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 Dekoda navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Dekoda Jackson
Category: Sport & Elite Competitions
School: Coonamble High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Medicine or Nursing
Achievements
- Operations Manager of the Bovine Appreciation Club (BAC) at Coonamble High School, leading the BAC leadership program.
- Recipient of the Coonamble Young Woman Competition Award.
- Completed a Certificate III in Retail Services at TAFE NSW while in Year 10 and 11.
- Worked at Nutrien Ag Solutions Coonamble, Halcroft and Bennett Coonamble, and Coonamble Aged Care Centre ‘Koonabil.’
What makes Dekoda a Trailblazer?
Dekoda is a Trailblazer who has made a significant impact in the bovine industry and beyond. As the Operations Manager of the Bovine Appreciation Club (BAC) at Coonamble High School, Dekoda has dedicated countless hours to the growth and success of the club. Her passion for cattle and the industry has driven her commitment to training younger students and even older teachers, as well as participating in statewide cattle shows across New South Wales.
To attain the position of Operations Manager, Dekoda went through a rigorous selection process that involved interviews, resumes, and hard work in the yards and office. Throughout this journey, she not only deepened her knowledge of cattle and the industry but also developed essential skills in teamwork, confidence, and organisation. Dekoda’s dedication to the BAC showcases her leadership abilities and her determination to make a difference within her community.
Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of family members and the struggles associated with mental health issues, Dekoda has demonstrated remarkable resilience and perseverance. She managed her commitments at school, worked on her family farm alongside her father, and pursued a Certificate III in Retail Services at TAFE NSW. Her ability to overcome these obstacles while maintaining her dedication to the BAC highlights her strength of character and determination to succeed.
Looking ahead, Dekoda plans to pursue a career in medicine or nursing. With her experiences in leadership, teamwork, and community involvement, she possesses a strong foundation to make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. Dekoda’s commitment to her education, extracurricular activities, and community service, including her involvement in the Coonamble Netball Association as President, showcases her well-roundedness and ability to excel in various areas.
Dekoda’s unwavering commitment to the bovine industry, her leadership in the Bovine Appreciation Club, and her dedication to her community make her a true trailblazer. Her resilience in the face of challenges and her ability to balance multiple commitments demonstrate her exceptional work ethic and determination. With her passion for helping others and her aspirations in medicine or nursing, Dekoda is poised to leave a lasting impact and pave the way for future generations.
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.
