Ignatius Park College student Ben Hatchard presented with Anzac Day award

A young boy has been recognised for his contribution in helping to keep the Anzac spirit alive with younger generations.

Iggy Park year 8 student Ben Hatchard was presented with the Spirit of Anzac Day Award for his interpretation of ANZAC DAY painting a watercolour painting. It was part of a very low key wreath laying ceremony. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

A YOUNG boy has been recognised for his contribution in helping to keep the Anzac spirit alive with younger generations.

Ignatius Park College Year 8 student Ben Hatchard was presented with the Spirit of Anzac Day Award for his interpretation of Anzac Day yesterday.

Ben painted a watercolour picture depicting a Digger with his head bowed with the rising of the sun.

The budding young artist painted the watercolour over three days, taking five hours to complete it, and said creating an Anzac legacy was his inspiration.

“I think watercolours gives it a better feeling of emotion around it and all the other Anzac pictures I have seen are silhouettes” he said.

“I thought it would be a fun experience to paint and draw something that would mean something to the people who are looking at it.”

Almost 20 entries were received for the competition with Ben saying he submitted his winning entry on the last day.

“I felt nervous whether I was going to finish it or not but I felt proud when I did finish it,” he said.

Ben was presented with the award by Ignatius Park College principal Shaun Clarke at the school’s raising of the Australian flag and laying of the wreath ceremony.

Mr Clarke said Ben’s watercolour had been enlarged to help commemorate Anzac Day.

“It is now placed on the front fence of the school to acknowledge our men and women in the Defence, and to commemorate those who have sacrificed their lives to give Australia its current freedoms,” he said.

Originally published as Ignatius Park College student Ben Hatchard presented with Anzac Day award