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 Meika Lindsay navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Meika Lindsay
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: Karabar High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Primary School Teacher and Australian Politics
Achievements
- Youth Advocate for the NSW government:
- Appointed as one of 12 members of the 2021 & 2022 NSW Youth Advisory Council.
- Selected as one of 18 members of the 2023 NSW Regional Youth Taskforce.
- Contributed to the current K-12 curriculum reform with NESA and the Minister for Education.
- Participated in anti-bullying round tables to make all NSW schools safer.
- Served as a panel member for Save the Children Australia NAIDOC event and the NSW Rural South and West Principal’s Conference.
- Established a Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to give Aboriginal students a voice in their education.
What makes Meika a Trailblazer?
Meika is an exceptional individual who has made a significant impact on the lives of children and young people as a Youth Advocate for the NSW government. Her appointment to the NSW Youth Advisory Council and the NSW Regional Youth Taskforce reflects her dedication and passion for driving positive change in various key areas.
Through her involvement in the K-12 curriculum reform, Meika has contributed to shaping the educational landscape in NSW, ensuring that students acquire the necessary skills for the future. Her active participation in anti-bullying initiatives highlights her commitment to creating safer school environments.
Meika’s role as a panel member for Save the Children Australia NAIDOC event and the NSW Rural South and West Principal’s Conference showcases her advocacy for children to have a voice in their education. Her establishment of the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group demonstrates her commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing Aboriginal students with a culturally inclusive education.
Balancing her Youth Advocate responsibilities with her studies has been Meika’s greatest challenge. Despite facing obstacles such as frequent travel and teacher shortages, she has persevered by implementing a rigid study plan and utilising quality educational resources. This resilience and determination exemplify Meika’s trailblazing spirit.
In addition to her Youth Advocate role, Meika has actively engaged in various leadership activities within her school. As Vice Captain, President of the Junior Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Peer Support Leader, and Student Mentor, she has showcased her leadership skills and commitment to supporting her peers.
Meika’s wide-ranging involvement, including participating in debating competitions, the choral festival, essay writing competitions, and mathematics competitions, reflects her enthusiasm for personal growth and development.
Furthermore, her extensive work experience in the hospitality industry, including The Australian National Press Club and Coyote Catering, has equipped her with practical skills and allowed her to cater to prestigious clients, demonstrating her professionalism and versatility.
Looking ahead, Meika aspires to become a primary school teacher and potentially venture into Australian politics. Her passion for education and her advocacy work have laid a strong foundation for her future career goals. With her exceptional communication skills, leadership abilities, and dedication to social impact, Meika Lindsay is a true Trailblazer who will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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.
