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For most students, history is something found in the pages of a textbook. For Calrossy Year 10 student Ella Gottke, it is about understanding the people behind the stories and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
That passion has earned Ella one of the State's most prestigious history scholarships, with the Year 10 student selected as one of just 18 students across New South Wales to receive the 2026 Premier's ANZAC Memorial Scholarship.
These Scholarships provide Year 10 History and Year 11 Modern History students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Australia's military history through immersive learning experiences. During the study tour, students will visit historically significant sites across Greece and Crete, attend commemorative services and undertake research exploring Australia's wartime service and the enduring relationship between Australia and Greece.
The scholarship will see Ella travel to Greece and Crete during the Term 3 school holidays, where she will take part in an immersive study tour exploring significant battlefields, war memorials, museums and cemeteries connected to the 1941 Greek Campaign.
For Ella, receiving the news was a moment she will never forget.
"Disbelief. In the weeks leading up to being accepted I had been checking my emails constantly, waiting on the results. Ironically, the one lesson I wasn’t checking my email, was the lesson I got the email! That lunch time I had been sitting with my friends when my history teacher told me to check my inbox. I was so happy when I found out. Jumping and squealing with excitement kind of happy. At the same time, I was in shock and disbelief- it’s a huge honour to be accepted and represent Calrossy, Tamworth, and NSW."
Ella's journey to the scholarship began with months of research, culminating in a detailed video submission focused on the Greek Campaign. After being shortlisted, she completed an interview before learning she had secured a place on the tour.
Her application involved countless hours of research, speaking with veterans, exploring war archives and investigating the experiences of Australian service personnel involved in the Greek Campaign.
History has fascinated Ella since she was young, with her love of the subject continuing to grow over time.
"I have loved history ever since I was young and I think the realisation that we were living history was a real eye opener for me. However, it is difficult to think of just one moment that sparked my modern history interest. I think my interest in history is one that has grown over time and been fostered by those around me."
As her research deepened, Ella discovered stories that went well beyond what she had previously learnt in the classroom. The project not only strengthened her understanding of the Greek Campaign but also gave her a greater appreciation for the courage, resilience and personal stories behind Australia's military history.
“Another interesting thing about the commemorations of the Greek campaign is that while there are limited physical memorials, many Greek orthodox churches were erected as a memorial to the Greek campaign."
The scholarship application also challenged Ella to develop new skills in research, video production and editing, giving her confidence in areas she admits had not previously been her strengths.
Now, she is looking forward to experiencing the places she has spent so many months researching and discovering how standing where history unfolded can bring the stories of those who served to life.
"I look forward to experiencing the places I have researched and learnt about firsthand, as well as putting a place and a story to the name. To see and walk the earth where the people I have learnt about have walked is an incredible opportunity. It helps to bring these people “out of the page” and be remembered in person, putting “Lest we Forget” into practice, commemorating them and sharing my experiences with the larger community. You can’t do that in a classroom."
Reflecting on the application process, Ella says the experience has taught her just how much she is capable of achieving and hopes other students will embrace opportunities that may seem beyond their reach.
"I have learnt heaps about myself, realising that I can do amazing things if I focus and put my mind to it. It can feel a bit intimidating going up against these massive Sydney schools, but I still deserve to be there. To anyone thinking about applying, do it! I learnt heaps about myself and found it a valuable learning experience from the application process alone. It’s cringe, but never give up. I almost didn’t apply because I was worried I wasn’t “good” enough. I am so happy that I persisted.”
“Always give things a go, you never know what may happen."
