Even although the English Olympiad is a national examination, some countries outside of South Africa also participate in the examination.
This year the examination was written by almost 8 000 students, making Julian’s achievement quite remarkable.
As a top 15 achiever, she was invited to attend the National Schools’ Festival in Grahamstown as an honoured guest.
The top 15 attended with chaperones and were treated to a week of activities, which included workshops of their choice and various theatrical performances.
The group was also invited to a special breakfast in their honour. It was attended by the vice chancellor of Rhodes University, a representative from De Beers, which has been a sponsor of the English Olympiad for many years, examiners and organisers from the Grahamstown Foundation, as well as the teachers who taught these students.
Julian was accompanied by her teacher, Patrizia Fanucchi, who is the head of the English department at St Dominic’s.
The highlight of the festival was the prize-giving ceremony where the names of the top 15 were announced and where Julian was placed fifth.
She was awarded a scholarship to Rhodes University and received various other prizes.
Julian is a talented young lady who was also placed in the top five in the finals of the College of Drama inter-school Public Speaking Festival earlier this year.
She intends to further her studies at Rhodes University next year.
