Announcing the recipients of the 2026 Vimy Pilgrimage Award

News Release

Vimy Pilgrimage Award; Announcing the Canadian Students Selected to Participate in the 2026 Educational Program

March, 2026 – The Vimy Foundation

The Vimy Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Vimy Pilgrimage Award, an experiential program providing youth, ages 15 to 17 from across Canada, the opportunity to explore historic sites and participate in the annual Vimy Pilgrimage, which sees Canadians travel to France to pay their respects at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

The 2026 recipients include:

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• Abhiraj Kambrath, Fredericton, NB
  
  
• Amelia Man, Vancouver, BC
  
  
• Sophie Liu, West Vancouver, BC
  
  
• Brogan Savard, Iqaluit, NU
  
  
• Connor Fitzpatrick, Stratford, PE
  
  
• Cynthia Johannessen, Edmonton, AB
  
  
• Danielle Moore, Beaver Bank, NS
  
  
• Edith René, Ottawa, ON
  
  
• Ella Clark, St. John’s, NL
  
  
• Ella Bagshaw, Canmore, AB
  
  
• Mariyah Al-Qoubtiyyah Sanogo, Calgary, AB
  
  
• Emily Munro, Oshawa, ON
  
  
• Jasmine Wong, Markham, ON
  
  
• Elyse Lusignan, Gatineau, QC
  
  
• Jessy Lafreniere, Val-d’Or, QC
  
  
• Joseph Ferguson, Brandon, MB
  
  
• Mia Danyluk, Winnipeg, MB
  
  
• Longinote Paul Zambrano, Moose Jaw, SK
  
  
• Jackson Fuller, Hay River, NT
  
  
• Khalid Saheed-Kolade, Saint John, NB
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These talented students were selected for their academic excellence, community involvement, and passion for history. From April 3 to April 11, they will travel across France and Belgium, visiting historic sites, museums, cemeteries, and battlefields such as the Somme, Passchendaele, and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.

Throughout the program, students will share reflections on the VPA Blog page on the Vimy Foundation website, gaining skills and perspectives from the past while connecting with peers and fellow leaders of tomorrow.

We gratefully acknowledge the support of The Estate of Mildred and Tom Irvine, The Jon and Nancy Love Fund at The Toronto Foundation, The MacDonald Stewart Foundation, Commissionaires Northern Alberta, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Ken Miner and Family, and other generous supporters who make this program possible.

We also thank our travel partners: Ellison Travel & Tours, Randhawa Group, Aeroplan, Air Creebec, and Canadian North.

About the Vimy Pilgrimage Award Program

The Vimy Pilgrimage Award program is a rigorous and comprehensive initiative aimed at educating youth about the pivotal moments of the First World War. Students are selected based on a competitive application process that places emphasis on their involvement in their community  and their responses to various components:

1. Community Contributions: Describe the ways in which they contribute to their community through volunteer work or other initiatives.
2. Personal Statement Video: Students record a video explaining the importance of learning about the FWW, how they can promote awareness in their community, what they hope to gain from the program, and what they can contribute to it.
3. Resume: Detailing relevant experiences such as volunteer work, projects, community involvement, and awards.
4. Letter of Reference: A reference letter from a teacher, counselor, or community leader.

This comprehensive selection process ensures that participants are not only academically proficient but also passionate about history and community engagement.

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