Eight Tasmanian high school students will embark on a historical discovery journey next year after being named winners of the Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize.
The annual prize, now in its 21st year, commemorates Tasmania’s last surviving World War I veteran through an international study tour of significant WWI sites across France and Belgium.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Gavin Pearce said the prize honours the extraordinary legacy of Frank MacDonald, who died in 2003 aged 107.
“Frank MacDonald was born in Ulverstone in 1896 and was an extraordinary Tasmanian,” Pearce said.
“Remembered for his courage and initiative, Frank received the Military Medal for repairing vital signal lines between headquarters and frontline trenches while under heavy fire.”
The state government program offers students a rare opportunity to connect with Australia’s military history through personal stories of service and sacrifice.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said the educational value of the program extends beyond the classroom.
“The Frank MacDonald Memorial Prize encourages students to learn about the sacrifices made by generations before us and the importance of reflecting on and remembering the men and women who served,” Palmer said.
“When students engage with history, especially through personal stories like Frank MacDonald’s and other Tasmanian servicemen and women, they see the human side of conflict, sacrifice and resilience.”
The eight winning students represent six schools across Tasmania.
Charlie Johnson and Henry Smith from The Hutchins School will attend, along with Elsie Olfield and Molly Oldfield from Taroona High School, Charlie Blundell from Clarence High School, Jackson Kennedy from Sacred Heart College, Maeve Kok-Connors from St Patrick’s College and Tilly Blake from Burnie High School.
Two teachers from Scotch Oakburn College and Glenora District School will accompany the group.
