Benjamin Pine Primary School learner makes grandmother proud

A PROUD grandmother could not contain excitement about her top-achiever grandchild after attending the prize-giving ceremony at Benjamin Pine Primary School. Making her way to the Highway Mail offices after the ceremony, Norma Anderson said she wanted to share the achievements of her granddaughter, Jayla Anderson, who is a Grade Seven learner.

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Anderson said she is pleasantly overwhelmed by her granddaughter achieving over five prestigious awards, saying she didn’t think an achiever would come out of her caregiving role as a grandparent.

“I am raising Jayla with her brother – their father is my son – and they have been with me from when they were young.

“Jayla has been my inspiration that, despite all odds, nothing can stop you. She is a hardworking and loving kid. She stays focused, self-confident and disciplined and respects herself and others. She is also a positive thinker who concentrates on the bright side of life and refuses to be distracted, is immensely committed and gives all in everything she does,” said the proud grandmother.

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Making her grandmother proud and scooping prestigious awards in academics and sports, Jayla was handed the following awards:

– Proximity Accessit – Dux runner-up – an award for outstanding academic achievement
– English honours
– life orientation honours
– being made netball captain
– being made softball captain
– soccer Half-Colours
– being put on the Benjamin Pine Honour Board

She received a prize of R1 000 in gift vouchers for books.

Jayla said she is thankful to her grandmother and her father, Cavin Anderson, who are her biggest support system.

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“My granny has given me a solid foundation by holistically supporting me. She models a pillar of strength, loves unconditionally and is a good listener. She is authoritative but explains the reasons for rules,” said Jayla.

Going into high school next year, Jayla said she would like to continue to excel in her studies and sport.

“My goals in high school are to receive the Dux honours, be Head Girl, be a student whom others look up to and to give back to the community by assisting in some projects at my church, St Agnes Anglican Church in Kloof,” she said.

Jayla said she would like to be a chemical engineer/biologist. “I like doing research and passing my knowledge on to others,” she said.