A 91原创 high school student, Una Chang, won the national Vimy Pilgrimage Award earlier this year 鈥� a fully funded educational program that takes place in Belgium and France during the week leading up to Vimy Ridge Day on April 9.
Out of hundreds of applicants from across the country, Chang, 17, was selected to participate in this Vimy Foundation program, which recognizes the actions of 20 young people aged 14 to 17 who demonstrate outstanding service, positive contributions, and leadership in their communities.
Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Vimy Foundation has suspended its educational programs involving student travel to Europe for the immediate future.
鈥淭he trip is mostly visiting sites from the First World War and learning about Canada鈥檚 contributions,鈥� Chang said, adding that she found out about the postponement right before spring break.
Chang said she is still excited for the trip, explaining that she applied on a whim and didn鈥檛 expect to win.
READ MORE: Anson Yu, an R.E. Mountain Secondary student in 91原创, recognized as a Loran Scholar
As a member of the 91原创 Youth Advisory Committee, Chang represents Walnut Secondary School at city council.
The grade 12 student volunteers at 91原创 Memorial Hospital, at 91原创 Gardens seniors home, and as a member of the Fraser Valley Gleaners, preparing donated vegetables to make soup mixes.
Chang is also a workshop facilitator with the Red Cross teaching youth about bullying and self-awareness.
鈥淭he local rotary clubs have a saying 鈥榦ne who serves most profits most鈥� and I really believe that,鈥� Chang told the 91原创 Advance Times. 鈥淭here鈥檚 always something you can learn about yourself and it鈥檚 a way to meet new people, give back, and develop empathy.鈥�
Chang said her interest in history is best summed up in the quote 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 know history, you鈥檙e bound to repeat it.鈥�
On April 9th, 1917, at Vimy Ridge, 100,000 Canadian soldiers gathered for the first time as a unified force.
To commemorate Vimy Ridge Day this year, The Vimy Foundation will be sharing tributes to Canadian military personnel created by the 2020 Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipients.
Applications are now open for the 2021 Vimy Pilgrimage Award with applications available at .
_________________________________
Is there more to this story?
Email: ryan.uytdewilligen@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on or follow us on
_________________________________
