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Three local students from The Fernie Academy were recognized for their outstanding historical research and presentation skills at the East Kootenay Heritage Fair held on May 10 in Cranbrook, earning top honours among a field of impressive young historians.
Madelyn Dunnet and Maelle Fratton were awarded the prestigious National Showcase Award, recognizing their project as one of the best in the region. This honour grants them the opportunity to represent East Kootenay at the virtual Young Citizens National Showcase, where their project will be featured alongside those of students from across Canada.
Meanwhile, Clara Michal was presented with the Stellar Achievement Award, highlighting excellence in research, creativity, and connection to Canadian heritage.
The Heritage Fair, held annually, brings together students from across the region to share projects that explore Canadian history, culture, and identity. Students use a wide range of media—from displays and models to digital presentations—to bring stories of the past to life.
“The level of dedication and thoughtfulness these students put into their work is truly inspiring,” said social studies teacher Carly Yvon. “Madelyn, Maelle, and Clara each demonstrated a deep understanding of their topics and showed how history continues to shape our communities today.”
The East Kootenay Heritage Fair is part of a national network of fairs that aim to engage youth in learning about Canada’s diverse heritage. The projects are judged based on criteria including research depth, historical significance, presentation quality, and originality.
As the region’s representatives, Madelyn and Maelle will now prepare a short video on their project for the Young Citizens competition, where Canadians will be invited to vote for their favourite entries online.
The accomplishments of Madelyn, Maelle, and Clara highlight the passion and talent of the next generation of historians—and the importance of preserving and exploring Canada’s rich and complex history.
