Ballarat High School was well represented at the Melbourne ANZAC Day Parade this year.  There were 3 former students, 2 current students and 1 teacher that participated in the parade as members of the Creswick Light Horse Troop.

Four of the Troop riding as a section, including Kieron Thomas Year 7 (second from left) and Maggie Koene former student (far right). Photograph provided by Colin J. Abbott of Abbott McDonald Pty Ltd Melb.

The Creswick Light Horse Troop was invited by the RSL not only to take part in the parade, but also to lead the entire parade. It was a unique and rare honour to be a part of the Melbourne ANZAC Day parade in this capacity.  Six members from the Troop made up the lead riders and included former Ballarat High School student Jessie Koene.  The remaining 18 riders from the Troop included former students Maggie Koene and Ben Fogas, as well as current student Kieron Thomas from Year 7.  The Troop rode from Melbourne to the Shrine.  At the Shrine the horses and riders were required to negotiate the steps up onto the forecourt, allowing them to ride past the eternal flame in front of a number of dignitaries and war veterans.  It was an honour and a privilege for the riders to execute this difficult task. It was a very long four days of preparation and participation.  Anzac Day commenced at 5am and included attending the Dawn Service, participating in the parade and then riding to the MCG in the afternoon.  About 6 hours were spent in the saddle trekking back and forth through Melbourne. The students put in 400% across the four days and certainly promoted the school values.  Special mention needs to be made of Kacy Wilson in year 12 who is also a member of the Creswick Light Horse Troop. While Kacy did not ride a horse, she is to be recognised for her excellent support of the Troop with her “behind the scenes” work.