Mrs. Newson's Grade 2 class at Greenfield Elementary in Summerside had visitors on Friday, June 23rd to present them with a plaque signed by RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson and a photograph of the new foal, "O'Canada", which was named by the class. The submission was chosen as the winner of the 2017 Name the Foal RCMP contest for class submissions across Canada.
O'Canada, was the name submitted by the class and chosen as the winner based on originality and how well it reflects on the foal itself. The submissions are carefully considered by the members of the RCMP Musical Ride Branch.
Annually, RCMP hold contests across the country each year to name the new foals that may one day be part of the world-famous RCMP Musical Ride. This year, in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary, RCMP are naming 14 foals instead of the usual six, selecting a winning name from an individual in each of the 13 provinces and territories in Canada. In addition, for the first time, an entry submitted by a school class in Canada was selected as a winner.
After the visit, Mrs. Newson's said, "Our class is very honoured to be chosen as the winner for the Name the Foal Contest. It is a wonderful way to get students involved and to learn more about The Musical Ride. The students were thrilled to learn they had won. We have a class full of animal lovers, so this is a very fitting prize for us. I know this will be something the students will remember for years to come!"
Aside from the plaque, students also received a foal to keep in the classroom to display as part of their prize along with some RCMP stickers, tattoos and pins.
Shown in the photos: plaque provided to Grade 2 Class winners; questions to Superintendent Mac Richards, Acting Commanding Officer of P.E.I. RCMP, and Staff Sergeant Derrick Hewitt, District Commander of Prince District RCMP; Canadian Class Winners of 2017 Name the Foal Contest, Mrs. Newson's Grade 2 class of Greenfield Elementary, Summerside P.E.I.