Sophie Robertson Recognised For Her Achievements By Chelsea Ravizza

In recognition of her academic achievements and commitment, Sophie Robertson of Ayr State High School is one of eight Queensland recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize, awarded by the Queensland Government.

The award recognises the efforts and dedication of young Queenslanders and aims to present students with opportunities to gain an in-depth understanding of the ANZAC legacy. Sophie will embark on a 16-day international adventure touring France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom to explore the ANZAC legacy in April along with seven other Queensland students and two teacher chaperones.

The application process led Sophie to produce a 5-minute video submission on the ANZAC spirit’s interconnectedness, and relevance within today’s society. After being shortlisted, Sophie presented to a large panel of 12 officials, including brigadiers from the Australian Defence Force, where she was successful, and awarded the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize.

Dedicated to upholding the values of this award, Sophie has been busily developing official fundraisers, and the Commemorative Crosses Project, where she will visit a school in the local district to educate students on the ANZAC spirit. Prior to travelling abroad, Sophie has begun engaging in Young Historians Workshops whereby she travelled to Brisbane in January to work alongside the Minister for Education, Grace Grace, and the Assistant Minister to the Premier for Veterans’ Affairs, Bart Mellish. The workshops will continue throughout the months leading up to the tour in collaboration with the State Library of Queensland, and Ms Grace believes this opportunity will equip Sophie and the other recipients with valuable knowledge and insights they’ll carry with them for life.

“I want to congratulate the eight students set to represent our state abroad, it is thoroughly deserved and I’m sure they will do a remarkable job,” expressed Ms Grace.

This international opportunity will prove to be an invaluable experience for Sophie where she will deliver two eulogies to fallen ANZAC veterans, with one of which being her Great, Great Uncle.

“I am really grateful for the opportunity to deliver this eulogy for him, and while I am over there, I will be the first in my family to visit his memorial,” explained Sophie.

RSL Queensland State President, Major General Stephen Day believes this award presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to its recipients to pass on valuable stories of the ANZACs, and to further educated youth on the important role veterans had on the establishment of Australia.

“The prize is an opportunity for some of our brightest high school students to get out of the classroom, travel to the Western Front and gain a more profound understanding of the commitment and sacrifices of their veterans,” explained Major General Stephen.

Ayr State High School’s Senior Deputy Principal, Anna D’Ilario recognized Sophie’s potential and presented this opportunity to her in 2022, and the Ayr High Family are beyond proud of what Sophie has achieved.

“We are very proud of Sophie,” expressed Ayr State High School’s principal, Mr Craig Whittred.

“She is a fantastic student who has demonstrated great tenacity in her studies and is a well-deserved recipient of this prestigious prize.

“This will be a life-changing experience for Sophie, and we are excited for her to share her experience with us all at Ayr High and the wider Burdekin community.”

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Sophie Robertson is one of eight Queensland recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Anzac Prize. Photo supplied

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