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 Sophie navigated her senior schooling differently throughout 2023!
Introducing: Sophie Fox
Category: Science & Technology
School: Abbotsleigh
State: NSW
Career Aspiration: Science and Engineering, with a focus on Computer Science, Marine Science, and Mechatronic Engineering
Achievements
- Co-hosted and co-organised a 375-person STEM mixer night to encourage students to pursue STEM careers.
- Keynote speakers included Professor Richard Buckland, Michelle Nazzari, and Nalini Prakash, prominent professionals in the STEM industry.
- Organised a university student panel with women in various STEM fields, providing insights into different career paths.
- Generated interest in starting robotics teams in several schools, promoting STEM engagement.
- Developed essential event planning and time management skills through organising the STEM mixer night.
What makes Sophie a Trailblazer?
Sophie is an exceptional individual who has made significant contributions to the promotion of STEM education and fostering interest in science and engineering among her peers. Sophie, along with a friend, co-hosted and co-organised a large-scale STEM mixer night attended by 375 students.
The STEM mixer night organised by Sophie aimed to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The event featured esteemed keynote speakers, including Professor Richard Buckland, Michelle Nazzari, and Nalini Prakash, who shared their expertise and experiences. In addition, Sophie organised a university student panel that showcased women excelling in various STEM disciplines, providing invaluable insights and role models for aspiring students.
The impact of Sophie’s efforts extended beyond the event itself. Many schools expressed interest in starting robotics teams, thanks to the inspiration generated by the STEM mixer night. Sophie’s initiative successfully encouraged over 50% of the attendees to be women, helping bridge the gender gap in the STEM industry.
Furthermore, Sophie’s contributions as an event organiser highlight her exceptional leadership and soft skills. Balancing multiple responsibilities, including emceeing, outreach, catering, and logistics, required effective time management and coordination. These experiences have equipped Sophie with invaluable skills that will undoubtedly contribute to her future success.
Sophie’s personal journey also showcases her resilience and determination. Overcoming her challenges in time management while balancing extracurricular activities, family commitments, and academics demonstrates her ability to persevere and excel in demanding situations. Of the extracurricular activities she’s participated in, she’s had to juggle managing time for participating in the YMCA Youth Parliament Program as the Member for Hornsby. Additionally, Sophie has embraced public speaking, participating in competitions, emceeing events, and delivering talks at conferences, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone.
Beyond her involvement in the STEM field, Sophie has been actively engaged in various activities both within and outside of school. Her contributions as the Environment Prefect, Ag Club Vice Captain, Ag Club Captain, and Sports Team Captain exemplify her commitment to environmental sustainability and community leadership. Sophie’s participation in organisations such as UN Youth, National Youth Science Forum, and Australian Youth Climate Coalition further demonstrate her passion for creating a positive impact in society.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sophie’s dedication to learning and teaching others is evident. While her work experience was cancelled, she found opportunities to contribute as a CodeCamp teacher’s assistant, inspiring younger children to explore the world of technology and programming.
Sophie Fox’s remarkable achievements, leadership abilities, and passion for STEM make her a true Trailblazer. Her dedication to organising the STEM mixer night and fostering interest in science and engineering has had a profound impact on her peers. Sophie’s resilience, exceptional organisational skills, and commitment to making a difference set her apart as a role model and inspire others to pursue their passions. With her enthusiasm and expertise, Sophie is well-equipped to pursue a successful career in science and engineering, leaving a lasting impact on the field and beyond.
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.
