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 Severin
Category: Sport & Elite Competitions
School: New England Girls School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Sports Science
Achievements
- Represented her club in the Division 1 competition of the U18 State Championships in 2022, just 8 months after major heart complications.
- Developed exceptional mental strength and discipline during her recovery period, which helped her regain her physical fitness and excel in her sport.
- Overcame Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and managed to continue her academic and athletic pursuits.
- Engaged in various extracurricular activities, including being a prefect at her school, participating in field hockey, managing the school’s café, and actively participating in charity events.
What makes Ella a Trailblazer?
Ella is an inspiring individual who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of adversity. After experiencing major heart complications, Ella made an impressive comeback by representing her club in the Division 1 competition of the U18 State Championships just 8 months later. This achievement marked a significant turning point for her, as she overcame the challenges that threatened to derail her hockey career and future prospects.
Ella’s journey to recovery was a true test of mental strength and discipline. After months of physical inactivity, she had to rebuild her cardiovascular fitness and regain the muscle required to excel in her sport. The frustration and exhaustion she faced during this process would have worn down the spirit of many, but Ella’s unwavering determination and the support of her teammates, coach, and teachers kept her going. Through her experience, she learned the meaning of discipline as a muscle, strengthening her mental fortitude and resilience.
In addition to her remarkable athletic achievements, Ella has also triumphed over health challenges. In Year 11, she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) post-COVID, which led to a prolonged hospitalisation and disrupted her academic progress. Despite these setbacks, Ella persevered, managing her condition while actively engaging in her studies and extracurricular pursuits.
Ella’s passion for sports and her personal journey have fuelled her aspirations in the field of Sports Science. Through her own experiences and the lessons learned along the way, she seeks to support and inspire other athletes or individuals facing similar circumstances. Her increased mental strength and discipline have not only set her up for future success but have also equipped her with the tools to provide valuable support and guidance to others.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Ella actively participates in various extracurricular activities. As a prefect at her school, she specialises in sporting and co-curricular activities, demonstrating her leadership skills and dedication to her peers. Ella’s involvement in field hockey, her successful management of the school’s café, and her participation in charity events further exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Ella’s ability to overcome challenges, develop mental strength, and pursue her passions make her a true Trailblazer. Her remarkable recovery from major heart complications and her unwavering commitment to her athletic and academic pursuits serve as an inspiration to others. Ella’s resilience, discipline, and dedication to helping others make her a role model within her school and the wider community. As she continues to pursue her career in Sports Science, Ella Severin undoubtedly deserves her place 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.
