Junee High School captain Hayley Hackett swelled with pride as she co-conducted the Anzac Day wreath-laying ceremony on Broadway, her great-great-uncle’s medals dangling from her blazer.
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‘Pride’ was the word Hayley kept coming back to on the day.
“That’s certainly my strongest feeling on Anzac Day,” she said.
“I’m just proud to be able to say I have someone in the family who has been to war and served the country.”
The 17-year-old now plans to follow in the footsteps of her ancestors, chasing her dream of joining the navy.
Hayley recently completed an interview with the navy and is going through the rigors of intensive medical and fitness testing.
She plans to enlist within the next ten weeks and formally sign up fresh out of school.
“My great-great-uncle was a big influence on me and my decision,” she said.
“I was also inspired by everyone who has served.”
It has been a big year for Hayley, who was named Young Sportsperson of the Year on Australia Day earlier this year, having excelled as a player, coach and referee with the Junee Diesels.
