Scholarly winner off to Japan

*

The daughter of Squadron Leader Sue Trimble and Warrant Officer Peter Trimble has been awarded the annual Air Force Year Program Scholarship for 2005. She will study in Japan until January 2006. Applications for next year close on April 29. Four scholarships are awarded across the three Services and Defence APS for Defence personnel’s children to participate in international exchanges.

THE daughter of a RAAF Base Richmond couple has packed her bags for Japan after being awarded the annual Air Force Year Program Scholarship for 2005.

Year 10 Castle Hill High School student Katrina Trimble is the daughter of Squadron Leader Sue Trimble and Warrant Officer Peter Trimble. The scholarship will provide Katrina, who has been studying Japanese for three years, the opportunity to study in Japan until January 2006.

She will live with a host family throughout her stay and attend high school in Japan. “I enjoy the Japanese culture and hope to use my Japanese studies in my future career path,” Katrina said.

“I am looking forward to the experiences and challenges that await me in the next year as I undertake this exchange.” Katrina was inspired to apply for the scholarship after reading about recent scholarship winners and their experiences.

The Commander Air Lift Group, Air Commodore Glen Steed and Base Commander RAAF Base Richmond, Wing Commander Tracey Simpson, wished Katrina all the best for her time in Japan.

The Secretary of Defence and the Chief of Defence Force have approved four scholarships for Defence children to participate in international exchanges.

The scholarships are awarded in conjunction with the American Field Scholarships (AFS) Intercultural Programs Australia.

They provide opportunities for personal development and study overseas at a secondary school, while living with a host family. Applicants must be studying years 9, 10, 11 and 12 and be the child of an Air Force, Navy, Army or Department of Defence employee. Children of Reserve members on full-time service are also eligible.

Applications for next year close on April 29. For full details about eligibility and expressions of interest see the Defence Community Organisation web site www.dco.dod.gov.au/dco/ddcopublic or the AFS web site www.afs.org.au.

.