By JENNA HUTTON-MURDOCH
STUDENTS at Alkira Secondary College have been anticipating a reply to the applications they sent off to be part of Anzac centenary commemorations next year.
A group of students from the Cranbourne North school sent off applications last month for a chance to represent their school and country in Gallipoli and further their knowledge about the Anzacs.
In honour of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign, 400 Australian students have been given the opportunity to travel to Turkey and attend the Dawn Service. Some 80 students from Victoria alone will be chosen – 20 from each region.
Completely covered by the government, the tour features attendance at the Dawn Service and discovery through exploration of the battle field, memorials and cemeteries.
Opportunities have been provided for independent, government and Catholic schools in both rural and urban.
Many students and teachers at Alkira Secondary College wait with baited breath after their teacher Nicole Scott encouraged several students to apply.
“I believe in providing as many opportunities as possible for students to have new experiences and broaden their horizons,” she said.
“Many parents cannot afford to provide these experiences themselves for their children, although they would like to be able to.
“Therefore when the opportunity arises for students to potentially be recipients of a prize that will enable them to participate in the 2015 Centenary Celebrations at Gallipoli, it is something that I will promote to as many interested and worthy students as possible.
“These worthy students have been involved in the Anzac Commemorations at Alkira Secondary College or have worked with the veterans groups that have formed links with our school, such as RAEME, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Victoria and the Dandenong-Cranbourne RSL.”
