James Manoussakis of Marymede Catholic College and John Koutsouroupas of Northcote High School have been picked from hundreds of applicants for the trip of a lifetime.
James (14) and John (15) will join 78 other students and 14 teachers selected by the Victorian government to represent the state at the 2015 Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli – the epicentre of Australia’s commemorations marking 100 years since the start of WWI.
More than 630 schoolchildren from years 9 to 12 and over 100 teachers applied for the coveted places, with the selection process asking applicants to show a connection to their community and an understanding of the spirit of Anzac.
At the announcement on Wednesday, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine said that attending the service marking the 100th anniversary of the landing of troops at Anzac Cove on 25 April 1915 would be an incredible experience for the group.
“We want our younger generations to experience and establish connections with this important place, and share the lessons they learn with family, friends, colleagues and classmates.
“To be at Anzac Cove for the 100th anniversary of the landing of troops at Gallipoli will be a poignant moment for those selected and an experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
James Manoussakis told Neos Kosmos his first reaction to hearing he had been picked was one of disbelief.
“I’m really excited, I can’t wait,” said James, who’s favourite subjects at school are science and English.
Asked what the Anzac spirit meant to him, James said it was “about remembering the courage of Australian soldiers who fought in terrible conditions during World War One”.
During the 5-day trip the tour will explore the Gallipoli battlefield, visit Istanbul and the ancient Greek site of Troy, now in north-west Turkey.
James’ sights are understandably most firmly set on the sunrise that will take place in the early hours of April 25 at Anzac Cove.
“I’m really looking forward to the aura around the actual Dawn Service, with everybody there, experiencing the same thing.”
John Koutsouroupas was on school camp this week and unavailable for comment, but John’s father said that gaining a place on the tour was “probably the biggest accomplishment of his [son’s] life so far.
“He’s just rapt to be part of it. It’s going to be amazing”.
Mr Koutsouroupas said it would give his son “a sense of what the soldiers went through, and the sacrifice they made for the generations ahead of them.”
“As a parent I’m pretty proud. Everyone talks of winning Tatts Lotto, but this is more valuable. You just can’t put a price on this sort of experience.”