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 Kaira navigated their senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Kaira Kapur
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: St. Aidan’s Anglican Girls School
State: QLD
Career Aspiration: Within the human services sector
Achievements
- Awarded the Griffith University Spark Award in Year 11 for leadership skills, community service, and environmental mindfulness.
- Advocated for LGBTQIA+ rights, establishing a GSA at school and collaborating with the education leadership team to create a safer space for LGBTQIA+ students. Engaged in advocacy outside of school for inclusive curricula and safe spaces in schools through the Queensland Youth Strategy Engagement Group.
- Organised a successful fundraiser, the Push-Up Challenge, raising over $3000 for Lifeline Australia and suicide prevention. Promoted mental health awareness and participation in the challenge through presentations at school assemblies and year level meetings.
- Elected as the Youth Member for Miller in the Queensland Youth Parliament, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health healthcare, and disability rights. Collaborated with MPs and stakeholders to address important community issues and influence policy decisions.
- Contributed to the development of the next Queensland Youth Strategy as a member of the Queensland Youth Strategy Engagement Group, increasing youth engagement and promoting diverse responses through in-person consultations and social media promotion.
What makes Kaira a Trailblazer?
Kaira is an exceptional Trailblazer who has shown unwavering dedication to creating positive change in her community. Their commitment to advocacy and leadership has made a significant impact both inside and outside of school.
As an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Kaira has spearheaded initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. They established a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at their school and collaborated with the education leadership team to implement measures such as using pronouns and preferred names, developing gender-inclusive uniform options, and reviewing the curriculum to address LGBTQIA+ issues. Kaira’s advocacy has resulted in annual pride celebrations at their school, promoting diversity and raising funds for LGBTQIA+ charities.
In the realm of mental health advocacy, Kaira’s efforts have been remarkable. They successfully organised a fundraiser, the Push-Up Challenge, to support suicide prevention. Despite initial challenges, Kaira’s perseverance and community engagement skills allowed them to gain approval and raise over $3000. They have also shared their knowledge and experiences at school assemblies and year level meetings, spreading awareness and encouraging participation in mental health initiatives. Volunteering as a ReachOut content reviewer further showcases Kaira’s commitment to ensuring the availability of quality mental health resources.
Kaira’s involvement in the Queensland Youth Parliament has provided a platform to advocate for various social justice causes. They have been a vocal proponent of LGBTQIA+ rights, mental health healthcare, and disability rights. Their dedication to research, collaboration with MPs, and community engagement has made a lasting impact on policy discussions and decisions.
As a member of the Student Representative Council, Kaira has advocated for important changes within their school, including the introduction of a psychologist, consent education, and increased opportunities for arts and humanities students. Their active participation in extracurricular activities such as music, sports, and clubs showcases their diverse skill set and passion for personal growth.
Kaira’s commitment to community engagement has been pivotal in their achievements. They have developed skills in public speaking, research, marketing, and appealing to the public, enabling them to create change on a mass scale. Their dedication to making a difference, despite personal challenges and struggles with mental health, highlights their resilience and determination.
With their passion for social justice and community advocacy, Kaira aspires to pursue a career in the human services sector. Whether as a psychologist, policy advisor, social worker, or in other roles, Kaira’s goal is to continue making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Kaira’s exceptional leadership, advocacy, and community engagement skills position them as a true trailblazer. Their efforts to create safe spaces, promote mental health awareness, and fight for equality demonstrate their visionary mindset and unwavering commitment to social impact. Kaira’s ability to overcome challenges and their dedication to uplifting others make them an inspiration for their peers and a deserving member of 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.
