Kingsville student earns runner-up spot

KINGSVILLE — a Grade 4 student from Jack Miner Public School in Kingsville has been named one of four runners-up in a Canada-wide writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity.

Windsor, ON -- The Meaning of Home is a national writing contest in support of Habitat for Humanity Canada that asks students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 to share what home means to them.

Over 10,200 students entered this year’s Meaning of Home contest, which sets a new record. Kingsville student Lake Severin is one of three Grade 4 runners up in the national contest, helping win a $10,000 grant that will go towards Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex.

“As we all take shelter in our homes right now, it has never been more essential that we provide safe decent homes for those in core housing need,” says Fiona Coughlin, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex. “Our children know what it means to have a safe, decent place to call home. And sadly many local youth also know what it’s like to worry about not having a home.” Here is Lake Severin’s poem that won him the honours.

Feelings of Home by Lake Severin

Home is where I have my bed. A safe place where I can lay my head. Because its mine, I feel so good, It’s not the same in another neighbourhood.

The walls and roof cover all my favourite things. A warm feeling of happiness inside, is what my home brings. Through the front door, many memories are made. Hopes and dreams, laughs and tears, songs and games are played.

Unique to me, my loved ones are inside. My house is a place where I display my pride. A place I can turn to, when all else is lost. No other place would comfort me, at no other cost.

I can be me, when I am at home. To not have to walk the streets or roam.

You can’t replace the feeling of HOME.

Lake Severin

In addition to securing grants, every single student entry also earned a $10 donation for their local Habitat. During a time when many local Habitats are struggling with the financial impact from COVID-19 on their operations, this contest helped raise over $280,000 across Canada. Locally 292 students entered the contest raising an additional $2920 for our local Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex.