Western Region:  Alberta North Zone

Sherwood Park Presents the 4th Annual Essay Contest
  

"It's Great to Be a Canadian"
The Canadian Progress Club in Sherwood Park has developed an essay-writing contest amongst the schools in Strathcona County that is an overwhelming success.  The essay contest was the brainchild of Stu Lindop, a member of our club who recently celebrated 34 years as a Progressian.  This essay contest has been conducted in Strathcona County for the past four years.  Stu made the National President C.J. MacMullin aware of this contest, when he attended a zone meeting at our club recently.  With his encouragement we would like to bring it to the attention of all clubs, as it is a very effective tool for involvement with communities and demonstrates pride in being a Canadian.

Here is the formula.

• Have a member of your club champion the idea i.e. visit schools and talk to students about The Canadian Progress Club organization.

• Have your club agree to sponsor the contest that is providing the awards for the overall winner and two runners up.

• Work with the school boards in your area to coordinate the contest.

• Seek support from your MLA or MP if you have one in your area.

• Provide details to teachers in the fall*.

• Arrange with the university in your area, in particular with the faculty of Education, to adjudicate the essays at the end of May.

• Make the award presentations on Canada Day during the celebrations in your community (in Sherwood Park we host a Canada Day breakfast).

So, this is essentially how it is done in Sherwood Park.  We invite you to try it because we know "It is Great to be a Canadian." Eh!

*There is a curriculum-based unit available at the University of Alberta to assist in planning.  For more information contact Nancy.Smiley@ualberta.ca or call (780) 492-0939.