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 Patrick navigated his senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Patrick Cooper
Category: Arts & Music
School: Orange High School
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Finance
Achievements
- Selected as a featured dancer for the NSW School Spectacular.
- Participated in multiple full-day rehearsals leading up to the show, followed by three days of performing the show.
What makes Patrick a Trailblazer?
Patrick, a talented individual from Orange High School, has made remarkable strides in the field of dance, earning him the title of a Trailblazer. Patrick’s passion and dedication to his craft led to his selection as a featured dancer for the prestigious NSW School Spectacular.
Participating in the School Spectacular required Patrick to attend multiple gruelling six-hour rehearsals leading up to the show. Additionally, during the week of performance, he had three full days of rehearsals followed by three days of live performances. Patrick’s commitment to honing his skills and delivering outstanding performances showcased his determination and unwavering work ethic.
What sets Patrick apart as a Trailblazer is his ability to step out of his comfort zone and seize opportunities. Despite being a boy from a regional and remote area, Patrick had the confidence to audition for the School Spectacular. This decision was not easy, as it involved traveling all the way to Sydney for the audition, with no guarantee of success. However, Patrick’s boldness paid off, as he secured a spot as a featured dancer. This achievement not only boosted his confidence but also instilled in him the courage to pursue other challenging experiences and take on new opportunities.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest challenges Patrick faced during his journey was managing the demanding rehearsal schedule. Living four hours away from Sydney meant he had to travel back and forth for each rehearsal. This rigorous routine, involving early mornings and late nights, was physically exhausting. Furthermore, it presented difficulties in balancing his academic responsibilities, particularly during his Year 11 end-of-course exams. Despite these challenges, Patrick exhibited resilience and determination. He went the extra mile, putting in additional work to ensure academic success while excelling in his dance commitments.
Beyond his achievements in dance, Patrick actively participates in various extracurricular activities, including soccer, school dance, and local Eisteddfod volunteering. These engagements demonstrate his well-rounded nature and his commitment to contributing to his school and local community.
While Patrick aspires to pursue a career in finance, his experience in dance has undoubtedly shaped his character and provided him with invaluable skills. The dedication, discipline, and time management abilities he acquired through his dance endeavours will undoubtedly serve him well in any field he chooses to pursue.
Patrick’s passion, determination, and willingness to take on challenges make him a true Trailblazer. His ability to pursue opportunities outside his comfort zone and excel in them exemplifies his exceptional drive and commitment. Patrick’s accomplishments in dance and his active involvement in various activities showcase his versatility and well-roundedness. With his resilience, courage, and diverse skill set, Patrick Cooper deserves his 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
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.
