Year 8 student Melissa Sanders was chosen after participating in the finals of the Global Village Children and Youths Bilingual Speech Competition.

Ms Sanders outperformed around 75 rival Victorian schools. 

She teamed up with a Chinese student in the final round, and prepared and presented a speech in Chinese and English. 

“I almost cried when I found out I won and was going to China,” Ms Sanders said.

“To be be selected is amazing and it will be an honour to represent the town, my school and Australia.”

The competition aimed to strengthen the connection between Chinese and Australian culture. 

During the final speech, the Chinese competitor presented in English, and their Australian counterpart presented in Chinese.

“I had to go to Melbourne for the finals and in our speech we had to talk about our home towns,” Ms Sanders said. 

“I spoke about my home town Great Western, and how there were only 20 kids at my primary school when I was there.

“I also spoke about the history of the area and how long it takes to get to Melbourne from small rural towns.”

Assistant principal Aaron Dalziel said Melissa’s achievement was great recognition for the school’s Chinese language program.

“It also shows we have strong links with our local primary schools, Melissa’s Chinese teacher now also taught her in primary school,” he said.

“The finals of the competition were held at Scotch College in Melbourne, so it is a great achievement for rural schools.”

Principal Nick Lynch said the achievement showed it was possible to go to small schools and achieve big things. 

“It is a great opportunity for Melissa and an honour for the school to be apart of those selected to take part on this prestigious trip,” he said.

Ms Sanders will depart for China on Friday.