STRATFORD ELEMENTARY
Student Wins City of Charlottetown Prize at 2018 Provincial Heritage Fair

The City of Charlottetown congratulates, Isabelle O'Connell, the recipient of the City of Charlottetown Prize at the Provincial Heritage Fair held on Thursday, May 3, at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Councillor Greg Rivard (right), Chair of the City's Planning and Heritage Committee, presents the City of Charlottetown prize to Isabelle O'Connell, a grade 5 student from Stratford Elementary, at the annual Provincial Heritage Fair.
 

The City of Charlottetown Prize is awarded to the student who exhibits an outstanding project on any aspect of Charlottetown's heritage. Isabelle O'Connell, a grade 5 student from Stratford Elementary, won the City of Charlottetown prize for her project on Government House. Government House, the home of the Lieutenant Governor, is one of the finest and most historically significant houses in the City of Charlottetown. Built in 1834, this Georgian influenced residence was designed and constructed by Isaac Smith, in association with Henry Smith and Nathan Wright.

This was one of many projects that focused on the City's rich history at the annual event. Charlottetown's architecture, personalities, events and local businesses were just some of the topics covered by the students.

"Congratulations to all the students who participated in this years' annual Heritage Fair," said Mayor Clifford Lee. "It is inspirational to see how the city's history is interpreted and displayed by the students here today. They really breathe a new life into these projects and I feel we can all learn something from their perspective." 

The Heritage Fair program is an educational initiative that provides students the opportunity to learn about their heritage by creating a project on an aspect of Canadian history. Heritage Fairs are held at schools across the province where students from grades 5-9 present their projects to judges from their communities. The top projects chosen from each school go on to the Provincial Heritage Fair in Charlottetown at the Confederation Centre of the Arts where students compete to become one of 15 finalists.

The City of Charlottetown, along with Provincial, Federal and community representatives, has supported the Provincial Heritage Fair for many years. Students exhibit their projects in the morning and, in the afternoon they are treated to educational workshops, entertainment and tours.

"Students invested a significant amount of time and energy into their projects this year and really captured important pieces of our history which make Charlottetown the unique place it is today," said Councillor Greg Rivard, Chair of City's Planning and Heritage Committee. "All of the students deserve recognition, but we especially want to congratulate Isabelle O'Connell for earning the City of Charlottetown Prize and best of luck to everyone going to the Nationals."

For more information on the City of Charlottetown's history, visit Charlottetown Stories, an online exhibit space where individuals are encouraged to share their stories with the public, visit www.charlottetownstories.wordpress.com