GRANDE PRAIRIE PUBLIC SCHOOL DIVISION
GPPSD Student Wins National Award for Remembrance Day Poem

The Royal Canadian Legion has announced Kieran Watson, a Grade 7 student at the Grande Prairie Christian School as the winner of their national award in the category of Intermediate Poetry. On behalf of his school, Travis Fehler, Principal of the Grande Prairie Christian School proudly congratulates Kieran on receiving this prestigious award, "his captivating poem commemorating Remembrance Day is a remarkable achievement reflecting his exceptional literary prowess and serves as an inspiring testament to the power of art in honouring the sacrifices of our heroes."

This is the first time a student from The City of Grande Prairie has won a Dominion Level award. Kieran's poem won first at the District Level (Branch 54), Command Level (Provincial), and Dominion Level (National).

"It was a tear-jerker when reading the poem for the first time," shares Brad Lewis, President of Branch 54. "Having Kieran win this award means a great deal to the many veterans in our city."

"When my mom first told me I was frozen in shock," laughs Watson, "this was the first time I had ever won a contest that meant so much for me and my parents. It is an extra special feeling that I'll carry with me forever."

Kieran says his inspiration came from wanting to show respect to his uncle and great-grandpa and to remember all the soldiers who died for Canadian freedom, "I wanted to show them the respect they deserve," he says.

"My great-grandpa was in WWII and fought in the raid on Dieppe and was captured after his tank got stuck. He was in a German camp for years until they marched back and were brought to safety. My uncle fought in Afghanistan and a few other places."

"This is a phenomenal achievement," adds Sandy McDonald, GPPSD Superintendent. "Kieran's success serves as an inspiration, and we are grateful to the Legion for giving students a place to Remember, to express themselves, and to shine." 

"Because of students like Kieran," reflects Lewis, "the Remembrance of what was sacrificed by Canadians will live on."

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The Long Watch, by Kieran Watson

I have bled from Flanders to Panjwaii

Fought across the trench of time

I've defeated the evil of tyrant's

That had no reason or rhyme

I've marched to the call of colours

I've marched to the sound of the guns

Over the beaches and into the caves

For the peace of our daughters and sons

I am no hero or statue or marker

Yet I am more than flesh or bone

I am every free breath a baby takes

And every free thought you've known

So if you value your rights and freedoms

If you hate evil's chains

If you think the future is worth the cost

And that life is worth the pain

Let justice be your lantern

Liberty will be your guide

It does not take a sword or gun

To stand bravely by my side

I am a Canadian Soldier

And I will stand on guard for you

Until all things are set right again

And my long nights watch is through

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About The Royal Canadian Legion Contest

The Royal Canadian Legion, in partnership with schools across the country, promotes Remembrance and supports youth education through its annual Youth Remembrance Contest. Students in Grades 1-12 are invited to submit their creative posters and literary works. The judging starts at the local Legion Branch level, winning entries move to the provincial level and if successful, are forwarded to the Legion National Foundation in Ottawa to be judged at the national level.

• The Poster Contest is divided into two categories: colour and black and white
• The Literary Contest is divided into two categories: essay and poem
• Categories are based on age, with the Intermediate category spanning Grades 7-9
• Remembrance Contests (legion.ca)