A student from Dripstone Middle School has been recognised for their outstanding entry in a prestigious national history competition.

The Member for Solomon Luke Gosling congratulated Orm Khamthongveun for being named Northern Territory winner in the 2023 Simpson Prize.

The Simpson Prize is a national competition for Year 9 and 10 students that focuses on the service of Australians in World War I.

“Orm provided a well-researched and considered response to the question ‘How significant was Australia’s contribution to the Allied military victory on the Western Front in 1918?’”, Mr Gosling said.

“She is in Canberra this week along with runner-up Elijah Lane, also from Dripstone Middle School, to attend the 2023 Simpson Prize presentation ceremony and take part in a three-day program participating in events at Government House, the Australian War Memorial, and other important cultural institutions.

“As Territory winner, Orm will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel with winners from other states and territories on the 2023 Simpson Prize Commemorative Study Tour to Singapore in late April.

“I am sure Orm will be a wonderful ambassador for Solomon.”

Mr Gosling said the Simpson Prize played an important role in encouraging history education in schools and ensuring students learned about the contributions of Australians during the First World War.

“I strongly encourage current Year 9 and 10 students from Darwin and Palmerston to start thinking about their entry for next year’s Simpson Prize competition.

The Australian Government has provided $910,000 over four years to fund the Simpson Prize.