 awarded to Canadians, one to England, and one to France.
The application consisted of five separate parts; project of your choice about minorities in Canada during WWI, pick a piece from WWI art from the Canadian War Museum’s online collection and reflect on it, write a letter explaining why she would be a good candidate, resume, and reference letter. “The whole application took me approximately a month and a half to write as I also had schoolwork and exams during this time; January 11 - February 29.” Said Harkness.
After all the hard work on her application Harkness wasn’t sure what to expect to hear back , but of course was hoping for good news. The Virdenite said, “I didn’t want to jinx anything so I just put my best effort in every day to know that I was proud of my application and hoped that would be enough.”
The final step was set up at the start of April, to do a 15 minute interview; which she was asked questions in both French and English. Not long after the interview Harkness received a phone call giving her the good news she had been hoping for.
Harkness explained, “When they called I was at the co-op fundraising for the band/choir trip to Banff. I was jumping up and down and immediately texted all the people who helped me in my application process.”
Even after being accepted Harkness still received homework to do before the trip; prepare two presentations on topics given to them, and pick a local soldier who passed away in WWI and was buried in France or Belgium and write a biography and tribute to say at their grave. Harkness explained,
“We have to leave something at their grave and do an etching of their gravestone to bring home. My given topics for the presentations were Georges’ Clemenceau and Conscription.”
All the pictures that Harkness has used for the projects have been from the Virden Pioneer Home Museum; where she is also working fulltime for the summer. “They have been so helpful and supportive in the preparation of my trip!”
