THULISILE Vilakazi (17) from Kempton Park has been named the top achiever in grade 12 at Curro Academy in Pretoria.
Vilakazi’s hunger for success has driven her to work hard in her school work, which has paid off as she’s received between 72% and 91% for all her subjects. Vilakazi says she has big dreams and aspirations and not achieving her dreams is not an option.
“Success motivates me, I live for the moment and strive to achieve things people think are beyond me – sometimes I take myself by surprise,” said the grade 12 learner.
Some of the accolades Vilakazi was awarded are: highest average in grade 12; gold medal for the highest average in grade 12; silver medal and trophy for leadership; trophy for top five achiever; trophies for highest marks in Afrikaans Eerste Addisionale Taal, Business Studies, Geography, Life Science, Mathematical Literacy, English Home Language and Life Orientation – plus a trophy for being respectful and hardworking.
This hard worker said she would love to study law after completing her matric and is hoping to receive a bursary to further her studies.
Vilakazi has no siblings and apart from studying, she loves reading – mostly autobiographies – and she also enjoys photography and dancing.
“There is just something about dancing that takes all the stress away,” she added.
Her advice to fellow learners: “We’re not born winners or losers, we are born choosers. The pen is in your hand; you need to choose how your story ends. I wish you all the best during your final exams. Remember, never, never, never quit.”
