Micaela White, a Grade 11 top academic learner at Riebeek College, has achieved a position in the top 15 of the more than 7 500 candidates who entered the 2013 De Beers English Olympiad.
This earned her a bursary to Rhodes University to study in a faculty of her choice, cash or book prizes donated by South African Council of English Education Eastern Cape, and she will be sponsored by De Beers as a guest of the Grahamstown Foundation to attend the National Schools’ Festival in July.
According to Anne Peltason, Olympian South African Council of English Education Chairperson of the Eastern Cape, the top three places will each win a cultural tour to the United Kingdom, and the final rank order will be announced at an awards ceremony on 6th July in Grahamstown.
Micaela said her father, Greg, is her spirit guide, fostering in her a love of literature and philosophy. She is one of three founder members of Evolutio , a Facebook page which can be found via Riebeek’s website www.riebeekcollege.co.za which provides a forum for people of all ages to exchange views on books, poetry and philosophy.
Riebeek has now had three girls with the Rhodes Bursary namely Cherolyn Amery and Lisa Dondashe, but Micaela is the first Grade 11 girl being awarded this exceptional achievement.
“We are so proud. To come in the top 15 out of 7 500 entrants is quite something. What an achievement for Riebeek College!’ said Marilyn Woods, Principal of Riebeek College.
By Heilie Combrinck
Photo Caption: Micaela White (in front) with (back from left) Marilyn Woods (Principal Riebeek College), Anne Peltason (Olympian South African Council of English Education Eastern Cape Chairperson) and Karen Potgieter (English teacher).
Photo : Heilie Combrinck
Source: UD News