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 Ella navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Ella Maryska
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: NBSC Manly Selective
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Allied health or medicine
Achievements
- Queen’s Scout Award: Ella achieved the highest youth award in the Commonwealth realms, demonstrating her commitment to all-rounded personal growth. The award encompassed components such as vocations, skills, leadership, unit management, the environment, outdoors, first aid, and a minimum of 40 hours of voluntary service.
- Volunteer at Seaforth Public School’s Kitchen Program: Ella dedicates her time to inspire healthy eating and essential life skills among Year 3-6 students. She assists in cooking sessions, interprets recipes, provides advice, and ensures a safe and respectful environment. Ella has volunteered approximately 55 hours and continues to make a positive impact.
- Volunteer at ZOOniverse: As an international citizen scientist, Ella contributed over 1,000 classifications to assist researchers in validating their results. She counted wildlife, including petrels and polar bears, in the Arctic Circle of Antarctica, investing approximately 36 hours of her time.
What makes Ella a Trailblazer?
Ella is a young Trailblazer who exemplifies the qualities of service, leadership, and a passion for making a difference in her community. Her achievements and contributions reflect her dedication to personal growth and shaping a brighter future.
Ella’s attainment of the prestigious Queen’s Scout Award showcases her commitment to all-rounded development. Through this accomplishment, she participated in a range of specialist activities, including leadership and environment courses. This broad perspective equips Ella with valuable skills, such as resilience and problem-solving, which will undoubtedly contribute to her future success in the field of allied health or medicine.
One of Ella’s notable volunteer commitments is at Seaforth Public School’s Kitchen Program. Every Wednesday afternoon, she devotes her time to inspire healthy eating habits and teach essential cooking skills to younger students. By fostering their creativity and confidence in the kitchen, Ella empowers these students to explore new flavours and expand their culinary horizons. Her leadership and communication skills shine as she guides and supports the students, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment.
In addition to her involvement at the Kitchen Program, Ella has demonstrated her commitment to scientific research and environmental conservation through her volunteer work at ZOOniverse. By contributing over 1,000 classifications, she has played a crucial role in helping scientists validate their results. Ella’s dedication to this cause highlights her passion for understanding and protecting our natural world.
Ella’s commitment to service and leadership extends beyond her volunteer work. She has held various leadership positions, including being the leader of the Art Club, where she encourages students to explore their creative capabilities. Ella’s responsibilities involve planning effective sessions, securing funding, and leading classes that promote socialising and interconnectedness within the school community.
Outside of school, Ella is actively involved in sports and extracurricular activities that develop her teamwork and communication skills. Her participation in netball as a player, umpire, and umpire mentor for the Seaforth Netball Club showcases her commitment to fair play and fostering a supportive environment for younger players. Additionally, Ella’s involvement in Venturer Scouts, her own allergen-friendly cookie business, and her representation in ANZAC Day marches reflect her dedication to community engagement and personal growth.
Ella’s determination to maintain a school-life balance and her effective time management skills are noteworthy. By engaging in a range of activities, including AFL, tutoring, work at Mrs Jones the Baker, aerial silks, surfing, bouldering, and yoga, she demonstrates her ability to excel academically while pursuing her passions and maintaining a fulfilling lifestyle.
Working at Mrs Jones the Baker for three years has provided Ella with essential customer relations skills and leadership opportunities. Her role in customer service and training new employees has fostered a sense of community, allowing her to connect with regular customers and develop strong communication skills.
Ella’s dedication to service, leadership, and personal growth sets her apart as a Trailblazer. Her commitment to volunteering, whether it’s inspiring healthy eating habits or contributing to scientific research, showcases her compassion and drive to make a positive impact. With her wide range of experiences, from Scouts to sports and entrepreneurship, Ella embodies the values of community engagement, teamwork, and personal development.
As Ella aspires to pursue a career in allied health or medicine, her exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills will undoubtedly contribute to her success in the field. Ella Maryska rightfully earns her place among our Top 50 Trailblazers, inspiring others with her dedication, resilience, and passion for making a difference.
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
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