Grant High student keeping history alive

GRANT High School Year 9 student Chelsea McElroy has been selected as one of 21 statewide recipients of the 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Spirit School Prize.

This prestigious award recognises young South Australians who demonstrate a deep understanding of the remarkable sacrifices made by South Australian service men and women during the 20th century.

As part of the competition, students were required to research a South Australian serviceman or woman who served during World War I or World War II, and to discuss how their chosen individual embodied the characteristics of the ANZAC Spirit. Entries were judged on the depth of research and written quality.

Chelsea’s submission focused on her great-grandfather Colin Ambrose Vears, who served in the armoured regiment during World War II.

Her insightful and well-researched piece earned her a place on the 2025 Premier’s ANZAC Spirit Study Tour to Paris and the Western Front, where she will have the opportunity to commemorate, learn, and further explore Australia’s wartime history.

Chelsea’s mentor and Grant High School HASS Coordinator Bec Jones has also been selected to accompany her on the tour.

Chelsea was formally presented with a medallion and certificate by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills at an awards ceremony held in Adelaide.

Additionally, Grant High School students Alice Mitchell (Year 10) and Carey Grivell (Year 9), were both awarded merits for the outstanding quality of their entries.

Chelsea’s award, together with the merit acknowledgements for Alice Mitchell and Carey Grivell, highlights the commitment of young people at Grant High School to preserving and understanding the legacy of South Australian service men and women.