Essay Contest - Essays

Essays

BY Dawn Elmore

When I left Northern Ontario at age 17, I wanted the big city. I wanted a high-profile job in Toronto, I wanted to drive on the 401 everyday, and I wanted my life to be fast-paced and exciting

Second Prize Winner

Massey

BY Mary Brohart

Silent breeze echoing around my feet as squint and snowshoe across the field with our 11 month old daughter on my back and three year old by my side.

Third Prize Winner

Halifax (originally Sault Ste Marie)

BY Taryn Reid

Shores of clear blue waters, scores of diverse creatures and zones of unique flora and fauna characterize Northern Ontario, my birthplace and future home.

Honourable Mention Winner

Sault Ste Marie

BY Jennifer Mogg

When the letters of acceptance arrived in June of 1997, it wasn't a typical greeting card commercial at my house. It could have been a marketing director's dream

Honourable Mention Winner

Dryden

BY Maxine Cassan

When I was still in high school all I wanted to do was graduate, and leave home as quickly as possible. I grew up in a small city in Northwestern Ontario, called Dryden

Honourable Mention Winner

Timmins

BY Dylan MacDonnell

Young people, on the verge of adulthood, have many decisions to make. They must decide whether to enroll in College or University, enter the work world or learn a trade.

Honourable Mention Winner

Elliot Lake

BY Melina Schetakis

feel so alive as the wind rushes past my face and the cool, crisp air fills my lungs. As the sweet scent of pine reaches my nose and I see the sun peak

Honourable Mention Winner

Blind River

BY Anna Raddon

James recalls his first trip to Northern Ontario clearly. He'd met the love of his life at university and was driving her home at the end of the semester.

Honourable Mention Winner

New Liskeard

BY Tiffany Stow

Line up our young men and women; capable, and with potential for growth. Like proud Northern Jackpine, row upon row, they are the harvest of these cold barren lands.

Honourable Mention Winner

North Bay

BY Becky Walker

Whenever I meet someone new here in Peterborough, and they ask me where I'm from, I reply that I'm from North Bay. You can see them do a double take.

The Winners

$1,000 - First Prize

Dawn Elmore

She grew up in Thunder Bay and has lived in Hamilton, Guelph, Burlington, and now in Goulais River. where her boyfriend was raised...

$500 - Second Prize

Mary Brohart

She is originally from South River and now lives in Massey. She is currently building a home and raising two daughters while being an occasional...

$250 - Third Prize

Taryn Reid

She is a pharmacy student at Dalhousie University in Halifax Originally from Sault Sainte Marie she plans to return to her hometown...

Winning Essay

When I left Northern Ontario at age 17, I wanted the big city. I wanted a high-profile job in Toronto, I wanted to drive on the 401 everyday, and I wanted my life to be fast-paced and exciting.

Dawn Elmore VIEW MORE

Silent breeze echoing around my feet as squint and snowshoe across the field with our 11 month old daughter on my back and three year old by my side. "Look, mommy, Swiper tracks!"

Mary Brohart VIEW MORE

Whenever I meet someone new here in Peterborough, and they ask me where I'm from, I reply that I'm from North Bay. You can see them do a double take. The most common responses are "wow.that's really far away!" or "What's it like up there?"

Becky Walker VIEW MORE