Crocus Plains Students Reflect on Transformative European Journey

Nine students from Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School have returned home after an impactful 10-day trip across Europe, aimed at deepening their understanding of war, sacrifice, and remembrance. This journey, fully funded by a provincial initiative, marks a significant milestone for youth engagement in Manitoba.

The group, consisting of students Jay Elias, Mary Akinbode, Cole Hingey, Xandria Roulette, and others, was accompanied by teachers Shayne Macgranachan and Kat Hunkin. Their itinerary included visits to key historical sites such as Vimy Ridge, Juno Beach, and the Anne Frank House.

Reflecting on the experience, Cole Hingey shared his initial disbelief upon receiving the news of his selection. “I didn’t get an email, so I thought it was a very cruel joke,” he recalled. The reality set in as he boarded the plane in Toronto. His travels took him to various locations across Europe, where he gained a profound respect for those who fought during World War II. “I learned I knew nothing about Juno Beach before,” Hingey remarked. “Canadians took so long to move because every step was dangerous.”

Mary Akinbode echoed similar sentiments of surprise and gratitude. Initially, her parents were skeptical of the trip, thinking the email might be a scam. Upon confirmation, she found herself emotionally moved by the significance of the sites visited. “They sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Being there was my way of showing respect,” she stated.

Xandria Roulette received her acceptance right after her final exam and was initially unsure whether to believe it. “Then I got my passport and thought — okay, this is real.” She expressed gratitude for the chance to witness the living conditions that soldiers endured. “It made me grateful for what we have now,” she explained.

Jay Elias noted that the trip offered unexpected insights. “The museums gave a really deep look into how crazy things got,” he said, particularly highlighting the Anne Frank House, which illustrated the challenges faced by those hiding during the war. Elias also found architectural inspiration during the visit, reinforcing his passion for construction.

Teachers Hunkin and Macgranachan observed significant growth among the students throughout the tour. Hunkin remarked on how the students learned to engage respectfully with the historical sites. “The legacy of war is still so present there,” she noted, reflecting on the stark contrasts between the realities of war and modern-day construction practices in Canada.

Macgranachan emphasized the emotional impact of sites like Vimy Ridge. “The land itself is still shaped by war. It doesn’t forget, even 100 years later. And we shouldn’t either,” he asserted. The timing of the trip, coinciding with Indigenous Veterans Day and reaching its midpoint on Remembrance Day, added depth to the students’ experiences.

The group’s itinerary also included visits to the Flanders Fields Museum, military cemeteries, and the nightly Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. As the students return to their everyday lives in Brandon, many expressed that the journey opened their eyes to history in ways traditional education could not.

“I’m really grateful I got chosen,” Hingey concluded. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I’ll remember it forever.”

This inaugural tour, part of a provincial program initiated by the Manitoba government earlier in the year, aims to connect Manitoba youth with the historical narratives of the First and Second World Wars. Inspired by Premier Wab Kinew’s experience at the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024, the initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of history among young people in the region.