St Paul's Anglican Grammar School's Zara McNair and William Blackwood will be taking on the challenge of completing the Kokoda Trek in July.
Recipients of the "George Collins Kokoda Trek Award," Zara and William will experience a change of scenery from the classroom and the chilly Warragul winter to the Papua New Guinean jungle.
After receiving the phone call they were both being given the opportunity, it "took some time to sink in" that they were to embark on this "quite difficult" trek.
Zara said her family was surprised and impressed she was able to make it to the end of the application process and was thankful her parents helped her throughout the application. William said his parents were excited for him. Although, as the adventure grows nearer, so do their nerves.
While completing the required training and preparation, Zara and William are equally excited about the trek and interacting with the communities they will be passing through.
St Paul's head of year 11 Bernard Laverty said it was incredible there were opportunities such as the Kokoda Trek for young people that allow them to "continue to build upon the legacy and respect" that Australia has for Kokoda.
Created by former Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood, and local businessman, Bernie Rowell, the George Collins award enables students from the Baw Baw Shire to walk the trek, and on their return to share their experiences and educate others about the important legacy of the Kokoda trail.