THOUSANDS of Year 12 students across Australia are waiting to sit their HSC written exams this coming October.

Art of Smart Education, the Sydney-based mentoring organisation, recently held the Top 50 Year 12 Trailblazer Awards, where some hard-working students were accoladed for their achievements. Art of Smart Education recognises not just the academic success of these students, but their societal contributions, artistic talents, environmental impact, and achievements in the fields of business and science.

Local student Prisha Desai, who attends Hornsby Girls High School, was named a Trailblazer in the Social Impact and Change category for her involvement in running community outreach initiatives.

Prisha is currently School-Vice Captain at her high school and has participated in the Student Representative Council since 2019, becoming Deputy-Head of SRC in 2021. In addition to being named one of the Top 50 Year 12 Trailblazers, Prisha has previously been awarded the Macquarie University Emerging Leader Award.

Among displaying outstanding leadership capabilities, Prisha has devoted her time to hosting events for her cohort, including a Prefect Afternoon Tea, to aid her fellow students. ‘Being a part of the Prefect body, and in a leadership position, we do charity events,’ Prisha said, ‘We hold a sort of annual Make-A-Wish event. The Prefects become genies for students at our school, and we grant wishes for them, like to do their homework, as a fundraiser.’

Prisha has taken part in Anglicare’s Christmas Toys ‘n’ Tucker program, helping to raise money and supply canned goods for families in need over the holiday season. ‘For me these causes, Anglicare and Make-A-Wish, have good initiatives, their mottos are important to me. Most of the time, they are people my age as well. Raising money for these initiatives is meaningful to me because they are connected to me and my demographic,’ explained Prisha.

While studying for her HSC exams, and coordinating efforts to assist the local community, Prisha is employed at Officeworks, and has previously worked for a tutoring centre. After completing her Year 12 examinations, Prisha hopes to develop her skills and knowledge by pursuing a university degree in law and criminology.