Year 10 Student Isabelle Chen won for her essay debating the statement – “In 1919, Allied victory brought an end to war, suffering and challenges for Australia and its people”.
Principal Fiona Johnston said, “We are very honoured that Isabelle has won this award and applaud her for her very poignant essay. ANZAC Day is nearing and given the current circumstances it is timely that we still reflect on these special moments.”
Run by the History Teachers’ Association of Australia, the national competition is open to all Year 9 and 10 students across the country and encourages participants to focus on the significance of ANZAC Day, and to consider what ANZAC Day means to them and to Australia.
“I gained a deeper insight into the challenges and hardships that faced Australia, our returned soldiers and civilians in the aftermath of World War 1,” Isabelle said.
The prize is awarded to one person in each state/territory with winners receiving a two-day trip to Canberra to accept their award at Parliament House and visit the capital’s museums and institutions. This was due to be followed by a trip of a lifetime with a commemorative study tour to Europe (UK, France and Belgium battlefields) and participate in Anzac Day commemorations. Unfortunately with the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, her prize has been tentatively postponed until later in the year.
“When I found out I had won, I was so ecstatic that I was literally jumping for joy! To win the Simpson Prize for WA was so unexpected” Isabelle said. “I am so glad my Humanities teacher, Mrs Sewell encouraged me to enter”.
To read the winners essays visit http://www.simpsonprize.org/