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 Sophia-Rose navigated their senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Sophia-Rose Markham
Category: Social Impact & Change
School: Armidale Secondary College
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Social welfare and impact industries to create better wellbeing and life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Achievements
- Participated in The Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship and Schools Spectacular, showcasing talent and dedication.
- Engaged in the ABCN Accelerate Program, receiving mentoring and leadership training to become an active member of her cultural and geographic community.
- Attended the NSW Selective School’s Sky Story Symposium, developing confidence, leadership skills, and cultural knowledge as an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student.
- Actively involved in leading Aboriginal Dance workshops with Black Mountain Public School, fostering cultural connection and providing opportunities for networking and role modelling.
- Assisted the Aboriginal Education Team at her school with the “My mob and me” program, supporting Year 7 girls in staying connected with their culture and making positive physical and mental choices.
- Developed strong communication skills through public speaking engagements, including debating, serving as an MC at the ABCN Leadership Summit, and adapting her communication style to teach dance to younger students.
What makes Sophia-Rose Markham a Trailblazer?
Sophia-Rose is a Trailblazer who has embraced numerous opportunities to make a difference in her school and cultural community. Through her participation in the ABCN Accelerate Program and the NSW Selective School’s Sky Story Symposium, she has gained valuable skills and insights into leadership and cultural engagement. At the ABCN 2023 Leadership Summit, Sophia-Rose took on the role of MC at a formal dinner, sharing her story and connecting with industry leaders from renowned Australian companies. These experiences have enhanced her ability to communicate effectively in various contexts and adapt to different audiences.
Sophia-Rose’s commitment to her cultural community is evident in her efforts to empower and inspire younger generations. She has led Aboriginal Dance workshops with Black Mountain Public School, introducing students to the fundamentals of dance while providing cultural knowledge and connections to role models. Additionally, Sophia-Rose has been actively involved in the “My mob and me” program, assisting the Aboriginal Education Team at her school. Through this program, she helps students stay connected with their culture and make positive choices for their physical and mental well-being. Sophia-Rose’s dedication to these initiatives demonstrates her strong sense of responsibility and passion for fostering cultural connection and empowerment.
Despite her achievements, Sophia-Rose has faced challenges, particularly concerning her mental health. Adapting to a more intensive workload in Year 11 has taken a toll on her well-being. Furthermore, maintaining a connection with her culture has been a struggle, leading to a sense of disconnect at times. Despite these challenges, Sophia-Rose remains resilient and determined to create positive change within her community.
Looking ahead, Sophia-Rose aspires to pursue a career in the social welfare and impact industries, with a specific focus on improving the well-being and life outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Her leadership experience, strong communication skills, and cultural understanding make her well-equipped to contribute to these fields. Sophia-Rose is currently awaiting the results of her application for the Student Leadership Team and aims to become the school captain in Year 12, further solidifying her role as a leader and advocate for positive change.
Sophia-Rose’s dedication to empowering her community through leadership and cultural connection establishes her as a remarkable Trailblazer. Her involvement in various programs and initiatives highlights her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, particularly within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. With her exceptional communication skills, resilience, and unwavering passion, Sophia-Rose is poised to achieve great success in her chosen career path and leave a lasting impact on her community as one 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.
