This June, Grade 11 student Michelle Huynh was honoured with a $1000 prize for her history essay by the Government of Canada. Huynh was one of 75 winners of the Government of Canada History Award.

The award's goal is to connect youth to their history by honouring outstanding students and teachers who show an interest in celebrating Canadian history. The awards are administered by Canada's History, an independent national charitable organization whose mission is to promote greater popular interest in Canadian history.

Huynh was encouraged to submit her essay about the Canadian Expeditionary Force of World War 1 by her principal Rick Mesich, who says despite short notice of the contest (which had been open for months), Huynh rallied and got her entry ready with only a week to go before the deadline.

She is one of two British Columbia winners. To read a portion of her essay, click here.