More than an essay: MCI graduate wins Henry E. Plett Award

It started as a school project, but ended as an award-winning life lesson. Kathryn Boschmann, a recent graduate of Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, was recently awarded the first place Henry E. Plett Award for Family Histories. Her entry, entitled Survival in the 20th Century: The story of my Oma and her family, recounted the life of Boschmann’s grandmother, Adina Boschmann. The essay looks at the 86-year-old’s trying experiences during WWII, but it was her grandmother’s response to these trials that stood out to the author.

“One aspect of her life that struck me was how her family did everything they could to stick together. They watched out for each other making sure everyone had something to eat when there was hardly any food at all and everyone pulled their weight. Considering the times they managed pretty well,” she said.

This tale of perseverance through hardship is one that the younger Boschmann hopes to share with her own family one day.

“I think it’s an amazing story that demonstrates the determination and character my Oma possesses. I look forward to sharing this story with my children and grandchildren,” she said.

The Henry E. Plett Award for Family Histories is an initiative of the Manitoba Mennonite Historical Society. This annual award is given to high school students for their work in family history and includes a cash prize.