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 Mia navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Mia Wilkinson
Category: Science & Technology
School: Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Architecture, Engineering, Software & Hardware Technology, Multimedia, Art, and Music
Achievements
- Australian Defence Force 2022 Future Innovators award: Mia received this prestigious award for her exceptional performance in STEM subjects. Presented by the Department of Defence, the award recognizes bright Australian students who excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. Mia’s achievement in this award earned her a certificate and a $250 cash prize.
- Selling her body of work in Visual Arts: Mia’s talent in visual arts led to the sale of her artwork for $500, demonstrating her skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
What makes Mia a Trailblazer?
Mia’s achievements have had a significant impact on her educational journey. Selling her artwork allowed her to invest in her personal and academic growth. With the proceeds, Mia was able to take fourteen units in Year 11 and secured a 50% scholarship through an entrance exam and portfolio. This enabled her to explore various areas of interest, including online courses, materials, and other opportunities that enhanced her learning experience. She topped subjects like Information Software Technology, Visual Art, Music, and excelled in science and maths.
Throughout her academic journey, Mia actively engaged in STEM-based opportunities and created projects, such as the Idea Book, to bring innovation to her school. These experiences broadened her horizons and developed skills in website development and business creation, setting her up for future success in pursuing her passions.
Despite facing challenges, including a learning difficulty related to input processing, Mia’s resilience and perseverance allowed her to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. Balancing numerous commitments while pursuing excellence in Year 11 demanded dedication and determination, qualities that Mia possesses in abundance.
With her broad range of interests and skills, Mia aspires to make a mark in various industries, including Architecture, Engineering, Software & Hardware Technology, Multimedia, Art, and Music. Her thirst for knowledge and love of learning drive her to create her own opportunities in these fields.
In addition to her academic achievements, Mia has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities. She has held positions such as Sports Captain and School Captain, showcasing her ability to inspire and motivate her peers. Mia’s involvement in a diverse range of extracurricular activities, from music ensembles to robotics clubs, highlights her passion for exploration and growth.
Mia’s dedication extends beyond her school community. She has gained valuable work experience, starting early in her career. From her position as a casual Sales Associate at Caseway, where she repaired and fixed various devices, to her current role at EB Games, selling gaming supplies and technology-related products, Mia has honed her customer service and technical skills. She also contributes to Simtech Creations, where she engages in computer art, animations, and marketing tasks, supporting the company’s LED displays worldwide.
With her outstanding achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to personal growth, Mia is a true Trailblazer in the field of Science & Technology. Her passion for innovation, resilience in the face of challenges, and commitment to making a positive impact set her apart as an inspiring role model. As Mia continues her academic journey and pursues her dream of attending the University of New South Wales, she will undoubtedly seize every opportunity that comes her way, leaving a lasting impact on the industries she chooses to explore.
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.
