This year’s judges included the Hon David Elliott, Minister for Veterans Affairs, Ms Eleni Petinos, Member for Miranda, Mr Steve Kamper, Member for Rockdale, Mr Nathan Rees, Former Premier of NSW, and Colonel Don Tait (Retired).

Mackenzie wrote a 1000-word essay on the question: Why is the Centenary of Anzac important for Modern Australia? In this she wrote about her great great uncle, William Lyttle King, who served in World War I. King was born in the Campbelltown area and in 1916, aged 22, William enlisted and joined the Australian Flying Corps whilst studying Commerce  at the University of Sydney. After training in England, he was sent to France where he suffered significant injuries in Savy and hospitalised. His squadron went on to fight against the Red Baron’s Flying Circus, taking down five enemy planes in one engagement. After the war, William completed studies in Law and married Annette Cook, daughter of Sir Joseph Cook, the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, while King survived the war, he experienced what we now call post traumatic stress disorder and his life ended in 1925.

We wish Mackenzie all the best for her upcoming trip and look forward to her sharing her journey at the St Patrick’s College Remembrance Day ceremony.

Fran Musico-Rullo - HSIE Teacher