Aspiring medical doctor and keen debater, Stephina Machebe has proven that hard work indeed pays off after outcompeting all the learners at Flora Park Comprehensive High School to claim the institution’s overall top learner award for the second term.
The 15-year-old Grade 9 learner stole the limelight when she received the award in front of her peers and educators during the morning assembly session on Monday. Stephina was named the overall top learner after obtaining an 84% pass rate in the previous term.
She also scooped two more awards for being the school’s overall top learner in Mathematics with 92% mark and a top learner in Grade 9. Stephina who aspires to become a medical doctor in the future, received three gold medals, a badge and R150 in cash for her achievements.
It was learnt that she was also named the best speaker at various debate tournaments although the pronouncement does not come with a token of appreciation in a form of an award.
Stephina informed Polokwane Observer that she managed to pass with flying colours because she has a personal time table and studies three subjects every evening before bedtime.
She reiterated that she only takes a break from her books on the weekend to refresh her mind.
“I am passionate about Mathematics and passing the subject with a distinction would make it possible for me to study medicine after completing matric. Although I haven’t decided on the university yet, I wish to further my higher education studies abroad. I came to realise that practice makes perfect and consistency shapes the best. My motto in life is that I am not a failure but a learner,” Stephina said and added that her main goal was to become a ‘top dog’ in Mathematics and she can only achieve that through hard work and perseverance.
She encouraged her fellow learners to get lost in their books and become the best they can possibly be in the future. She concluded by thanking her family and educators for their continued support and motivation.
Principal Joseph Masekela described Stephina as a committed young woman with a bright future ahead of her. He reiterated that she is one of the best learners the school has and wished her best of luck with her studies and future endeavours. Masekela concluded by encouraging Stephina to continue studying hard to achieve her goal of becoming a medical doctor and urged other learners to follow suit to make their dreams a reality.
Story & photo: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
