Discover the stories of veterans in your local community

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Anzac Day Schools' Awards 2024

The 2024 Anzac Day Schools' Awards are calling on schools across the country to explore the theme Discover the stories of veterans in your local community. This year’s theme aims to deepen students' understanding of Australia's wartime history by encouraging them to connect with local veterans. It provides a special opportunity to recognise significant events like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, while honouring the sacrifices made by veterans.

Last year, students from John Edmondson High School won the national award for their efforts to commemorate Australia's Vietnam War Service. Their entry was led by students from Years 7 to 9 and their project was praised for its authenticity and depth.

Rahmeh Loz, a student at John Edmondson High School, shared her insights from the project and stressed the importance of understanding the experiences of Vietnam veterans. ‘This has helped me understand the pain and feelings that Vietnam veterans had to experience and go through. It has also taught me that they have made many sacrifices for us and we should be grateful for their service. I have also learnt what it must have felt like through their eyes and perspective’, she said.

As the 2024 theme focuses on local veterans' stories, schools are encouraged to consider creative and innovative ways for students to commemorate and learn about the experiences of veterans in their local community.

A total of 14 awards are up for grabs, with $5,000 for the national winner, $3,000 for state and territory winners, and $2,000 each for five special categories.

The Anzac Day Schools’ Awards aim to inspire schools to create projects that connect with local veterans. By offering students a platform to engage with veterans and explore their narratives, the awards foster gratitude, respect, and understanding in future generations.

For more details about how to enter and the selection criteria, visit the Anzac Portal.

Entries close 5 pm AEST on Friday, 31 May 2024.

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