Holy Rosary Students Recognized by Wyoming Legion for Remembrance Day Contest
Last month, students at Holy Rosary Catholic School were recognized for their strong writing and thoughtful reflections through the 2025 Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Poster and Literary Contest.
Principal Jessica Verstraeten shared her appreciation for students who took part in this year’s contest, noting the high quality of their work and the recognition earned at multiple levels.
“We are very thankful to the Wyoming Legion for supporting opportunities like the Remembrance Day Poster and Literary Contest,” said Verstraeten. “Our students put a great deal of thought and care into their submissions, and we are proud to see their efforts recognized at both the local branch and regional zone levels.”
Several Holy Rosary students received top honours at the Branch level in the Intermediate Poem/Essay category:
- 1st Place: Hailee Groening
- 2nd Place: Eleni Kouzounas
- 3rd Place: Clara Packet
In addition, Hailee Groening earned further recognition at the zone level, placing 2nd in the Intermediate Poem/Essay category.
The Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Day Contest encourages students to reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day and to express their understanding through writing and art. Holy Rosary Catholic School is proud of all students who participated and congratulates those whose work was recognized for its quality and message.
The school community also extends its sincere thanks to Krista Morrison, Youth Education Comrade with Branch 388 of the Wyoming Legion, for her continued support of youth education and remembrance initiatives.
Fictional Diary of a Soldier in World War 2 – Hailee Groening – Intermediate Poem/Essay: 1st Place – Branch / 2nd Place Zone
November 10th, 1943
War is official now. Well it has been for a while. It’s been four long years since I wrote in this but it’s also been 4 long years since Canada even joined the war. I’ve seen more things than I ever thought I would see. The air smells like smoke and dirt as the sky turns grey and the sound of gunshots echoes through the hills. Some days are better, some aren’t. Some days I feel brave. Other times I just want to give up.
Today we had to help free a village, the people all ran out of their homes crying and even some were smiling. One woman even was kind enough to give me some food as she said “Thank you for giving us freedom”. I went silent as I didn’t know what to say. But that’s why I’m here so others can live in a world without having to fear.
Life is different now. Every morning starts before sunrise. The ground is always wet and muddy. We always have to march to clean our gear and check our weapons while having to listen for sounds of gunshots in the distance. It’s not very fun but I lean on the people around me. My best man and I always share jokes or sometimes we’ll even just sit in silence as the hours pass. Small moments matter in times like this even in the middle of chaos, bloodshed and war. Those moments remind me to never give up.
Tomorrow is remembrance day. Everyone back home will stand in silence as they wear poppies on their chest. I used to have to do the same since WW1 ended. But I never actually fully understood why we had to do it but now I do. It was never about honouring the dead, it was about remembering what they fought and sacrificed their life for: freedom, peace and hope of a better world.
If I ever make it home I will never take peace for granted again but if I don’t, I really hope someone will remember. Not just me, but every one of us who gave everything just for world peace because remembrance keeps us alive even when we are gone.
As the sun sets. I close my eyes and think of all those soldiers that fought before me and those with me now and for the ones that will fight after. I think of my family and home and the freedom we sometimes take for granted. War has changed me but it’s also taught me things I would have never known before. If I make it back to Canada I will always stand quietly for remembrance day not just to honour the victories but to honor the people who have sacrificed their all so that we can live in peace.
Least we Forget
“Poppies” – Eleni Kouzounas – Intermediate Poem/Essay: 2nd Place – Branch
“Poppies.” They flutter the fields and hold memories stronger than us.
We wear them on Remembrance Day to shine a light on those who fought for us.
There is a field wear poppies grow, standing still row by row.
We remember the people who died some years ago.
People don’t care about things that matter, and it makes my heart shatter.
It was a big price they paid and know because of that they are peacefully laid.
We remember you on this day, November 11th, that’s when we pray.
We pray, pray, pray, and know your hope, we remember your bravery to those who know.
We know your strength, and we wish the best, and we’re sorry that you have to finally rest.
Somebodys here somebody knows, and I hope we’ll remember how this story will go.
I give my all, I give my best, and I’ll remember those who now will rest.
Remembrance Day Poem – Clara Packet – 3rd Place Poem Intermediate
Little poppy given to me.
Help me keep Canada safe and
free.
I’ll wear a poppy as red as can be.
To show that I remember
Those who fought for me.