For over 50 years, the Royal Canadian Legion has sponsored an annual Literary and Poster Contest, with one hard-working student from Humboldt's St. Augustine School placing second in nationals. 

The Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion sends out the contest information to schools in the area, with all submissions judged at the Branch level. The contest has four categories: Poem, Poetry, Color poster and Black and White Posters.

Olivia Knaus submitted an essay and placed first in Junior Essay at all levels, working its way through the different ranks. Knaus' writing eventually moved into nationals and placed second. 

“It’s about a poppy and what it means to me, and what it resembles. I'm pretty proud of it,” explained Knaus. “I thought it would be cool to make it somewhere, but I did not expect it to come here.”

The Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion receives 220 submissions on average, with the contest made to foster the tradition of Remembrance amongst Canadians.

“Olivia wrote an essay honouring the service of past veterans,” Chairman of the Poppy Committee for the Saskatchewan Command, Carol Pederson, stated. “Through the eyes of youth, the sacrifices of Canada's veterans will not be forgotten.”

Vice Principal of St. Augustine school, Paul Strueby, stated, “We are really proud of what Olivia completed and what she accomplished here, I am looking forward to seeing more essays moving forward and hopefully we can get some more moving onto the provincial and national level.”

In 2020, four students across Saskatchewan placed in nationals, this year seven students placed in nationals.

The Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion stated in a release, “We have received so many great entries each year in all categories. We have a lot of amazing teachers that encourage their students to enter this contest. All entries are extremely well done by all students. Judges at all levels have reviewed a lot of wonderful entries.”