School Remembrance Projects

Hillcrest High School - "Veterans Tribute"

Steve Daniar, principal of Hillcrest High School was inspired by a group of women who were moved by the photos of their Stairway of Honour that he decided a tribute to all veterans of the war who attended Hillcrest High School would be appropriate. Portraits of 84 students who died in the Second World War line both sides of the stairway. On November 8th, 2002, 70 students (mostly from grades 9 and 10) organized an evening for the veterans. The Veterans Tribute included a roast beef dinner, live entertainment, tours of the school, drama skits with Second World War themes and a reading of the 84 names found on the Stairway of Honour with a picture of each soldier placed on a big screen as their name was read.

A grade 10 student prepares a poster for the tribute.

Approximately 150 people attended the function and another 90 people played a role cooking, serving, organizing and guiding. Thirty-four veterans of the Second World War and their families also attended. Dignitaries were on hand, with representation from the City of Thunder Bay, the Armed Forces and Lakehead Public Schools. An honorary Colour Guard from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 carried the four flags (the Canadian, the Union Jack, the U.N. and the Legion Banner) into the auditorium.

Veterans mingling outside the auditorium.

Front and dining tables centre piece.

The interaction between the veterans and the students was incredible. Many veterans commented on how proud they were that these young adults appreciated the sacrifices that they, their fallen comrades and families made.

A grade 11 student, our front table greeter, with a key chain given to each veteran courtesy of Veterans Affairs Canada.

Veteran Ed Arvelin (Navy) and his wife Agnes Junnila.