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 Jessica navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Jessica Kowalski
Category: Sport & Elite Competitions
School: Maitland High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Pharmacist and Researcher
Achievements
- National Champion in senior waltz tap, tap ensemble, speed tap, variety, and entertainment (cabaret jazz) at the Lakeside Dance Challenge 2022.
- Runner-up overall senior national tap champion and recipient of the overall performance award at the Lakeside Dance Challenge 2022.
- Runner-up national champion in senior speed tap and slow tap, and 3rd place national champion in senior waltz tap at the Showcase Australian Dance Championships 2023.
- Runner-up overall national champion in the senior age division at Showcase Australian Dance Championships 2023.
- Qualified to compete in the elite division in nine different sections at the regional dance competition.
What makes Jessica a Trailblazer?
Jessica is a shining example of a Trailblazer who has excelled in the world of dance. Throughout the last two years, Jessica has demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication by competing as a soloist in national dance competitions, leaving an indelible mark in the world of tap dancing and cabaret jazz.
At the Lakeside Dance Challenge 2022, Jessica’s exceptional skills and passion for dance were recognised as she secured the title of National Champion in various categories, including senior waltz tap, tap ensemble, speed tap, variety, and entertainment (cabaret jazz). Her captivating performances earned her the runner-up position for the overall senior national tap champion and the prestigious overall performance award, which recognised her as the most entertaining performer of the entire competition.
Continuing her success at the Showcase Australian Dance Championships 2023, Jessica once again showcased her artistry and skill, achieving runner-up national champion in senior speed tap and slow tap, as well as securing the 3rd place national champion title in senior waltz tap. Her outstanding performance throughout the competition garnered her the runner-up overall national champion in the highly competitive senior age division, where she achieved the second-highest score among 271 acts from across the country in all dance styles.
Jessica’s dedication to dance extends beyond competitions. Her commitment to training, choreography, and constant improvement has been unwavering. She undergoes rigorous daily training, including private coaching, independent practice, and strength training. Whether revising past performance videos, perfecting movements in front of a mirror, or crafting her own choreography, Jessica’s determination and discipline shine through. Her journey in dance has taught her resilience, a quality that will undoubtedly propel her forward in various aspects of life, including her pursuit of academic excellence, personal challenges, and her future professional career.
Despite facing significant personal challenges, such as her mother’s recent breast cancer diagnosis, Jessica has shown remarkable strength and perseverance. Being her mother’s sole support and experiencing the absence of her presence at dance competitions, Jessica has learned to navigate adversity with grace and determination. Her ability to remain focused on her goals amidst difficult circumstances is a testament to her resilience and unwavering spirit.
Beyond her accomplishments in dance, Jessica actively contributes to her school community as a school prefect, assisting with various activities such as canteen duties and running school assemblies. She has also showcased her talent in music performances and participated in her school’s representative dance troupe, including notable appearances in events like Starstruck. Furthermore, Jessica’s dedication to teaching dance as a dance teacher and maths tutor has allowed her to not only share her expertise but also positively impact the lives of her students as a role model.
Looking ahead, Jessica aims to pursue a career as a pharmacist, with aspirations to delve into research and potentially contribute to finding a cure for cancer. Her determination, intellectual prowess, and compassionate nature make her an ideal candidate for this noble pursuit. By combining her passion for dance, academic excellence, and desire to make a difference in the lives of others, Jessica Kowalski is poised to become a trailblazer in the field of pharmacy.
Jessica’s remarkable achievements in dance, unwavering resilience, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community demonstrate her trailblazing spirit. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to overcome challenges with grace make her an inspiration to those around her. With her exceptional talent, determination, and compassionate heart, Jessica Kowalski rightfully earns 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.
