Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland recently welcomed back two local students and recipients of the Kokoda scholarship, which was made possible with sponsorship from local businesses, community organisations, and Ms Cleeland’s office.
Seymour’s St Mary’s College student Chloe Butterworth was the recipient of the Kilmore Racing May Semple Kokoda Scholarship, and said the experience helped her develop resilience.
“Each day posed its own little challenge, whether it be trying to overcome all the mud or trying to hike uphill in 30-degree heat. I personally feel more resilient, and I know that if I just keep pushing and chipping away at things, I can overcome anything. I am so grateful towards the Kilmore Racing Club for funding my scholarship to a trip that I will never forget,” she said.
As part of their journey, the students learnt about the sacrifices made by local war heroes, and visited all the major battle sites. At the completion of the Kokoda Trail, they visited the Bomana War Cemetery and the graves of individuals from the Euroa region.
Euroa Secondary College student Amber McNally was the recipient of the Jack Dawson Kokoda Memorial Scholarship, and said the trek held special meaning to her.
“I applied for this scholarship for two reasons. To follow in the footsteps of my great, great, uncle Ernest Keith McNally who fought on the Kokoda Trail in World War II, and also for the mental challenge,” she said.
Ms Cleeland said she was proud to have supported an initiative that provided local students with an in-depth understanding of the sacrifices made by soldiers during World War II.
“I want to congratulate Chloe and Amber on their exceptional efforts, they were incredibly deserving recipients and I’m sure they had the trip of a lifetime. I also want to thank all the sponsors who made this trip possible,” she said.
Sponsors included Kilmore Racing Club, Shearer Constructions, Seymour Club, Seymour Football Netball Club, and Seymour Toyota.
