Students’ trip of a lifetime

TWO students from the Lower South West have been chosen to represent the State in the 2017 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.

Year 9 students Patrick Reilly, from Boyup Brook District High School, and Mya Kordic, from Manjimup Senior High School, are among 10 students to travel to Singapore for Anzac Day next year.

Their tour will coincide with the 75th anniversary of the surrender of Allied forces in Singapore during World War II.

“It’s obviously very humbling to be chosen from all the students who applied and I’m looking forward to representing as a youth ambassador,” Patrick said.

“My great grandfather served in Borneo, so the topic of the essay we had to write is special to me.”

To apply, Patrick and Mya had to write about Australia’s involvement in World War II and how it shaped relationships with Asia.

As well as the essay, the students travelled to Perth for an interview in front of a panel.

“I’m not usually daunted by interviews, but I was in this one, but after I left I felt it had gone really well,” Patrick said.

During her panel interview, Mya spoke about how the Australian involvement in World War II in Asia had been a new learning topic for her.

“I said I wanted to learn about it overseas where it occurred and experience Singapore culture,” she said.

“I feel privileged to be given this amazing opportunity to represent the school and community as a youth ambassador for WA.

“Even getting this far, with the essay and the panel interview, has been a good experience.”

Patrick agreed that the tour would be a great way of enhancing his knowledge of World War II and the conflicts in Asia.

“I will be able to put myself in the soldiers’ shoes and be able to pay my respects,” he said.

Mya encouraged students to consider applying for future Premier’s Anzac Student Tours.

“It is important to share the message to the younger generation about the Anzacs because it is important to our country,” she said.

The students will take part in the Anzac Day ceremony while in Singapore as part of their 10-day tour in addition to visiting sites of military and cultural significance.