ROSEWOOD State High School students have entered the Community Service Phase of the Kokoda Foundation Challenge.

This means they will take part in community service activities in the local community during the next few months.

The program will culminate in a “peak experience” trip to Cairns in September where the students will be involved in cultural activities, while enjoying the beauty of the environment.

The Community Service “act of kindness” is phase two of the Kokoda Foundation Challenge and the students are under the guidance of Rosewood Police OIC Sgt Travis Ehrich and members of the Kokoda Foundation.

It follows on from July 15, when Sgt Travis Ehrich and Rosewood high students crossed the finish line of the 48-kilometre Kokoda challenge.

“On July 15, I met with the students and members of the Kokoda Foundation in the Numinbah Valley to complete the gruelling 48-kilometre challenge,” Sgt Ehrich said.

“This was the culmination of many weeks of training sessions which involved hikes through Spicers Hidden Vale and leadership activities.

“The team climbed in excess of 2,000 vertical miles and 48 kilometres of rugged tracks, where at times they experienced extreme challenges, injury and fatigue.

“As support, the parents of the students and partners of the leaders met the team at designated checkpoints with hot food and treatment for blisters and sprains.

“The students proved to themselves that through sheer determination they could overcome challenges and the teamwork and leadership displayed by each of them was exceptional.

“These young persons are on their way to developing into future leaders within their school and the community and now throughout phase two the students will lend their assistance to various non-for-profit organisations in Rosewood, while giving back to the community.

“As the Officer in Charge at the Rosewood Police Station I feel very fortunate to be given the opportunity to complete the course alongside these inspirational Kokoda kids, whilst getting to know them and their families.

“I have witnessed them grow in confidence and leadership skills, which provides me with a sense of satisfaction that these young people will rise to tough challenges if they are given an opportunity.

“Also, I am very impressed with the professionalism and care demonstrated by the staff of Rosewood High, and also the members of the Kokoda Foundation during the course.”

Successful participants will graduate from this program on October 5, this year.