Students tell tales of war and community

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register

An annual video project by students and staff at West Kings honours the contributions of Canada's veterans and serving military members.

Now in its fifth year, the effort has become an important tradition for the school community. "It has really grown into something wonderful," says project coordinator Donna Griffin.

This year's production involved about 40 students and seven adult volunteers - among them a local veteran, a West Kings teacher and another teacher's brand new baby. The video was shot at several nearby locations, including a church in Aylesford.

The untitled film chronicles the experience of three local boys going off to war: one is leaving his wife, one his mother and another his girlfriend. Tim McGraw's song, “If you're reading this, I'm already home,” performed by a West Kings student; lends another layer to the piece.

Griffin has been touched with the outpouring of support from members of the local business community who offered to help with props, uniforms, costumes and film locations. "What has been really interesting this year is there have been so many connections made within the community.”

The video will debut at the school's November 10 service of remembrance. Local dignitaries, members of the Kingston Legion and Canadian Forces members and Cadets from 14 Wing Greennwood will join students and staff at the event, which will also feature Jim Davies as guest speaker. Davies is the father of a fallen soldier from Afghanistan. The video project will also be posted to the school's website. "I know that our hearts will be touched," says Griffin.

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