Open to all South Australian students in Years 9 and 10, the Premier’s ANZAC School Spirit Prize recognises the effort and diligence of entrants in preparing a research paper exploring the journey, valour and sacrifice of service men and women throughout the 20th Century.
Electing to base her submission on Bombardier Andrew Scott (MM), a Delamere-born solider who served in the 1st Field Artillery Brigade during World War I, Isabella’s research project – along with her personal family connection to the subject – won the admiration of the judges, and extensively details the life, experience and adversity faced by Bombardier Scott as he was initially deployed, at the age of 19, to ANZAC Cove as a member of the now-infamous Light Horse regiment that would play a key role in Australia’s war efforts at Gallipoli.
In preparing her research, Isabella was one of the few entrants able to draw on primary sources – with Bombardier Scott being the uncle of her grandmother, June Hudson, and her own great-great uncle – and one of only a handful that chose to focus on a figure local to the community in which she lives.
“I’ve always loved History – it’s my favourite subject. I love exploring how things have changed; how different life is today compared to life in the past. When the opportunity to enter [the ANZAC Spirit Prize] came up, I really wanted to focus on the story of someone local, someone who grew up in the same part of the world. When I learned there was someone in my family who had served, it gave me extra motivation to research, and to learn about his story.”
Isabella’s talent for research led her to explore the online archives at the Australian War Memorial and the National Archives of Australia, compiling evidence and photographs to document the life and service of Bombardier Scott. This talent has been fully recognised, with Isabella receiving a place on a fully-funded study tour of Vietnam, alongside a medallion and award of merit, which will be presented by South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, in a ceremony to be held at ANZAC House.
“I’m excited about the trip! It’s an amazing opportunity to visit some places that are incredibly important to the history of Australia, the history of the world. Researching my great-great uncle for my entry has ignited a passion… it has been an emotional journey, and has been a privilege to honor his memory.”
Despite her exceptional individual efforts, Isabella is also quick to thank a number of family members and Investigator College History teachers, Ms Amanda Bolt and Mr Geoff Sullivan, for their assistance and encouragement:
“Ms Bolt and Mr. Sullivan encouraged me and offered advice the whole time, and helped me prepare for the interview at the second stage of the selection process, so I want to thank them, along with my parents and my grandparents for supporting me.”
Ms Bolt had nothing but praise for Isabella, saying that Investigator College was incredibly proud of both Isabella’s submission and her achievement in winning the prize:
“Isabella worked incredibly hard on her submission… [and] throughout the process has represented both herself and our College remarkably. She spent many hours writing and re-drafting, has shown great maturity, leadership and independence, and has done a remarkable job of honouring the sacrifices our servicemen and women. We are incredibly proud of her!”
With her win in this year’s ANZAC Spirit School Prize, Isabella becomes the sixth winner from Investigator College since the inception of the award in 2017, and the third winner from the College since 2020 – continuing an outstanding tradition of success for the College.
