UCC Grade 12 student Ashley Ennett receives her award from Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers in Ottawa (Photo courtesy of Rick Baggio)UCC Grade 12 student Ashley Ennett receives her award from Sergeant-At-Arms Kevin Vickers in Ottawa (Photo courtesy of Rick Baggio)
Chatham

Local Student Meets Hero

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.

Read More Local Stories

New military crosswalk rendering. (Image courtesy of the Sarnia Legion Branch 62)

New military crosswalk in Sarnia to be unveiled

As part of a partnership between the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 and City of Sarnia, an unveiling ceremony will be held at the corner of Christina Street and Wellington Street on Sunday, June 7, at 2 p.m.

Members of the Sarnia Police Service entering a Tashmoo Avenue residence on June 4, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Sarnia Police Service)

Two men arrested in Tashmoo Ave. standoff

Sarnia police said the investigation began on May 29 after the victim was allegedly attacked by acquaintances at a residence near Tashmoo Avenue and Christopher Drive at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.