Two Central Coast students are among 20 young people statewide awarded a NSW Government Anzac Memorial Scholarship to participate in an international history tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore in September.
Among the successful students were Scarlett Sheridan of Green Point Christian College and Isabella Cheng of Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College.
Students will travel to key sites in South Korea and Singapore, visiting places that hold deep meaning in Australia’s military history.
These include the site of the Battle of Kapyong at Gapyeong, the UN First Battle Memorial, Maryang San, Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Fort Siloso.
Prior to the tour, they will attend a comprehensive briefing and guided visit at the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney, meeting with two Korean War veterans.
Scarlett’s compelling essay on the importance and enduring value of war memorials distinguished her among a competitive field of applicants.
“I’m so excited to have this opportunity to travel to Korea and Singapore and learn more about Australia’s wartime efforts,” she said.
“I have many relatives who have served in war and feel so fortunate to know I’ll be visiting places where Australians have fought.
“My great uncle actually served in Korea as a captain on the aircraft carrier HMS Glory.
“I look forward to using this experience to further enhance my knowledge and love of modern history, and share this with the school community when I get back.”
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch congratulated Scarlett and said her success was a testament to her interest and passion in our nation’s history.
More than 150 students from 112 NSW high schools throughout NSW applied for the scholarship, from a range of government and non-government schools in cities and the regions.
Applicants submitted a personal essay and a letter of recommendation from their school, initially assessed by current and former history teachers.
A shortlist was then reviewed by representatives from NSW Government, the History Teachers Association of NSW, and two former PAMS accompanying teachers.
The tour takes place from September 29 to October 10.
More information about the Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship is available at www.veterans.nsw.gov.au/education/premiers-anzac-memorial-scholarship/
NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was heartening to see how many young people applied for the scholarship and are engaged in the nation’s military history.
Minister for Veterans and Member for Wyong David Harris said that as a former school principal he was a big supporter of the program.
“I know how important it is that our government continues to support the current generation to continue to learn about the military history of our state and our nation,” he said.
“More than 15,000 Australian soldiers were captured in Singapore, more than 7,000 would die as prisoners of war.
“Only five years after the end of the Second World War, Australia became involved in the Korean War; sadly there are only a small number of Korean War veterans still with us.
“This trip will be a deeply meaningful experience for these students as they visit such important historical sites and learn more about the service and sacrifice of our veterans.”
