Wesley Anzac Service And G.V.Smith Award

The Wesley Anzac Commemoration Ceremony was conducted in bright sunshine at the Glen Waverley Campus today with a comprehensive program including participation from Friends of the Odd Bods Association and the inaugural presentation of the George V.Smith  Award.

A quadrangle filled with students, staff, veterans, and dignitaries was treated to a moving service enhanced by music, speeches, and ceremony including wreath laying and the haunting refrains of the Last Post and Reveille.

Today was the inaugural presentation of the George V.Smith Award. The award was developed in collaboration between Wesley and Friends of the Odd Bods Association to recognise the best essay by a Year 10 student about the Anzac Spirit.

George Smith had championed the concept of the Odd Bods with Wesley College, Glen Waverley, stimulating student’s interest in and understanding of the significance of Australia’s contribution to the military and the Anzac Spirit, and supported the concept of the annual Anzac Commemoration service at the school.

The 2017 award was presented to student Scarlett Cunningham. Scarlett received a certificate and a prize to assist with her scholarly pursuits. Her winning essay has been posted in a separate article.

Student Scarlett Cunningham seen with Friends of the Odd Bods Weston Bate, Terry Maher, Doug Parry, and Ralph White.

Following the service in the senior school, many of the participants moved out to the Lone Pine Memorial where Weston Bate regaled the crowd with a poem he had recently composed.

Weston Bate presents his poem.

A wonderful day – a moving ceremony – and a fine tribute to an Odd Bods founder.