A local student has been acknowledged for his writing skill and understanding on the spirit of the ANZAC after winning a highly acclaimed acknowledgement by the Federal Member for Riverina.
Michael McCormack was so impressed with Murrumburrah Public School student Holden Pearsall's work that he attended the school on Monday April 7, to thank not only all of the local students who entered his annual ANZAC Writing Competition, but to honouring the very special student whose work was selected as one of the top prize winners.
Murrumburrah Public School had over 20 students enter the competition, with Mr McCormack handing out to each student a certificate to note their participation in the writing competition on Monday.
Mr McCormack holds the annual competition, which is open to Primary and Secondary students across the Riverina electorate to provides a further learning opportunity for the youth to learn about the ANZACs and all that they did to protect Australia and the rest of the world.
Murrumburrah Public School is proudly celebrating the achievement of Year 5 student Holden, who was recognised in this year’s Riverina ANZAC writing competition.
Holden received a Highly Commended Book Prize in the Primary School East division for his heartfelt and thoughtful piece on the theme “ANZACs: Heroes all.”
Mr McCormack said Holden's entry stood out among more than 680 submissions from 23 schools across the region.
Now in its 15th year, the annual writing competition encourages young people to reflect on the sacrifices made by Australian service men and women.
Mr McCormack said many entries this year showed not only a strong grasp of history, but also “a deep empathy for what our heroic ANZACs endured,” including recognition of veterans from more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
Holden’s work will be published in Mr McCormack’s commemorative ANZAC Day booklet, which features the 16 winning and highly commended entries.
Each of these students will also receive a special book prize from the Australian War Memorial.
Murrumburrah Public School is proud of Holden’s achievement and grateful for the opportunity this competition provides for students to engage meaningfully with Australia’s military history.
The school community congratulates Holden on his recognition and thanks Mr McCormack for continuing to support local students through this valued initiative.
During his time at the school Mr McCormack also quizzed the children on the meaning behind the red poppies that are used on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day and the reason it is so important to remember the fallen.
Mr McCormack is also encouraging locals to keep an eye out for the annual ANZAC commemorative booklet which Mr McCormack publishes every year, they highlight the local history and connection to the ANZAC legacy.