“To put myself in their shoes, imagine their hardships, and hear their stories, fills me with awe” – St Michael’s College, Merrimac Year 9 student Kurt Lane. 

Kurt Lane is no ordinary Year 9 student

This St Michael’s College, Merrimac student has already accomplished so much in his short time at school, selected as one of only eight secondary students in Queensland to take part in the 2026 Queensland Premier’s ANZAC Prize. 

The Queensland Premier’s ANZAC Prize is an immersive program that sees students travel to Europe for a two-week study tour of the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium during April.

The program is designed to deepen students understanding of World War I (WWI) and Australia’s enduring ANZAC legacy. 

For Kurt, the trip extends far beyond recognition, offering a powerful and transformative learning experience grounded in research, travel, and a lived connection to Australia’s military history. 

With the Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service in France fast approaching, Kurt said wearing his family’s service medals at the service will be an unforgettable moment, inspiring a profound sense of mateship, duty, and gratitude. 

As part of the trip Kurt has travelled through WWI sites, visited significant battlefields, memorials and war museums along the Western Front, including a visit to the Menin Gate in Belgium.

Kurt said these places provided a powerful environment for reflection on his own family’s history. 

"Walking in the footsteps of those who served gave me an understanding of the conditions faced by Australian soldiers as well as the sacrifice and service of my own family,” he said. 

“My dad is an Australian Defence Force veteran, having served in both the navy and army on many overseas deployments.  

“My great uncle, Norman Lane, served in Singapore with the Australian Imperial Force in WWII and was a Prisoner of War on the Thai Burma railway.  

“My Great Great Grandfather served with the Seaforth Highlanders on the Western Front during WWI. 

“My Great Grandfather served in the RAF just after WWII and my Grandfather served in the Merchant Navy in the 1960s.  

“My family would be incredibly proud of me to honour my family members and all those who have served.” 

St Michael’s College Principal Veronica Wasiak said Kurt’s participation highlighted the role education plays in fostering meaningful connections to history and encouraged students to engage thoughtfully with Australia’s past. 

“Moments like this are a source of pride for the entire school community,” she said. 

“Kurt’s commitment and thoughtful participation reflect the values the College strives to instil in our students, belonging, excellence, and love.” 

The Premier’s Anzac Prize is presented annually by the Queensland Department of Education in partnership with Returned & Services League Queensland. For more information about St Michael’s College, Merrimac or to enrol click here. 

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Image credit: St Michael's College student and 2026 Queensland Premier’s ANZAC Prize winner Kurt Lane. ©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Michael's College, Merrimac (2025).