Seventeen-year-old Morgan Lebenon, a Grade 11 learner at Crawford International Ruimsig, has enjoyed a golden season of achievements across acting, singing and modelling. Her journey in the performing arts began long before trophies and competitions.

“I grew up in a home that loved musicals. My parents both enjoy singing and would often have karaoke nights, which definitely inspired me to explore the performing arts,” she said. Those early karaoke nights and school productions helped her discover her passion for performing on stage.

This year, Morgan returned from the South African Championship of Performing Arts in Rustenburg in October with an exceptional haul of 14 medals, consisting of six gold, four silver and four bronze.

“The medal that meant the most to me was placing first with my studio’s vocal group. We put so much time into perfecting our movement and harmonies, and having our vocal coach, Josh, perform with us made it even more sentimental,” said Morgan, describing the one achievement that stood out as deeply meaningful to her.

The group also won the Overall Vocal Award and the Vocal Group Grand Champion Award, making it one of the special moments of the competition.

“Winning was surreal – the people, the song choice, the emotion behind it all – it was genuinely wholesome,” Morgan said. She also added that working with harmonies pushed her creatively and helped her grow as a performer.

Morgan’s success continued at the Johannesburg Festival of the Arts, where she received gold for her dramatic monologue and silver for her inspirational speech, which were written by her.

“Creating my dramatic monologue and inspirational speech was a real process of trial and error. I wanted both pieces to speak to the audience in a way that felt honest and relatable,” she said.

She also excelled at the National Eisteddfod of South Africa, receiving two diplomas for vocal performances, two diplomas and a gold medal for group acting, as well as an Ambassador Award.

Her achievements have earned her a place on Team South Africa for the World Championships of Performing Arts in Las Vegas in 2026.

“Being selected feels like a dream come true,” she said, explaining that preparing for it will mean early mornings, planning with coaches and setting realistic goals.

“Never give up on your dreams. Stay passionate, committed, and trust that you’ll end up exactly where you’re meant to be,” Morgan shared as words of advice for others.