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 Kaelyn navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Kaelyn Lai
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: Cheltenham Girls’ High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Finance, Business
Achievements
- Represented Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and fundraised $2260 by running 14km in the 2022 City2Surf to support brain and nervous system disorder research.
- Shaved her head for the World’s Greatest Shave, raising $2600 for the Leukaemia Foundation.
- Worked over 450 hours in part-time jobs, including being a piano teacher and working at a tutoring centre, a café, and a sushi bar.
- Received two Principal’s Awards for volunteering at her school, participated in leadership roles as an SRC Representative, Cloud 9 Leader and Representative, and Green Team Representative.
- Volunteered at the local Rotary Club Bookshop and contributed more than 60 hours of volunteer work.
- Accepted into the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy, gaining insights into finance, investment banking, and global markets.
What makes Kaelyn a Trailblazer?
Kaelyn is a dedicated individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to making a positive impact in her community. One of her most significant achievements includes representing Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and organising a fundraising event. By running 14km in the 2022 City2Surf, she raised an impressive $2260 to support research on brain and nervous system disorders. Kaelyn’s passion for this cause is deeply personal as her grandfather suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Her contribution to NeuRA’s groundbreaking research earned her the prestigious Certificate of Impact.
In addition to her involvement with NeuRA, Kaelyn has actively participated in various fundraising initiatives. She fearlessly shaved her head for the World’s Greatest Shave, raising $2600 for the Leukaemia Foundation. Her selflessness and dedication to supporting important causes are evident in her tireless efforts to make a difference.
Balancing her commitments as a student, Kaelyn has shown tremendous work ethic by working over 450 hours in part-time jobs. As a piano teacher, she imparts her musical knowledge and shares her passion with young students. Additionally, she has gained valuable experience working at a tutoring centre, a café, and a sushi bar, demonstrating her versatility and determination.
Kaelyn’s leadership skills shine through her involvement in various roles within her school. As an SRC Representative, Cloud 9 Leader and Representative, and Green Team Representative, she actively engages in projects and initiatives that promote mental health, well-being, and environmental sustainability. Her contributions to events like R U OK? Day, Harmony Day, and Clean Up Australia Day have had a positive impact on the school and wider community. Kaelyn’s ability to collaborate with diverse groups and lead by example has made her an influential figure among her peers.
Furthermore, Kaelyn’s dedication to personal growth and development led to her acceptance into the UBS Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Through this program, she gained invaluable insights into the world of finance, investment banking, and global markets. This experience has equipped her with a deeper understanding of the industry and the skills necessary to thrive in a competitive environment.
Despite facing personal challenges, including financial hardship and balancing numerous responsibilities, Kaelyn remains resilient and determined to make a positive impact. Her ability to overcome obstacles and prioritise her studies while actively engaging in extracurricular activities is a testament to her strong character and unwavering commitment.
With her exceptional achievements, leadership roles, and dedication to social impact, Kaelyn stands out as a Trailblazer. Her fundraising efforts, volunteering endeavours, and commitment to personal growth make her a role model for others. Kaelyn’s passion for making a difference in the lives of others, combined with her diverse skill set and dedication, sets her on a trajectory for success in the field of finance and beyond. Kaelyn 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
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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.
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