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 Darcy navigated his senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Darcy Oates
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: St. Augustine’s College
State: QLD
Career Aspiration: International Security Studies/Economics
Achievements
- Elected as the 2023 Member for Barron River in the Queensland Youth Parliament, showcasing dedication to community engagement and civic leadership.
- Actively contributed to the development of a bill addressing the negative impacts of advertising junk food to children as a member of the Health Portfolio.
- Held leadership positions such as Public Speaking Captain, Relay For Life Team Captain, and Debating team member, displaying strong leadership skills and commitment to their school community.
- Participated in work experience at Queensland X-Ray and the Office of the Honourable Warren Entsch MP, gaining valuable insights into healthcare and politics.
What makes Darcy a Trailblazer?
Darcy is a remarkable individual who exemplifies the qualities of a true Trailblazer. Earning the prestigious role of the 2023 Member for Barron River in the Queensland Youth Parliament through a rigorous selection process showcases Darcy’s dedication to community engagement and making a positive impact.
As a member of the Health Portfolio, Darcy actively contributed to the development of a bill aimed at reducing the negative effects of advertising junk food to children. Through collaboration with community groups and local stakeholders, Darcy ensured that diverse perspectives from the local community were incorporated into the bill. This experience has taught Darcy the power of cooperation and understanding different viewpoints, which will undoubtedly be invaluable in his future career in international security studies.
Facing personal challenges is an integral part of Darcy’s journey. Overcoming mental health challenges and fear of failure during Grade 12 demonstrates his resilience and determination to succeed. These experiences have shaped Darcy into a resilient and adaptable individual, ready to tackle any obstacles that may arise.
Darcy’s involvement in various leadership roles and extracurricular activities further illustrates his commitment to making a difference. As Public Speaking Captain, SRC member, Relay For Life Team Captain, and Debating team member, Darcy has consistently showcased their leadership skills and dedication to their school community.
Outside of school, Darcy’s accomplishments extend to diverse areas. As a Sailing Instructor at the Cairns Yacht Club, he has imparted his skills and knowledge to others. Winning the CQU Business Challenge regional competition highlights Darcy’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to excel in competitive environments. Additionally, his representation of UN Youth Queensland at the National Conference and involvement as a Youth Liaison during the Federal Election Campaign demonstrate his passion for civic engagement and political advocacy.
Darcy’s work experience at Queensland X-Ray and the Office of the Honourable Warren Entsch MP further illustrates his proactive approach to learning and gaining real-world experiences. These opportunities allowed Darcy to observe and contribute to important processes in healthcare and politics.
With aspirations in the fields of International Security Studies and Economics, Darcy’s passion for creating positive change aligns with his chosen career path. By combining these two areas of interest, Darcy aims to make a significant impact on a global scale.
Darcy’s dedication to community engagement, leadership abilities, and commitment to personal growth make him a true Trailblazer. His involvement in shaping legislation, overcoming personal challenges, and excelling in various pursuits exemplifies his potential to create positive change in the world. Darcy’s journey serves as an inspiration to others, and his diverse skill set positions him among our Top 50 Trailblazers!
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.
