Gabrielle Varnakulasingham is over the moon!
The year 10 St Patrick’s College for Girls student was one of 20 students from 125 applicants to be awarded a 2022 NSW Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship.
Gabrielle and the other successful applicants will embark on a two week tour in September to historical sites including those in Cowra and Darwin.
“I am honoured to be a part of such a great opportunity,” she said.
“This scholarship will allow me to meet new people all while learning about Australia’s rich military history.”
Shadow Minister for Veterans and Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren MP, has congratulated Gabrielle on receiving a life changing and prestigious scholarship.
“The only way the stories of our ANZACs and other Australian Defence Forces personnel will be told and remembered is by younger generations taking a keen interest and passing those stories on down the line,” he said.
Mr Warren – an Australian Regular Army veteran – said the teenager’s willingness to learn about Australia’s military history was pleasing to see.
“It is wonderful to see Gabrielle’s passion for all things Australian military. I am sure the tour will be two weeks you will remember fondly for the rest of your life,” Mr Warren said.
Gabrielle said she was humbled to be one of the 20 recipients of the scholarship.
“I encourage everyone, especially people my age, to look into our country’s history and the sacrifice many have made for our nation,” she said.
