Michael Kalell, Standerton High School’s (SHS) head boy for 2025, is the school’s top achiever in the Grade 12 final exams of 2025.

He earned an impressive five distinctions, averaging 83.6%.

Though Michael found the final exams challenging and demanding, the experience was also rewarding.
“The 2025 NSC finals truly tested my discipline, resilience, and faith,” said Michael.

Through the long nights with loads of caffeine, Michael is grateful for the constant support from his teachers, family, and friends that kept him going even when he felt unmotivated.

Michael’s timetable was filled with challenging subjects, such as physical sciences and economics, but his favorite subject by far was accounting.

“It stood out the most for me as it challenged me to think logically and analytically and because, unlike life, the numbers always balance… eventually,” said Michael.

When Michael started his school journey in Grade One, he wanted to be a police officer.

He had always admired the men in blue who bravely work to help and protect others. Today, Michael still enjoys problem-solving but prefers to do so with spreadsheets rather than sirens.

Michael will be studying Forensic Accountancy at North West University.

“I am looking forward to the challenge, the independence, and discovering just how much coffee university students actually consume,” joked Michael.

He will miss the break-time fun with his friends, where they made plans and shared the latest gossip. He will also look back fondly on the countless Kaf-Twisters they enjoyed.

In 10 years, Michael hopes to be a qualified and established top accountant.

“I want to make a meaningful contribution to my field, living with purpose and staying grounded in my faith while making time for family and, hopefully, a good game of squash,” concluded Michael.

Vanshika Kessa is the second-best achiever in the Class of 2025.

She achieved an average of 81.0% and obtained three distinctions.

Leanell Loots’ average is 79.3%, and she obtained four distinctions.

To Loots, the final exam was stressful, but through hard work and loads of studying, she managed to soar through.
Loots faced many challenges with her subjects, but enjoyed Biology.

When Loots was little, she wanted to become a horse farmer, but today she is a student teacher at Standerton Laerskool.

In her downtime, Loots still enjoys horseback riding and flying pigeons.

In 10 years, Loots sees herself teaching at a good school with her degree completed.

Larice Viljoen achieved three distinctions, averaging 78.3%.

Chraeten Lategan achieved an average of 78.1% with four distinctions.

Verushka Naransamy’s average is 77.6%, and she obtained four distinctions.

Imaan Jina achieved an average of 76.3%.

Sena Ngobe achieved an average of 74.9% with three distinctions.

Jia-Jia Wang obtained an average of 74.9%.

Rhico van der Walt scored an average of 74.6% and four distinctions.