Family ties to WWI makes this a history lesson of a lifetime

THEY were picked by the Premier to attend Anzac centenary ceremonies overseas, but it’s the family ties these three high schoolers have discovered that make the trip even more meaningful.

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THREE Wavell State High School students will soon take part in the history lesson of a lifetime.

Alainya Doyle, Samantha Ellis and Rhiannon Hassett will visit Turkey, Belgium and France for two weeks from April 22, after winning the Premier’s Anzac Prize — awarded to just 70 Queensland school students. To enter, each had to make a 2-5 minute multimedia presentation exploring the Anzac tradition and the way it helped shape Australia.

Rhiannon, in Year 12, said she could not wait for the trip: “It’s such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

She said it would be extra special considering she had only recently discovered her great-great-great uncle, Lance Corporal Sylvester Sydney Day, of the 16th Battalion, regular infantry and air force, fought on the beaches of Anzac Cove and died during his service.

The 27-year-old soldier, who gave up a career as a librarian to serve his country, is buried at Lone Pine, in Turkey. “We get the chance to visit some graves of our relatives,” she said.

Year 9 student Alainya also has family ties to WWI.

He great uncle was one of the famed Rats of Tobruk.

“I’m so excited to be able to experience the Anzac spirit first hand in Gallipoli,” she said.

Year 10 student Samantha, also a School Junior Leader and school band musician, said she came from a long line of military servicemen and women.

“On my father’s side we’ve served in WWI, WWII, the Korean War and peace keeping missions,” Samantha said.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity.”

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THIS story is part of Quest Community Newspaper’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile Queensland World War I heroes and families as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during World War I, let us know on our Facebook page or email [e-mail]