A local CHAMP was able supply her school with internationally award-winning documentaries through the War Amps.
St. Mary School student Sawyer Dutka, 16, presented her school library with copies of internationally award-winning documentaries through Operation Legacy, a program designed to help pass the remembrance message to the younger generation.
“It’s really important to show Operation Legacy in our town, and I believe that making sure the legacy is never forgotten is vital to making sure that Canada stays amazing and just and safe,” Dutka said.
“We can’t discredit all that they’ve done for us. They’re the generation that passed on this amazing Canada for us.”
The documentaries from the War Amps Military Heritage Series are designed to bring to life the experiences of the Canadian volunteers who served, and honour those who gave their lives.
Dutka said it’s important for her to be able to share the message with her peers.
“It’s been really nice to be able to go and talk to people and show them in the past we’ve had restrictions due to amputations, but now we’re making great leaps in being able to come into normal society,” she explained.
“The War Amps has really helped me with that and let me gain confidence and let me be the person who I am.”
Through Operation Legacy Dutka was given the choice of which organization she would like to donate the films to and her school was an easy choice, she said.
One of Dutka’s teachers has even incorporated the films into lesson plans.
“My social teacher is very active in helping us create a more open view of the world and she really stressed the importance and significance of the veterans and letting their legacy continue,” she said.
“We’re also incorporating some of these DVDs into curriculum. That’s really nice we’re able to take something that means a lot to me and bring it my studies so that I can understand more fully.”
St. Mary School associate principal Vance Nakonechny said the school is appreciative.
“It’s a great resource to use at the school, but I think what’s more important is where it came from,” Nakonechny said.
“The fact that people with disabilities are not marginalized at our school, and in our community, and I think Sawyer is a shining example of that.
“Receiving this from the CHAMPS program is more a recognition of her contributions. The school benefits and it’s a great resource for us to use, but it’s also a testament to her abilities.”
