Jenny Aitchison MP, Member for Maitland, will today congratulate Maitland Christian School student Elizabeth Reid on being named as a 2016 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholar.

Elizabeth is one of a select group of 24 students who will visit France and Belgium in July to commemorate the Anzacs who fought on the Western Front during World War I.

“I am so pleased that Elizabeth received this prestigious scholarship. It will allow her to learn about the history of our Anzacs and share her experiences with our community” says Ms Aitchison.

The Scholarship program will provide students with the ability to visit the Western Front to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac.

“Elizabeth’s pilgrimage to the Western Front will enable the stories of sacrifice and courage by the Anzacs to be passed on to our younger generations” says Ms Aitchison.

Ms Aitchison said that during the Centenary of World War I it was all the more important for young people to learn about the realities of war and the sacrifices made by Anzac soldiers.

“Exploring family stories from World War I unites young Australians by unlocking our diverse histories and shared identity. There can be no better way to commemorate our Anzacs than to walk on the battlefields they fought on”.

Ms Aitchison will be visiting Maitland Christian School today at 1:15pm to congratulate Elizabeth on her achievement.