HWDSB Students and Staff Win 2022 Sharon Enkin Awards for Holocaust Education
Art entry from Ryan McCaulder (2nd place) of Nora Frances Henderson.
Three HWDSB students and one educator have received 2022 Sharon Enkin awards for their Holocaust learnings and teachings.
Every year, Hamilton Jewish Federation and the Enkin Family partner with HWDSB to recognize student and staff efforts in Holocaust education. The Sharon Enkin awards were created to honour the life of a prominent community member, and inspiration to many young people in the Hamilton area. Enkin established several community initiatives, including Painting in the Park and the Golden Horseshoe Players. Surviving family members continue Sharon Enkin’s legacy of community service and education.
Awards were presented on November 21, 2022 at the #nomoreantisemitism International Conference 2022, which aimed to bring people together to learn and have an open dialogue about antisemitism.
Student Awards
The Sharon Enkin Student Award on The Holocaust is open to all students in grades 10 to 12. Using a medium of their choice, applicants are asked to answer the following question:
Although Auschwitz was liberated 77 years ago, the lessons of the Holocaust are more important than ever in our world. Why is it so important in 2022 for young people to learn the lessons that the Holocaust shows us?
Below are this year’s student recipients, and the works they presented for consideration.
1st Place – Norah Burman – Waterdown District High School
Norah’s submission was a personal essay that discussed her own experience as a part of the Jewish community, and the discrimination still felt today. It was a heartfelt piece that discussed the importance of Holocaust and genocide education, and the relevance those actions still hold in today’s society. She closes her piece by reinforcing that, “It is our obligation to improve our society, and education is the first step.”
2nd Place – Ryan McCaulder – Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School
For his submission, Ryan created a stunning visual art piece that represents strength, resistance, and unity. His piece includes a number of recognizable symbols – a fist in the air to represent strength and resistance, and several plants which he describes in an accompanying poem. The poem describes the significance of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, as well as the significance of continuing to educate young people to avoid repeating our past mistakes.
3rd Place – Grace Halcovitch – Waterdown District High School
Grace also submitted an essay for award consideration. She took a unique approach, investigating through interviews and surveys. She asked her family and peers what they know about the Holocaust, how they would like to be educated on it, and if they would pursue independent research if they had no prior knowledge. Her essay discusses the importance of quality teaching techniques and reflects on how hatred can manifest in day-to-day life.
Educator Award
In addition to the student award, the Sharon Enkin Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education is also presented annually. The selected teacher demonstrates a commitment to Holocaust education and reinforcing the important lessons it can teach young people today.
This year’s award was presented to Krista Brodersen, who is currently a Vice-Principal at Bernie Custis Secondary School.
Congratulations to all the student and staff recipients! Thank you for helping to reinforce the importance Holocaust learning and education.
Updated on Monday, December 05, 2022.