What are the Trailblazer Awards?
The Trailblazer Awards celebrates Year 11 and Year 12 students beyond their ATAR, recognising those who have overcome personal challenges and used their final year of school to positively impact their community.
Our Trailblazers will have the opportunity to build their personal brand and profile as a future leader, learn how to successfully apply for Early Entry, Scholarships, Co-Op, and Cadetships Opportunities, and so much more!
Find out how Amy navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Amy Padmore
Category: Sport & Elite Competitions
School: Danebank
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Sports medicine/physiotherapy with children or elite athletes
Achievements
- Voted in as NSW State Dragon Boating Captain
- Led her team of nearly 40 members to win a clean sweep of gold at the National Championships
- Mentored and motivated younger paddlers, helping them improve their technique, strength, and confidence
- Developed a strong team dynamic through leadership initiatives such as team bonding events, chants, and friendship bracelets
What makes Amy a Trailblazer?
Amy is an exceptional young woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and a passion for sports, particularly in the field of dragon boating. As the voted NSW State Dragon Boating Captain, Amy led her team to an impressive victory, securing gold in all divisions at the National Championships.
Amy’s leadership journey began with the responsibility of leading a diverse team of nearly 40 members, ranging in age and coming from different locations. Through her humble, responsible, and kind approach, Amy effectively motivated and guided her teammates, ensuring safe boat handling both on land and in the water. She actively mentored younger girls, empowering them to become future trailblazers in the sport.
One of Amy’s key contributions to the team’s success was her ability to foster a strong team dynamic. Together with her male co-captain, she organised various initiatives to create unity and cohesion within the team. From team playlists and bonding events to chants and friendship bracelets, Amy ensured that every member, regardless of gender or age, felt a sense of belonging and camaraderie. This collective spirit and strong team bond undoubtedly played a significant role in their victory.
Amy’s leadership experience in dragon boating has not only developed her skills in motivating and leading diverse groups but has also highlighted the importance of strong female leaders in traditionally male-dominated industries. As a young woman excelling in a competitive sport, Amy serves as an inspiring role model for other girls, demonstrating that they too can break barriers and achieve greatness.
Despite the demanding training schedule and numerous commitments, Amy has shown remarkable time management skills. Balancing her academic pursuits, extension subjects, dragon boating training, volunteering, part-time job, and social commitments has been a challenge, but Amy’s dedication and perseverance have allowed her to strike a balance and excel in all areas of her life.
Looking towards the future, Amy intends to utilise her academic gifts and passion for sports in the medical field, particularly sports medicine/physiotherapy with children or elite athletes. Her experience in dragon boating, coupled with her interest in helping others, make her a perfect candidate to make a significant impact in the field.
In addition to her accomplishments in dragon boating, Amy has been actively involved in her school and community. From serving as an SRC representative to being a School Prefect and Vice Captain, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to leadership and making a positive difference. Her participation in extracurricular activities such as Duke of Ed, SIC and FOCUS (Christian lunchtime group), public speaking, peer support leading, and chapel band further highlights her diverse skill set and dedication to personal growth.
While Amy may not have extensive work experience, she has been an enthusiastic volunteer in various capacities, including leading kids ministry at her church and assisting at her grandmother’s nursing home. Her part-time job at Rebel Sports allows her to combine her passion for sports with her knowledge to help others pursue their physical activities.
Amy’s exceptional leadership skills, dedication to her sport, and commitment to making a positive impact make her a true trailblazer. Her ability to motivate and inspire others, particularly young girls, sets her apart as a role model within the dragon boating community. With her passion for sports medicine and her unwavering determination, Amy is poised to achieve remarkable success and continue blazing a trail in her chosen field.
The Top 50 Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazer Awards
The Trailblazer Awards aim to identify and celebrate students who use their final years of school to invest holistically in the skills and experiences that will maximise their own future opportunities and make a contribution to the future of our society.
Our winners for the Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazer Awards have demonstrated initiative in volunteering for their school or community, have participated in co-curricular activities, and have held leadership positions within their schools.
Learn more about who placed in the Top 50 Year 11 and Year 12 Trailblazers here!
About Art of Smart Education
At Art of Smart Education, we’re an award-winning provider of holistic tutoring and mentoring for students in years K-12. Our mission is to help students answer the difficult question, “What am I going to do with my life when I finish school, and how do I get there?”
We understand that true success involves mastering study, career and leadership skills while maintaining your wellbeing, not just excelling in academics and as a result, over the last decade, we’ve supported over 10,000 students to achieve their best and maximise their options for life after school.
Each year over one million young Australians, parents, and teachers access our guides, videos and resources to navigate the journey through high school.
