UCT beckons for Maris Stella top matriculant
Maris Stella top achiever, Nicole Williams, aced her matric with eight distinctions. She obtained A symbols in English, Afrikaans, mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, geography, marine science and life orientation.

THE future is looking bright for Maris Stella School top achiever, Nicole Williams, who will soon head to the University of Cape Town to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology and ocean and atmospheric science.
Williams claimed the top position for the Class of 2024 at the school with an overall pass mark of 87%. She obtained distinctions in English, Afrikaans, mathematics, physical sciences, life sciences, geography, marine science and life orientation. “I felt mostly relief when I got my results,” said Williams. “I had been aiming for eight distinctions, but had found one or two exams tricky and was nervous. When I realised that I had achieved this, I was very happy because I had worked hard and it paid off.”
As a head girl at the school, Williams had a number of responsibilities which taught her valuable skills in prioritising and time management while managing the pressures of matric. Apart from her leadership role, Williams was a mentor to a grade eight class and played sports, which needed time for training and matches.
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“When things clashed, I knew what needed to be prioritised and what would have to be sacrificed. While I practised good time management, there would still be instances where there was simply not enough time to get everything done. I understood early on in the year that sacrifices were going to be necessary if I was to achieve the marks I wanted,” said Williams.
As she prepares to start her new adventure and academic journey in higher education, Williams advised the Class of 2025 on how to navigate the fast-paced, crazy and chaotic year ahead. She said, “Do not procrastinate, use your time wisely, and make the necessary sacrifices without shame. It is going to go by so quickly, and before you know it you will be the ones receiving your final results. Make the most of every moment, because time flies when you’re having ‘fun’. You will reap what you sow, so put in the maximum effort, to achieve your maximum results. Work hard, you’ve got this!” said Williams.
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