ARMIDALE Secondary College student Rachel Gooley is one of 20 students awarded a NSW Government scholarship to participate in an international history tour to the Republic of Korea and Singapore in September.
The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship students come from all corners of New South Wales and will visit a number of sites significant to the war history of both nations.
More than 150 students from 112 NSW high schools throughout New South Wales 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 of the Republic of Korea will include Gapyeong, the site of the Battle of Kapyong and Maryang San, the Incheon landing site and UN First Battle Memorial.
In Singapore, the tour will include sites such as the Kranji War Memorial, Changi Prison Chapel and Museum and the Fort Siloso and Surrender Chambers.
The tour takes place in the Term 3 school holidays from September 29 to October 10.
Accompanied by a military historian, students will receive insights into Australia’s military past and develop their understanding of the importance of commemoration.
NSW Minister for Veterans David Harris will formally welcome the students at the Anzac Memorial in July alongside two Korean War veterans for a comprehensive tour briefing.
The students will also receive their research tasks, meet with the tour historian and accompanying teachers and attend a commemorative service in the Hall of Memory.
NSW Premier Chris Minns congratulated the scholarship recipients.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn first-hand about Australia’s military history,” Mr Minns said.
“It is heartening to see how many young people applied for this scholarship and are engaged in our nation’s military history.”
Minister for Veterans David Harris said the trip will be a spiritual journey.
“As a former school principal I am a big supporter of this program and know how important it is our government continues to support the current generation to continue to learn about the military history of our state and our nation,” Mr Harris said.
“More than 15,000 Australian soldiers were captured in Singapore, more than 7000 would die as prisoners of war.
“Only five years after the end of the Second World War, Australia became involved in the Korean War and 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.”
