For 18-year-old Ashley Ennett, former Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers was the obvious choice to write about for an essay on heroism.
The Grade 12 Ursuline College Chatham student won the A&E 2014 "Canadian Lives that make a Difference" essay contest. She travelled to Ottawa where Vickers personally gave her the award. The former Sergeant-At-Arms intercepted a terrorist attack within Parliament Hill in October 2014.
Ennett says it was an extremely special moment. "I got to give him a hug. It was very emotional, everyone was crying and I was crying too."
Ennett adds Vickers was the perfect candidate to write about for the contest. "His act was heroic, selfless, and what we traditionally see as brave. But also his humility, after receiving all the praise and all the accolades he received, was very inspiring."
Along with the award, Ennett also received a $2,000 cash prize.