On November 8, North Dundas District High School (NDDHS) students and staff, members of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 108 in Winchester, and local dignitaries gathered to formally recognize the collaborative Field of Crosses project at the school.
On Nov. 1, students and volunteers set up 127 crosses on the school’s front lawn, creating a war grave replica as a tribute to fallen soldiers from the North Dundas area. Each cross represents the life and sacrifice of a local soldier who died in service, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and more.
The project was initiated by RCL Branch 108 Poppy Chairman Shawn Doolan, who envisioned students connecting with history by designing and constructing crosses, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier. “I wanted to bring realism to the students, so they could connect with and remember these individuals as more than just names on a monument,” said Doolan. The students at the school expanded this idea to include QR codes linking to student-researched biographies of the soldiers, creating an interactive and meaningful educational experience.
Retired NDDHS history teacher Kevin Bell and current teacher Scott Reaney have long been passionate about commemorating local history. Bell’s early research with students into local war heroes was revived with Doolan’s proposal, incorporating real-world learning into the project. “This project is unique and can grow each year, adding more soldiers and more stories,” said Bell.
The school’s Manufacturing classes designed and constructed the crosses and stakes, while the Interdisciplinary Studies class focused on the design and lettering aspects.
The significance of the project was evident as students. “It was important for me to do justice to the story of the soldier I researched, and seeing the final cross on display was deeply moving,” said Grade 11 student Madilyn Fraser.
The project has received significant support from the community, including $1,000 raised through a movie screening by the Legion, and $3,000 from local donations. The Field of Crosses is set to be a lasting tribute that extends beyond NDDHS, with plans to display portions of it in surrounding villages to ensure the impact resonates throughout North Dundas.
“This is not just a school project, it’s a testament to the respect and remembrance that extends to everyone in our community,” says NDDHS Principal Trent Carter-Edwards. “It connects generations and keeps the stories of these soldiers alive.”
