The call is out for volunteer judges to help adjudicate student heritage-themed projects as part of the 2017 Fraser Valley Regional Heritage Fair.
For the past several weeks, more than 500 Fraser Valley students in grades 4 to 9 have been researching, writing and producing individual projects based on a Canadian heritage theme of their choice.
On May 11, a total of 120 of these students will showcase their projects in the Athletic Centre at the University of the Fraser Valley's Abbotsford Campus, at 33844 King Rd.
"This is where we need your assistance and community spirit in the adjudication process," says Kris Foulds, curator of Historical Collections at The Reach. "We are looking for 60 volunteer judges to interview the students and review their amazing history projects."
There will be two judging sessions on May 11: a morning session that starts at 8:45 a.m. and includes a brief orientation and attendance at the opening ceremonies, and with actual judging duties between 9:15 to 11 a.m. The afternoon session starts with orientation at 11:45 a.m, followed by judging from 12 to 2 p.m. Each volunteer judge will meet with five or six students and complete a one-page Assessment Rubric. You don't need to be a history expert to help, but you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much you learn from these hardworking students.
Those interested in judging, or require additional information, can contact Chief Judge Elsje van der Westhuizen at elsje.vd.westhuizen@icloud.ca with your name and preference for morning or afternoon session.
At the May 12 closing ceremony, a number of students will be presented with awards that are community sponsored. Later, a small student delegation will be selected to represent the Fraser Valley at the Provincial Heritage Fair in Victoria in July.
The 2017 FV Regional Heritage Fair is a collaboration of The Reach and MSA Museum Society and marks the 20th anniversary of Heritage Fairs in Abbotsford. The Regional Fair will be held May 11 and 12 at the UFV Athletic Centre. The public is welcome to attend to view the students' projects on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.