The Premier Chris Minns' Anzac Memorial Scholarship, has announced the students that will travel to Japan for a historical study tour to learn more about our nation’s involvement in the Second World War.

One of the students that has won a place in this elite group of studying historians, is from St John’s College, Woodlawn - Matilda Price.

“I'm just so excited to represent the school and represent Lismore in this. I'm just so incredibly ready to get into it and get learning and experience it,” Matilda says.

More than 180 students from 152 government and non-government high schools across NSW applied for the prestigious scholarship.

Ms Annette Reen, the Principal of Woodlawn is sensible to what this means, “It's highly competitive to get, there's only 20 students in the whole of New South Wales. And often these things go to the city students.”

Matilda recognises the prospect, “Just the thought of being honoured with something so great, but also the opportunities to learn about something in such a physical way that I'm so passionate about. And to be able to see it and talk to experts on the topic is very exciting, alongside people who are also very passionate about it.”

The students will visit a number of significant sites, including a former Australian POW Camp in Naoetsu, the Yokohama War Cemetery and the Hiroshima Peace Park and Memorial.

Matilda says, “We're going to be visiting different sights. Museums that are significant to Australians' involvement in the second world war with Japan. But also the relationship between Australia and Japan - really deepening our knowledge.”

Ms Annette Reen has been involved with Matilda throughout her studies at Woodlawn and could see the potential for Matilda’s interest and growth. Acknowledging that Matilda had all the aspects to make this happen, it is the first time she has encouraged a student to participate.

“I had the pleasure of teaching Matilda in Year 9, and it was pretty evident that she is highly intelligent, but she's also very humble about it.

“She's very committed to social justice. She's a very strong leader from a young age, with really outstanding communication, connections, and initiative.”

Woodlawn has connections with Japan through Lionel Marsden, who is involved at Woodlawn in Lismore. Matilda relates how he was a prisoner of war at Nara: “After the war, he went back and helped rebuild and helped reconcile Australia with Japan.”

The students prepare a presentation on someone of significance, and Matilda’s presentation will be on Father Lionel.  

“I'm very excited to go to Hiroshima, because that is such a significant event in history in the world as a whole. To really see the effects there and hear from people who know a lot more about it than I do.”

Matilda has already met the other 19 students that she will be travelling with at a meeting at the Memorial at Hyde Park in Sydney.

Minister for Veterans David Harris, along with Consul-General of Japan in Sydney Shuichi Tokuda and Vice-Consul of Japan in Sydney Katsumi Shimmura, met the students and their parents and caregivers at a pre-tour gathering and Service of Remembrance at the Anzac memorial in Sydney.

The trip, in September is looked forward to by many. Matilda is very thankful to those who have helped her realise this opportunity.

“It's been amazing to have Miss Reen’s support, and my history teacher Miss Challinor's support, and my parent's support through this. Really looking forward to what comes next.”

Expressions of encouragement have come from near and far.

Principal Deen burst into tears when she heard the news that Matilda had been selected, “I'm a passionate, modern history teacher. So to me, a girl from the country and getting this rare opportunity means a lot.”

Janelle Saffin offered congratulations on being selected as one of the 20 students involved.

Premiere Minns said, “I would like to congratulate the Scholarship recipients for their interest in our nation’s military history and also their willingness to honour and respect the service and sacrifice of our veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force.

“The students will further develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war as they visit important places associated with Australia’s military history.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris said, “Victory in the Pacific, and victory over Japan brought the Second World War to an end. It was the first time that our nation was under direct threat and the efforts of our veterans helped bring this war to a close. This trip will be a deeply meaningful experience.

“As a former school principal, it means a lot to me that our government supports students and current generations to continue to learn about the important military history of New South Wales and our nation.”

We wish Matilda well, and look forward to hearing about the trip on her return.