One of just a select few, Muswellbrook High School’s Yasmin Jimmieson will tour a number of countries, paying their respects to our fallen soldiers along the way.

The group is scheduled to visit Villers-Bretonneux in France, Passchendaele in Belgium, and London, mimicking the steps of the diggers who fought on the Western Front. 

Yasmin said she was stunned by her selection, and is still struggling to believe she’ll get the opportunity to be there on such a momentous occasion, given 2018 marks the centenary of WWI’s end.

“When I first found out I was gobsmacked, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face for a day,” she said.

“I don’t know how many times I actually read the email to make sure it wasn’t a joke.”

She was selected off the back of an essay competition, with the six successful candidates being announced last month.

Yasmin believes her work offered a different perspective on the topic, which is why she was one of the lucky few, despite only writing it a week before the submission date.

“I focused more on the modern Australia point of view and its young people,” she said.

“So, I spoke about the legacy they left behind as well the current and future military personnel.

“I took a look at the lack of understanding from this generation, from my generation, and the influence technology is having on it all.”

While most 17-year-old girls would be looking forward to sightseeing and enjoying the fine cuisine offered in Europe (well... maybe not England), Yasmin is most awaiting something completely different.

“What interests me most is that I’ll get to experience and explore the history and culture of the places I visit, and to pay my respects to everyone who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.

“This trip has already opened my eyes so the legend of the Anzacs… and when the tour is over I look forward to sharing that with others.”

She is sure to do Muswellbrook proud, and give a proper thank you to all the people who lost their lives in the name of freedom.