Six high school students have scored top marks for their essay writing which will see them tour historic WWII sites in Japan and Hawaii as part of the ClubsNSW Premier’s WWII Memorial Tour.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said he was delighted with the number of entries received from enthusiastic students across the State.
“It is great to see so many students engaged with this essay writing competition, more than 100 entries were received from year 11 students who were asked to write a 1000 word essay answering the question ‘Are the lessons of WWII still relevant today?’,” Mr Perrottet said.
“It is important that students today continue to talk about the sacrifices and commitment of our servicemen and servicewomen as it these learnings and conversations that helps keep the memory of the spirit of our diggers alive.”
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott today announced the winning students who will embark on the 11-day tour of historic WWII sites in Hiroshima, Japan and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
- Ashley Kim, Tara Anglican School for Girls
- Kathleen Polson, Menai High School
- Elsa McLean, Brigidine College St Ives
- Lucas Hepworth, Ambarvale High School
- Gabriel Fernandez, St Aloysius College Milsons Point
- Caleb Harrison, Clarence Valley Anglican School
“I’ve read the winning entries and I’m very impressed with the amount of effort and thought that went into the essays. The judging panel also advised that selecting the winning entries was tough as submissions were of a high level,” Mr Elliott said.
“The ClubsNSW Premier’s WWII Memorial Tour will provide opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of World War II. The attack on Pearl Harbor and atomic bombing of Hiroshima are two of the most pivotal moments in the Second World War.”
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis, today welcomed the announcement of the winners and said ClubsNSW was proud to teach a new generation about significant moments in history.
“What an incredible opportunity for these Year 11 students to learn about history first-hand, and witness the sacrifices made by those on both sides of World War II in the Pacific,” Mr Landis said.
“Clubs and the veteran community are intrinsically linked, which is why ClubsNSW is honored to fund this program.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to revisit a defining moment in our history and learn about the contributions and sacrifices made by those on the front line.”
The group will depart Sydney on Thursday 21 July and return on Sunday 31 July.
