Tour 2005 - Student Participants
Samantha Berloth
Thornlie Senior High SchoolYear 12
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Samantha Berloth is currently a Year 12 student at Thornlie Senior High School, where she is involved in the Student Council, assisting in organisation of events such as the school ball, student activities and fundraising projects. For the past seven years, Samantha has been playing the clarinet and for the past five years has been an active member of the school band, branching into bass clarinet and percussion. Outside of school, Samantha participates in the Australian Navy Cadets as an Able Seaman at TS Canning. She is also involved the Power Dinghy Racing Club, where she is currently the Open Women's State Champion. Upon leaving school, Samantha wishes to pursue a career in the Royal Australian Navy.
Samantha is thrilled to be representing her school and state as a student ambassador on the upcoming Anzac Student Tour. She has been very much involved with Anzac Day services as her grandfather served in WW2 and her father was a member of the peace-keeping forces during the Vietnam War. Although the role may seem daunting to some, Samantha is greatly appreciative of her opportunity to demonstrate to others what the Anzac Spirit means to her.
Stephen Dawson
Como Secondary CollegeYear 10
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Stephen Dawson is currently a Year 10 student at Como Secondary College. He is enrolled in the EMITS (Enriched Maths, Information Technology and Science) Program. His favourite subjects are English, and Science. Stephen is a member of the school Debating Team which this year had a numbers of wins in the WA Debating League. Stephen is also a member of the school Swimming Team and was Champion Boy in his year in 2003 and 2004. Outside of school, Stephen is a member of Taekwondo Oh Do Kwan where he has achieved the rank of 3rd Dan Black Belt. He has been a member of the State Tae Kwon Do Team since 2001. Stephen is looking forward to joining the Army Cadets during 2005 as a unit has been formed in Como.
Stephen was ecstatic when he learned of his being selected as a member of the 2005 Anzac Student Tour and he feels very privileged to have the opportunity to visit such a historical site. Stephen is a first generation Australian, but his paternal Grandfather, Donald Dawson was a Major in the Royal Army Dental Corps in Scotland 1944-45 and Egypt and Palestine 1945-48. He was awarded the Palestine General Service Medal.
Anna Hayward-Rowling
Duncraig Senior High SchoolYear 11
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Anna Hayward-Rowling is a Year 11 student at Duncraig Senior High School. Her favourite subjects are science and drama. Anna also has a strong interest in History, English and French. She has been involved in debating and mock-trials and looks to continue with her public speaking throughout Years 11 and 12. Out of school, Anna is very involved with the St Nicolas Anglican Church and also has a passion for dancing and the performing arts. In the future, Anna would love to study psychology, theology and also travel around Australia as a performer.
Anna's great-grandfather served with the AIF in the trenches of France in World War One, while her maternal grandfather enlisted with the Royal Air Force (UK) during World War Two. Although she has never heard many of their stories, Anna has always felt a strong compassion towards all those who serve their country through military service. The Anzac Student Tour will be an incredible experience for her and she hopes she can personally, pay tribute to those who fought for this country.
Thomas Johns
Prendiville Catholic CollegeYear 12
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Thomas Johns is currently studying Year 12, where he is the Head Boy at Prendiville Catholic College. Thomas is also a Peer Support Manager. Outside of school, Thomas enjoys all sports including rugby union, basketball and running. He has obtained the rank of Warrant Officer in the Australian Army Cadets and is now the Company Sergeant Major of the biggest Regional Cadet Unit in the state. Thomas was also a state finalist in the Lion's Youth of the Year Quest in 2004. Thomas is actively involved as a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and in 2003 was part of a contingent, which travelled to Canberra. Thomas addressed members of Parliament and prominent leaders at a Parliament House function seeking more funding for Juvenile Diabetes.
The ANZAC Student tour will be Thomas' first tour overseas. Thomas is very excited to have the opportunity to go to see foreign battlefields and pay respect to those fallen soldiers. Thomas has several family ties to the military. Firstly he is heavily involved in army cadets. His father served in the Royal Australian Navy for 10 years, his grandfather served in the Navy as an artillery officer during the Second World War. His grandmother also served in the Second World War as a nurse. His other grandfather served in several conflicts including the Malaysian Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and obtained the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. Thomas is deeply grateful for this opportunity and keen to share his experience with others on his return.
Pearl Lim
Ballajura Community CollegeYear 12
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Pearl Lim is a Year 12 student at Ballajura Community College, and hopes to pursue a career in international or criminal law upon graduation. This is reflected in the many extracurricular activities she has engaged in, including the Rostrum Voice of Youth Competition, Tournament of Minds, Francis Burt Mock-Trial Competition and the Hammarskjold Competition. Pearl's interests range from the academic with Literature, Philosophy and History, to the social through comics, anime and theatre. She is also heavily involved in the BCC music program, playing the piano, trumpet, singing bass in school's barbershop and holding the position of Concert Band Vice-Captain.
As a first generation Australian, Pearl is simply amazed at the opportunity that she has been given to represent her school, state and country. She hopes to present a positive image of young Australians overseas, be exposed to new experiences, make new friends and most of all, enjoy the experience presented to her.
David Mutton
Narrogin Senior High SchoolYear 12
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David Mutton is a Year 12 student and Prefect at Narrogin Senior High School. David has been part of the Student Council group for the past four years and is also a member of the school First Eleven Hockey Team. Outside of school David is involved in both cricket and hockey at senior and junior level and has represented the Upper Great Southern for hockey on numerous occasions. He represented his state at the Defence 2020 Youth Forum in Canberra in 2003 and was named the Wickepin Young Citizen of the Year in 2004.
The Anzac Student tour will be David's second trip overseas and he is looking forward to seeing the foreign battlefields where so many brave young Australians fought and died for their country. David's family background in the forces comes from both Australia and England. David's Great uncle, Richard Hoyle served in the 2/32 Infantry Battalion in New Guinea during World War II, and his Uncle Maurice Jackson also served in World War II with 2/5 Australian General Hospital. Another uncle, John Kenny was a Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for 22 years. On his mother's side both great grandfathers served in British Royal Navy and British Merchant Navy.
Sarah Peyman
Carine Senior High SchoolYear 12
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Sarah Peyman is a Year 12 TEE student at Carine Senior High School, where she has developed a passion for History. Sarah has been active in school life, participating in the Academic Extension Program, the debating team, the annual Anzac Day commemoration service and various sporting teams. Sarah has also had commitments to the school music program and in 2003 toured to Canberra and Sydney as a member of the orchestra and choir. In her spare time, Sarah is involved in the City of Stirling's Youth Advisory Council and also volunteers at the Lady McCusker Nursing Home in Duncraig, working directly with Alzheimer patients.
Sarah is looking forward to the amazing experience of visiting the battlefields of WWI and WWII where she can personally commemorate those who have fought and died for Australia. She is a firm believer in the Anzac Spirit as a number of relatives have been members of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, the Lothian Borders and the Royal Scots, all regiments of the British Army, during either WWI or WWII. Perhaps most significant is the fact that her own father, Peter Peyman served as a member of the Royal Australian Navy on board HMAS Swan, Vampire and Vendetta between 1971 and 1976.
Jeremy Rich
Churchlands Senior High SchoolYear 10
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Jeremy Rich is a Year 9 student at Churchlands Senior High School. He is a member of the Special Music Program with a trumpet scholarship and is also involved in the academic extension program. Jeremy has a particular interest in English and Society and Environment, especially political and legal studies. He also has a great love of public speaking and debating. In 2003 Jeremy won the Junior National Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition and was Runner-Up in the Junior State Final in 2004. He is also a member of the State Debating Squad and competes for his school in the West Australian Debating League. Jeremy has a great love of sport, especially tennis, which he plays competitively both in and outside of school. His love of political and legal studies and debating drives Jeremy's ambition to study law at University.
The ANZAC Student Tour will be Jeremy's first overseas travel and he is looking forward to being part of such an important Australian event. He has an overwhelming amount of respect and admiration for the ANZACs and all Australian soldiers. He particularly admires the incredible spirit that all our soldiers live by - a spirit of mateship, camaraderie, tolerance and selflessness.
Zara Saliba
Perth CollegeYear 12
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Zara Saliba is a Year 12 student at Perth College. She enjoys all six TEE subjects, however shows a special interest in History and Politics. Recently, Zara was selected for the National Schools Constitutional Convention, representing Western Australia in Canberra in March 2005. Community activities include hockey and regularly donates blood to the Red Cross.
The Anzac Tour will be Zara's second experience in overseas travel. She is extremely excited about travelling with her fellow tour participants, who like Zara, share an interest in the Anzac story. Zara's grandfather served in the Royal British Navy throughout World War Two, and is extremely proud of her achievements.
Elliot Seiffert
Kwinana Senior High SchoolYear 11
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Year 11 student, Elliot Seiffert is a Naval Cadet who is looking forward to joining the Royal Australian Navy in the future. He is passionate about naval history, and indeed his grandfather was on HMAS Sydney during WWII. Fortunately, he was transferred just 11 months before the Sydney was sunk by the Germans, in 1941. Elliot's family has treasured photos of his grandfather with the Sydney's crew. Elliot's grandfather was in the navy for 25 years and when he retired he was a petty officer. Elliot regrets that his grandfather did not live to see him win the Anzac Student Tour 2005, as he knows that he would have been so proud to see Elliot continuing the naval tradition.
Elliot used to spend Anzac Days watching the march, and now participates as a drummer in the cadet band. He has spent many happy times at the RSL hall listening to the old soldiers and sailors reminisce about their escapades and their mateship. The fact that the Anzac tour is going to Greece this year is important to Elliot because his grandfather had a unique connection there during WWII. He was board the destroyer, HMAS Nizam in the Mediterranean when the Germans were advancing on Greece. He was in a special party of sailors sent ashore to rescue the King of Greece, which they did successfully, and the Seiffert family now have a treasured medal, which was presented by the King of Greece in appreciation. Elliot feels both privileged and very happy to be going on this tour.
Elliot Smith
Esperance Senior High SchoolYear 11
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Elliot Smith hails from picturesque Esperance and is currently a Year 11 student at Esperance Senior High School. He enjoys all subjects but has a particular interest in the Social Sciences and Sport. Elliot has a long association with the Tournament of Minds competition representing both his school and WA as part of successful teams over the last four national competitions held around Australia. He has been a student councillor since Year 8 and has been selected to represent the school and town in numerous sporting competitions involving hockey and basketball over many years. Elliot is an avid body-boarder who is always searching for a good wave.
Elliot is thrilled to be a part of the Anzac Student Tour in 2005. He has travelled extensively within Australia but has never been overseas. Elliot's great grandfather, Albert Coyle, was a Lance Corporal who served with the 32nd Battalion in the AIF from 1916 to 1919 in France. He was wounded twice which led to him meeting Elliot's great-grandmother, a Scottish nurse, while convalescing in England. His great, great grandfather, Edwin Taylor, served from 1902 till 1917 with the British army as a sapper in the Royal Engineers until he was killed in action and was buried in the Nine Elms Cemetery in Belgium. Elliot also has two Smith relatives, David and Charles who served with the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) and who died and were buried in war cemeteries in France.
Rhys Vallance
Northam Senior High School (2005)Toodyay District High School (2004)
Year 11
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Rhys Vallance is a Year 11 student at Northam Senior High School having previously attended Toodyay District High School. Rhys enjoys all subjects but shows a special interest in the Social Sciences and Japanese. Rhys has been the recipient of many academic awards, including dux of his school. He and served on the Toodyay Student Council for three years and in 2004 he was elected School Captain. Outside of school, Rhys is involved in many activities including the Toodyay Cricket Club and the Northam Church of Christ Youth Group. On leaving school, Rhys intends to pursue a career in teaching, politics or Japanese interpretation.
Rhys is looking forward to the Anzac Student Tour, particularly visiting the battlefields where the Anzac Spirit was given life through the lives of so many young Australians through both WWI and WWII. His great grandfather, Freddie Vallance served with the 10th Light Horse in France, Belgium and Egypt, while other relatives, Alexander Vallance (a great-great uncle) and Ernest Smith (great-great grandfather) saw action in Gallipoli and France respectively. Family tradition continued into WWII, with Ray, a great-uncle serving on HMAS Australia and involved in the Battle of the Coral Sea and John Harbord, a great-grandfather who served with the 2nd AIF, mostly in Darwin.
Christopher Vogt
Lynwood Senior High SchoolYear 9
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Christopher Vogt is a Year 9 student at Lynwood Senior High School. He is an enthusiastic student who enjoys all the curricula and extra-curricula activities offered by the school. Chris was nominated Student of the Month for his involvement in educating his peers in bush survival and for his involvement in the Anzac Catafalque Party. Chris loves learning about military history. He is a Lance-Corporal in the Army Cadets, has achieved his Senior First Aid Certificate as well as his Basic Fire Extinguisher Certificate. Chris aspires to become a member of the Special Air Services when he leaves school.
The Anzac Student Tour will be Chris's first experience of seeing first hand the battle battlefields where Australians fought so gallantly. His great-grandfather Private Victor Rupert Lynch, was a member of the 10th Light Horse Brigade and saw action at Gallipoli and the Western Front. Chris is very excited to have won the honour to participate in this tour as he values and believes in the ANZAC Spirit.
Koko Wozniak
Mount Lawley Senior High SchoolYear 10
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Koko Wozniak is a Year 9 student at Mount Lawley Senior High School where she is involved in both the Special LOTE Program and the Special Visual and Performing Arts Program. Her interests lie in English and Geography, and in her spare time, Koko enjoys playing trumpet, piano and singing. For the past two years, Koko has been a member of the Mount Lawley Senior High School Blues Band and Senior Band, with which she travelled to New Zealand earlier this year for the Rhapsody Rotorua Musical Festival. Koko has also been a part of numerous drama productions and competes in the West Australian Debating League where her team came 3rd in the State last year.
Koko looks forward to the ANZAC Student Tour, especially to seeing the battlefields where so many diggers fought for her country. Koko's own great grandfather, Mieczyslaw Wicinski served in the Polish Army in North Africa and Italy. He was a Rat of Tobruk in World War II and took part in the battles of Monte Cassino alongside the Anzacs, so this tour has a personal meaning for her. Her great grandfather's fond memories of the Anzacs were one of the main influences of her parents' decision to migrate to Australia. Koko feels passionately of the Anzac Spirit and hopes to promote it amongst the younger generation.