In what was surely an experience to remember for a lifetime, 13 Hawkesbury students conquered the Kokoda Track as part of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
The Colo High and Richmond High students braved the rugged trail with award leaders Luke Ryman, Nathan Hando and Joanne Sumabat who oversaw a strenuous training and preparation regime to ensure the students got the very best out of the opportunity.
Mr Ryman, a teacher at Colo High, said the Kokoda Track was one of the most educational experiences of his teaching career.
“Seeing the local people in their villages and listening to the incredible war stories that happened along the track was amazing and an experience that I'll never forget,” Mr Ryman said.
“One of mine and my students favorite parts of the track was called Conns Rock. The rock was used as an operating table for wounded soldiers during WWII.
“Standing there and listing to the stories of what happened on that rock was incredible.”
Nathan Hando from Richmond High School said he felt his student learnt the true lesson of getting through difficult times.
“Some of our students faced some tough moments during the trek … it was a real mental battle,” Mr Hando said.
“They pushed through these moments and learnt the true lesson of getting through difficult times.
He and Mr Ryman both agreed that the relationships the students were able to make with the local Papuan people and their porters on the trip were invaluable.
“The interactions the students were able to make with people in the villages we visited and the porters on our trip really made the experience for all involved,” Mr Hando said.
“The friends and memories we made along the track will last a lifetime,” Mr Ryman said.
