Recipients of souvenir mementos are still eligible to receive an exclusive trip to Vancouver or a laptop. 

Below are a selection of submissions from students in Alberta.  More compositions will be published daily through to January 5, 2010.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Submitted by J.G., Gr. 12 Student from Edmonton, Alberta
Published January 5

Baseball icon Yogi Berra said: "The future ain't what it used to be." As youths, we have the advantage of growing up with the Internet, social networking sites, and blogs. These conveniences of our modern day culture have made connecting and communicating with others around the world an easy and almost instantaneous process. This strengthens our ability to build a strong foundation for the future, not just for ourselves but for the local and global community. Due to rapid modernization and globalization our world has become a smaller and tight-knit place. Through my involvement within my school's Interact club, I've seen just how easy connecting with people from around the world can be.

Being elected as Vice President of the Interact for this current school year was an exciting moment in my life. This position gives me the chance to be a leader while working with my peers to make a difference. As a member of Interact over the past three years, we've been working hard and fundraising for an international project in Belize. Our project is focused on two independent schools in Belize. What we have accomplished for these schools is an example of how the potential for our future has expanded because of technology. One of the schools we are now working with, reached out to us, because they came across our club through a Google search. Through communication via internet and e-mail, we've been able to learn how we can help provide for these schools. This has helped us promptly and efficiently to work towards our goal: helping them improve their education system. Receiving emails and pictures from the students or teachers is a rewarding experience as we get to see how our efforts at home have truly improved the schools and the lives of the students in Belize.

In the spring of 2010, I will be traveling to Belize with a group of 11 other students from our Interact club. While there, we will be helping with construction of these schools as well as volunteering with local charities. Being apart of this education movement is not only rewarding for the students in Belize but for me and my fellow interact club members. The gift of education is in its lifetime value. Our hard work will mean lasting benefits for the children and communities in Belize. 

My generation is very privileged as we have grown up in a day and age where diversity is encouraged and widely accepted, while discrimination is disappearing. This has created an environment where people work together and support each other. More and more groups are reaching out to each other and fewer barriers exist between cultures and individuals. Live news feeds, satellite television, and websites rapidly transmit news and information from around the world. This has made our generation more aware of the social, political, and economic problems of our world. This greater awareness instills a sense of social obligation to our interconnected global community. Support from the community is invaluable. The success of our Interact club is dependent on financial support from members and businesses within my local community. This support is also an important source for vulnerable groups who are in need. Hours after the Indonesian earthquakes of 2007 struck, our school was already planning how we would help with the relief efforts. By the next day a fundraiser and donation box were organized in support of the earthquake victims.

Margaret Mead once said: "Never doubt that a small dedicated group of people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." We are already seeing how technology and globalization have brought positive connections to the international society. In the future, I believe these factors will further strengthen the ability of "small dedicated groups" to actualize significant achievements for the world.

Submitted by K.E., Gr. 5 Student from Bonanza, Alberta
Published January 5

Celebrating Excellence

Hi. I am in grade five in Bonanza, Alberta. I like to be involved in many activities from small things around the house to big things around the community. My favorite thing about helping is you feel so good once you're done the job. I love animals so I help the SPCA. I have donated money and purchased canned food to donate to the animals. I have helped several neighbors with their animals when they have been away and needed someone to watch their pets. At my house I have animals to feed and love, at the farm I have cats, dogs, cows and horses to take care of. When my grandmother had surgery, I stayed with her for a few days to help her since she couldn't walk. I got her food, books or anything else she required. I then donated some of the money she gave me to the B.C. Children's Hospital. I thought that this money could help them to give other children stuff they need. I got an awesome letter back thanking me for the donation. It made me very happy. I also wanted the kids to know that there was someone who cared.

My Grandmother helped me with Operation Christmas Child, and my sisters and I filled shoeboxes with toys to be given to less fortunate children. My family and I have participated in the Relay for Life and the Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research. Another cancer fundraiser I helped with was pennies for patients which raised money for leukemia patients. Last year, we also signed up through World Vision. I asked people to purchase things like food, farm animals, medical supplies, and water wells through World Vision instead of sending me Christmas presents. I also used some of my Christmas money to buy things through World Vision as well.

My family and I participate in community events. We have helped organize or work at Halloween parties, Christmas parties, Hillbilly Days and community fundraisers. Often at these fundraisers we collect donations for the foodbank. These activities help to keep our hall open and raise money for the community Health Fund. The community health fund gives money to people in our community if they are sent to a major center for medical probelms. We have participated in community cleanups. We also recycle/compost. We do it because it helps make a cleaner earth. My friend and I have also cleaned up in her community. I am on a B honor roll and have been given many awards. I work very hard to get good grades and always succeed. I succeed because I have family/friends there if I need help with any thing.

At school my teacher has taught me to play a Native American flute which I have learned to love. My other school love is Volleyball. I participated in the science fair for fun when I was in grade four even though it's not required of grade fours and went to regionals. My project tried to decide whether WII fit the game could be considered exsercise or just fun. I went with a few of my friends, I did not expect it, it was so much fun. At school I also donate my time for fundraisers, Jump Rope for Heart. Goody day is when we take turns donating treats to be sold at school to raise money for school events. Our school sponsors a child named Nasreen from India so that she receives food and an education. I have also written two short stories and been published. One of my stories was called "The Big Trip". The other one was called "The Race". I like to write on my own time. I find it to be fun. These are a few of the ways in which I celebrate excellence in my life!

Submitted by L.M., Gr. 11 Student from Hanna, Alberta
Published January 4

There is nothing more powerful than a smile; it symbolizes love and joy. I love working with children and my fellow teenagers. Unfortunately living in a small town there isn`t always a lot to do so I help make sure there are things for them to do. I set goals such as having a Girl Guide camp so that I can have fun and do something worthwhile. By accomplishing my goals I often bring a smile to their faces and there is nothing more rewarding. One of the most diverse clubs in our community is the youth club.

As a board member I have had the opportunity to volunteer at multiple activities. I often work in the concession during movie nights, where people have the opportunity to see movies just like at the theatres in larger centers. It gives families an opportunity to have a night out in their own community. I have also volunteered at a ball hockey tournament. It was exciting to see so many youth participating and doing something they really enjoyed. I also volunteered at the Halloween party where younger kids had the opportunity to explore and learn by doing activities such as taste testing and completing and obstacle course. Just a few weeks ago there was a Christmas hay ride to look at Christmas lights and sing Christmas carols. I was one of the loudest singers. Being a part of the youth club has given me the opportunity to see so many youth and children laugh, smile, and have so much fun participating in so many amazing activities.

Last June I decided to take on one of the biggest challenges of my life. I decided to plan a Girl Guide camp. Three years ago I'd received my Canada Cord and planed a Girl Guide camp in a different unit. The Girl Guides in this area are not as use to camping and don't do as many activities. So I had to get the girls excited about camping and really understand what it was about. I wrote a letter asking my former leaders to get their girls to write about their camping stories. One girl sent a story about how her favourite camping experience was a medieval themed camp in which she'd stabbed me in the heart with a pool noodle dipped in paint as part of our jousting tournament. I still have the shirt and I showed it the girls down here, it seemed to get them excited. I had to invite girls from other communities since there are not that many girls here. The camp is going to be held this June and I can`t wait to see the girls smiles as they have the time of their lives.

I want to do more than volunteer in my community and make people smile. I want to make myself smile and let my joy and love be shown. Being a part of the youth club has allowed me to smile along with everyone else, yet I want to do something that proves I can make a difference myself and I have. There were moments when I thought there was no way I was going to be able to pull off this Girl Guide camp. I even considered giving the whole idea up. Now I am proud of what I am doing and know I`m going to be able to do even more ,to make a difference, and that`s what makes me smile.

Submitted by B.A., Gr. 9 Student from Jasper, Alberta
Published January 4

Leadership

Leadership to me means taking action for something I believe in. I trust that everybody is a leader in their own way. Leadership involves trusting yourself, teamwork and perseverance. I pursue and strive for excellence in arts, education and community involvement.

To begin, one way I pursue leadership is in arts. One can find creativity, resourcefulness and imagination in a leader. I am enrolled in dance and piano lessons. I volunteer to dance and play piano for my community. I love performing and bringing smiles to people's faces. When getting up in front of a crowd to perform, I feel power and confidence in myself.

Secondly, I use education to pursue leadership. I believe that in helping others, it makes me more determined to attain other things in life. I volunteered in the Homework Help group with my class. We helped the primary students with their homework twice a week. After doing that, I felt like a leader. Someone many others can look up to.

Also, being a leader involves responsibility. I attend a francophone school and it has helped me tremendously to achieve all of the goals I want to accomplish in life. It definitely took responsibility and dependability to take this big step in life. Now I know that I can travel all over the world and influence others positively. Community involvement is a very important factor in my life. The major reason why I love working in the community and doing volunteer work is the message I'm spreading. When people congratulate me for my work, it makes me want to never give up.

A leader should stick to their beliefs and go after what they desire. I am very involved in the environment and have done lots of presentations, exhibits and research on various topics such as a Petcha Kutcha production, a bottled water presentation and writing a business letter to the Minister of Natural Resources. When I think of the impact my class makes on other people, I feel that we are all making a big change in the world.

In conclusion, I personally feel that community involvement is the most significant out of all three arguments because it matters to other people. It allows me to spread a message to others and it involves teamwork. Leadership must come from within and have a positive impact on people. I know that I will be doing much more volunteer work in the future. Leadership is very important to me in many ways because it has made me a better person just knowing that I am taking action for what I have confidence in.

Submitted by K.C., Gr. 5 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published January 3

I am in grade 5 and I am 10 years old. To me, leadership and excellence is a big part of life, because it helps make your community a better place. I try to demonstrate those two qualities by participating in school activities like patrolling. I strive for excellence also in sporting activities.

I'd like to tell you about what leadership and excellence means to me. I go to skating two times a week. I try my hardest to complete advice or instructions my coach tells me. I have been skating three years in a row. I also do basketball two times a week, one practice and one game. I try really hard in it. Even though none of my friends play I'm trying to make new ones.

I don't just strive for excellence, I show leadership. I try to participate in school activities like patrolling and office assistant. I try to set a good example for younger kids at school and in the community. I will also help someone if they need help. Doing those things can make a better school and community.

Last year in grade 4, I won the Circle of Courage Award at my school. The award is given to one student that demonstrates independence, belonging, generosity and leadership. Our school motto is "Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of this place." It teaches us to be better citizens in the world. With a friend, I started a group at recess that talked about the decreasing population of bees. Then we started meeting at lunch and did more research. The project became bigger and we started performing what we learned in front of the classes in different ways such as plays and powerpoints.

What excellence means to me is trying really hard to do something you can become better at. The most important part of leadership to me is the pride of knowing that you did something good for yourself and your community. Olympic athletes have to show both of these qualities in order to get to the games. I liked writing this essay because it made me think about the things that I have done that show leadership and excellence, and also about the Olympic athletes that work so hard.

Submitted by R.A., Gr. 8 Student from Sturgeon County, Alberta
Published January 3

Contributing to the Community.

Everyone has an activity that they excel in, and have a passion for performing that activity anytime they can. Well for me that activity is soccer, and whenever I can I try to practice my skills. The community has various different types of people; of different ages, genders, races, and many diverse personalities. I play competitive soccer, and for me it is an excellent challenge; testing my ability to play, my endurance, my ball sense, and just really gets me going on how exciting it is. Along with just fun, being on a competitive soccer team leaves me with many duties, as I am representing the city for every game my team plays. Feeling the pride when winning is an amazing emotion, but an even better sensation is knowing that I am doing excellent in representing my community.

Playing soccer is one thing, but coaching soccer is another. Weekly, after my practice I stay a couple hours extra to help another coach with his team of U12 girls (under the age of twelve). Helping out with soccer is always fun, because aside from telling them what to do and how to do it properly, sometimes I get to participate in the drills as well. I would love to continue my actions in assisting with soccer, because I feel it really helps the girls learn better when there are more helpers, therefore there will be more attention given to individuals in order to assist them build their skills.

Apart from assisting with soccer, I also take some time off to assist coaching gymnastics to younger kids. I love helping out the kids, because some of the gymnastics equipment can be dangerous, and if the movements are performed incorrectly the gymnast can get injured. As a citizen of my community, it is my responsibility to do all I can to improve the area in every way. Realizing this, I believe that everyone should contribute to supporting their community and making it the best society that can be.

Submitted by P.G., Gr. 12 Student from Calgary, Alberta
Published January 2

Called To Serve

"Aim for the stars, should you miss you might land on a tree, but if you aim any lower you might just land on the ground." My mother, taught me this important lesson. Though it may seem strange for me to quote my mother, finding someone who constantly inspires me has never been simpler. No matter what words I use to describe the impact our relationship has had on the decisions I have made, nothing would change the fact that it remains awe-inspiring to me.

My mother and I have braved the odds as a team, without forfeiting our own individuality. I was born in Djibouti, Africa, and since that time my mother and I have moved between Dubai, U.A.E., and Toronto, Ontario. Finally, we've found a home in Calgary, Alberta. My travels have exposed to me to a wide spectrum of ideas and opinions about the world. It is these inspiring ideas and moments that challenge me to never stop helping those who have been less fortunate than I have been. I wish to channel my talents into a career that allows me to provide medical, emotional, and physical aid every person that I can.

In the summer of 2008, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I kept the news of my mother's diagnosis to myself, for I realized I did not want to succumb to pity. This decision has helped me to become a more resilient person; furthermore, it fueled my passion to help others, as the disease had hit so close to home. I now can truthfully say that the most significant accomplishment in my life thus far has been raising funds through the "CIBC Run for the Cure" campaign to raise money and awareness of breast cancer. I donated 15 inches of my hair and even had an article published in the Calgary Metro's 19th October 2009 issue.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of this fast paced world, I try to delegate time to my hobbies. I enjoy dramatics, drawing, painting and music so whole heartedly that I've been awarded various awards for my work. However, since starting high school I have had very little time to explore these passions as much as I would like. In grade 10, with a little coaxing from a teacher, I joined the Student Leadership Activity Council (SLAC) and the Drama Directorate as their Art Contact representative. Both teams promote school spirit building activities such as pep rallies, dances and main stage productions. I've since been elected president of the Drama Directorate. My high school experience has allowed me to play roles in both A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare and A Mother's Voice by Chris Owen, create publicity through posters for the events and most importantly broaden my horizons.

Every single event in my life's journey thus far, has led me to the most important realization I will perhaps ever have: I have discovered what I want my future to be. Because of the things I have seen in my travels, because of the feeling of satisfaction I get from helping others, and lastly, because of the strength and determination that both my mother and I displayed during her illness, I know that I have found my purpose, my calling: medicine. It is a calling.

There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that the few hours and/or resources you have donated might be saving someone's life. It is that satisfaction that I am constantly looking for. Volunteering with global organizations like Medicine Sans Frontiers and more local centers like Harbors of New Port Care Center and the F&ST(families & schools together) program at Erin Woods Elementary School, has only made me more aware of the fact that although our DNA sets us apart, people are not all that different.

Submitted by C.L., Gr. 10 Student from High River, Alberta
Published January 2

Something that I have a passion for is when teenagers, like myself go further than what is expected of us in our culture. Here is why. I have had the privilege of reading a large amount of great literature. One thing that I have come to recognize through the books I have read is that over history there is a consistent pattern of how youth were brought up with a certain level of expectation, and how they met that requirement and it prepared them for taking up the roles of leadership for the next generation. I've found that in our culture we've lost most of that. People have low expectations for us, and so we drop down to fill them, not bothering to do more than what is necessary. There is a certain apathy in teenagers today towards education, politics, virtue, honour etc. We take it for granted that we have so much, that we don't live for the future by taking up the roles of our parents. We are blessed with so much, yet with great privilege comes great responsibility.

I feel it is important for us to go against how society tells us to act and use what we are passionate about, our talents and our abilities to strive for excellence. I want to erase the idea that the teenage years are a holiday and work towards my full capacity, encouraging others to do the same. What does this mean for me? I may not be a world leader, making decisions that affect everyone, but the decisions I make, whether big or small do make a difference. People are watching. Often it is the little things that equip us for the bigger things; they are our foundation. If everyone took responsibility for their actions, the world would be a much better place.

Here are some examples where I am trying to pick up the slack: Even though I am not old enough to vote I feel it is important for me to understand the political world for when I am old enough. My generation is losing interest in politics. Voting doesn't mean anything to teenagers anymore. No wonder the numbers of young voters is dropping considerably. We are growing up without a concern for it. We need to be prepared to take up our roles as citizens, and it starts now with each individual. With the world we live in where everything is written in point form and computer slang, I am working on taking pride in the way I express myself and writing in a way that is proper and professional.

Society is screaming at young men and women that your possessions and the way you look on the outside is what defines you as a person. Especially for young women, it is a struggle with low esteem and self confidence. The picture we paint of beauty is often deceiving. I am trying to change that in the way I dress and act, trying to be an inspiration to other girls around me. Teenagers today tend to hate school and only study enough to get by. I am trying to do my best in every subject I have, even if I would rather be doing something else.

These are just a few small ways in which I am pursuing excellence. If I work towards perfection in the small things then maybe in the big things it will be just a little easier. I am not perfect and a lot of what I have shared is a work in progress, but it can make a difference.

Submitted by J.A., Gr. 10 Student from Lethbridge, Alberta
Published January 1

Leadership is power. Leadership is responsibility. But leadership is also service. Through service, you become a better leader because you come to love those you work with. As I strive for a higher education everyday, I keep in mind that I need to help others work toward their goals too. This helps me understand concepts more, and no matter who I'm helping - a friend, acquaintance or a stranger - we both benefit.

I really felt the effects of my tutoring while I was in Japan on a three month exchange. We spent almost everyday working with this group of high school students who were really interested and determined to learn English. They had an English Speech Competition coming up, and were committed to perfection. We went over pronunciation and sentence structure and practiced until every student had their portion of the speech memorized. Our hard work definitely payed off. They were awarded an honorable mention, and I couldn't have been more proud.

I have a love of sports, but I've never been the best at them, so I've found other ways to contribute to the athletic community. I keep score at volleyball and basketball games, as well as control admittance and run the concession at my high school. Last summer I had the great opportunity to volunteer at the Canadian Slo-Pitch Championship which was held in Lethbridge, my hometown. I learned so much as I was around others who enjoyed the game like I did, and it felt great knowing that I was helping the sport move forward. As part of my youth church group we volunteer often.

At Christmas we've donated stockings to a youth homeless shelter, we've helped at an assisted living complex and worked at a cannery. We all work together to progress to be the best we can be. We grow closer to each other as we grow closer to those we serve. Like I said, we lead to serve and serve because we love. It's a win-win situation.

Submitted by H.A., Gr. 12 Student from Athabasca, Alberta
Published January 1

The Olympics are perhaps one of the most impressive displays of excellence around the world. Elite athletes come together to compete and be the best they can be, in the pursuit of excellence and victory. This itself is the fundamental definition of excellence: being the best one can be, and striving to become better. Although I myself am not of Olympic calibre, I am inspired by the passion and commitment of Olympic athletes. From day to day, I try to apply those same principles to the activities in which I participate.

As a student, much of my time is devoted to school. In my school work and assignments, I put in all the effort necessary to achieve the highest marks I can and when I make mistakes, I seek to understand those concepts which I previously did not. This approach extends beyond my school work. I involve myself with extracurricular sports and activities at school as well as those within the community. In the fall I spent six days a week playing and coaching volleyball. Throughout the season, I strove to improve my individual skills and I also sought to contribute to the performance of my team. Likewise, while coaching the junior high boys team, along with the other coaches, I tried to push each athlete and improve the team as a whole. In the New Year, I will also be coaching young cross-country skiers.

As mentioned, excellence may be understood as an individual being the best they can be. It may also be understood that true excellence cannot be achieved through only one aspect of life, but through all aspects of life. I have many interests in varying areas, and I especially enjoy playing sports. Aside from volleyball, I also have experience in many other sports including soccer, cross-country skiing and running, and most school sports. Cross-country skiing in particular requires significant commitment as many hours of training are required to succeed. I participate in skiing because it is extremely physically demanding and it contributes significantly to my fitness.

I am often very busy with various activities and consequently, I cannot always do all of the things I would like to do. For instance, the basketball season has started at school, but a significant time commitment is required in order to participate. Despite this conflict, I still wished to play so I arranged with my coach that I could attend practices on weekdays but miss the weekend tournaments.

I strive for excellence in both academics and athletics but also in my community. Presently, I am volunteering in a grade seven math class. It is satisfying to help other individuals in the pursuit of excellence, especially when employing my own knowledge and skills which I myself have learned and perfected with the help my teachers, coaches and mentors. Whether it is school, sports, community work or anything for that matter, it is always important to work toward improvement and achievement. Excellence is becoming all that one can be. I fully intend to fulfill this goal.

Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7