A teenager from the Bellarine Peninsula has been honored with the prestigious Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize. Owen McCoughtry, a Year 10 student at Saint Ignatius College, was one of 12 students from Victoria recognized at a ceremony held at Parliament House last week.
“It was my first time at Parliament House, and we felt very privileged to be there. It was great meeting the other students,” Owen shared.
The competition invites students to explore the importance of Victoria’s Shrine of Remembrance or a local war memorial, paying tribute to Australians who served in wars and peacekeeping missions. Entries could be submitted in various formats, including essays, audio or video presentations, musical compositions, artworks, and more.
Owen’s submission was a poem that reflected on the significance of the Drysdale Cenotaph and the individuals it commemorates. He chose to participate in the competition as an opportunity to learn more about his local community and its history.
“As the third generation of my family living in Drysdale, it was a chance to explore new cultures, understand more about the Anzacs, and learn about World War II,” Owen said.
As part of the award, Owen and the other winners, along with three teacher chaperones, will embark on a 10-day study tour to Türkiye during the September school holidays. The tour will include visits to historic sites in Istanbul and Canakkale, where the students will learn about the Gallipoli campaign.
Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman expressed the government’s pride in supporting the annual prize, which provides students with a unique opportunity to delve into Australia’s wartime and peacekeeping history. “The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize is an incredible opportunity for Victorian students to explore our history and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today, thanks to the sacrifices of our veterans,” she said.
The prize recipients come from various parts of the state, including metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, and represent a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, including First Nations students. The competition is open to all Victorian students in years nine to 12, with over 500 students having been awarded the prize since its inception in 2005.