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 Blair navigated his senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Blair Southam
Category: Arts & Music
School: Toronto High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Teaching
Achievements
- Elected as a school leader – school prefect.
- Volunteer weekly as a swim club marshal, supporting and welcoming swimmers aged 7-17 years.
- Bronze Duke of Edinburgh participant (3/4 completed).
- Level 6 trumpet player and member of the stage band.
- State-level swimmer with up to 12 hours of training per week.
- Represented Australia in the International Children’s Games.
What makes Blair a Trailblazer?
Blair is a remarkable individual who embodies the qualities of leadership, commitment, and community engagement. As a school prefect, Blair was elected by peers and teachers, showcasing their trust and recognition of his outstanding qualities. His role as a school leader allows him to make a positive impact on the school community, advocating for the needs and interests of his fellow students.
Blair’s dedication to community service is evident through his volunteer work as a swim club marshal. For two hours each week, Blair takes on the responsibility of welcoming and assisting swimmers of different age groups, ensuring the smooth running of racing events. Through his role, Blair demonstrates strong leadership skills, initiative, and inclusivity, acting as a mentor to younger swimmers.
In addition to his leadership and community engagement, Blair has excelled in various areas of personal development. As a participant in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh program, Blair has completed three-quarters of the requirements and is set to achieve the prestigious award soon. This program has allowed Blair to challenge himself, develop resilience, and cultivate valuable life skills.
Blair’s musical talent shines through his dedication to playing the trumpet. With weekly music lessons and active participation in the school’s stage band, Blair showcases his creativity, discipline, and commitment to artistic expression. Similarly, his achievements as a state-level swimmer reflect his passion for sports, perseverance, and determination to excel in his chosen discipline.
The international stage is no stranger to Blair. Representing Australia in the International Children’s Games is a testament to his exceptional skills and commitment to athletic excellence. Competing as part of the team in Ufa, Russia, in 2019 and being selected for the Hungary competition in 2020, Blair has showcased his abilities on a global platform, inspiring others through his achievements.
Beyond his athletic and leadership pursuits, Blair’s dedication to making a positive impact extends to teaching. Having completed work experience as a swim teacher, Blair displayed a natural aptitude for teaching and received the opportunity to lead his own classes. His experience in this field further solidifies his aspiration to pursue a career in teaching, where he can make a lasting impact on the lives of future generations.
Despite facing challenges such as aquagenic urticaria and undergoing bilateral eye surgery, Blair remains resilient and determined to overcome obstacles. He manages his health conditions while still pursuing his passions and contributing to his community. This resilience serves as an inspiration to others, showing that setbacks can be overcome with determination and a positive mindset.
Blair’s dedication to leadership, community engagement, and personal development makes them a true Trailblazer. His commitment to volunteering, coupled with his exceptional leadership skills, showcases his ability to motivate and inspire others. Blair’s diverse range of achievements in music, sports, and teaching reflects his well-rounded personality and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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.
