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 Karina Maya navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Karina Maya
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: Ulladulla High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Profiler, Human Rights Lawyer
Achievements
- Attained the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and continued onto the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
- Organised a fundraiser and toy collection for children with cancer in Nepal, raising $1000 and collecting 100 toys for Cancer Hospital Nepal and Kanti Children’s Hospital Oncology Ward.
- Dedicated 25 hours towards a Slow vs Fast Fashion Panel, raising awareness about sustainable fashion in the local community.
- Head of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Ulladulla High School.
- Member of the 2023 Shoalhaven Youth Advisory Council and youth member of Amnesty International.
What makes Karina a Trailblazer?
Karina is a passionate individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to social impact and change. One of her most significant achievements is the attainment of the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, followed by her commitment to pursue the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. This recognition showcases Karina’s determination to challenge herself and make a positive difference in the world.
During the completion of her Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, Karina embarked on a heartfelt endeavour to support children with cancer in Nepal. Collaborating with her brother and their local community, they organised a successful fundraiser and toy collection, raising $1000 and collecting 100 toys. The funds were donated to Cancer Hospital Nepal and Kanti Children’s Hospital Oncology Ward, providing much-needed resources and bringing smiles to the faces of young patients. Karina’s initiative and compassion are evident in her efforts to contribute to the well-being of those in need.
Furthermore, Karina’s commitment to sustainable fashion and environmental awareness is evident in her involvement with the Slow vs Fast Fashion Panel. Organising this event and raising awareness about the consequences of fast fashion consumption reflects Karina’s leadership skills and her ability to inspire positive change in her local community.
Karina’s active engagement as the head of the Student Representative Council (SRC) at Ulladulla High School demonstrates her dedication to advocating for the needs and interests of her fellow students. Her role as a student leader allows her to voice concerns, initiate projects, and foster a sense of community among her peers.
Despite personal hardships, including the loss of a classmate and the subsequent impact on her mental health, Karina has shown resilience and determination. Through her involvement in various extracurricular activities and her pursuit of academic excellence, she has proven her ability to manage multiple demanding tasks simultaneously and accomplish her goals.
Looking ahead, Karina aspires to pursue a career as a Profiler, studying a double degree in Criminology and Psychology. Her strong interest in human rights further motivates her to pursue a law degree and work for organisations such as ASRC or Amnesty International. Karina’s passion for justice and her desire to make a difference in the lives of marginalised individuals highlight her trailblazing spirit.
Karina’s commitment to social impact, her resilience in the face of challenges, and her dedication to creating positive change make her an inspiring Trailblazer. Her ability to organise impactful fundraisers, raise awareness about important issues, and advocate for the well-being of her peers sets her apart as a role model. With her diverse skill set and unwavering determination, Karina is destined to make a significant impact in the field of social impact and change.
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.
