Media Statement
Attention: News Editor / Chief of Staff
20/11/09
Kelmscott student top young historian
Kelmscott Senior High School student and WA Young Historian of the Year Daniel Jauk will travel to
Canberra this weekend to compete in the final of the National History Challenge.
The Year 10 student’s 10-minute documentary on World War I military commander and engineer Sir
John Monash at the WA awards last month earned him the prestigious title and chance to compete on
the national stage.
“I was intrigued by Sir John Monash because I hadn’t realised how much he triumphed over adversity
and had an impact on Australia’s history,” Daniel said.
“My interest in history was sparked by watching movies and I really like learning about how the past
has affected the present.”
The theme for this year’s competition was ‘triumph over adversity.’
Department of Education Director General Sharyn O’Neill said the award was the icing on the cake for
public schools, which shone in the WA section of the National History Challenge.
Public school students won seven categories and received 15 high commendations in addition to
Daniel’s WA Young Historian of the Year award.
“WA public school students have been recognised in almost every category of the Challenge, which is
a fantastic result,” Ms O’Neill said.
“These students produced essays, websites and museum displays of an exceptionally high standard
and showed a thorough understanding of the topics.
“Congratulations to each of the students for their excellent achievement, and best of luck to Daniel for
next week.”
The WA section of the National History Challenge is run by the History Teachers’ Association of
Western Australia.
Kelmscott Senior High School’s history program enjoyed further success this month when Year 10
student Liam Richer was selected from hundreds of entrants to travel to Gallipoli next April for the 2010
Premier’s ANZAC Student Tour.
(ENDS)
Note: a list of winners and highly commended public school students follows. Interviews and
photographs can be arranged on request.
Media contact: Carmen Carter (08) 9264 5723.
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National History Challenge
WA section – public school winners, by category
Using Archival Records
Highly commended – Heather Jones, of Shenton College
In War and Peace
Highly commended – Anupama Bharadwaj, of Shenton College
Winner – Daniel Jauk, of Kelmscott Senior High School
Asia and Australia
Highly commended (no winner) – Stephanie Cotnair, of Mount Lawley Senior High School
Australia’s Heritage
Winner – Nick Singer, of Shenton College
Immigrant Experiences
Highly Commended – Sam Dowd, of Shenton College
Highly Commended – Kate Dores, of Shenton College
Winner – Siti (Mia) Riduzuan, of Katanning Senior High School
Indigenous Australia
Highly Commended – Marqueeta Hill, of Narrogin Primary School
Life and Times of John Curtin
Highly Commended – Sarah Desmond, of Marmion Primary School
Highly Commended – Kristan Teasdale, of Shenton College
Winner – Tarryn Haas, of Boddington District High School
Museum Display
Highly Commended – Andrew Cullen, of Carnamah District High School
Australian Prime Ministers
Highly Commended – Isabelle Campbell, of Shenton College
History of Sport
Highly Commended – Matthew Beard, of Shenton College
Women Beating the Odds
Highly Commended – Amber Blackburn, of Esperance Senior High School
Highly Commended – Stacy Stanley, of Wagin District High School
Winner – Amy Dickerson, of Boddington District High School
Year 5/6 Division
Winner – Tayla Read, of Carnamah District High School
Year 7/8 Division
Highly Commended – Nellie Wetherspoon, of Shenton College
Winner – Kristan Teasdale, of Shenton College
Year 9/10 Division
Highly Commended – Sophie Prober, of Mount Lawley Senior High School
NEWS 
