St Mary’s pupil’s hard work rewarded
JOBURG - Following her impressive 10 distinctions, St Mary’s School, Waverley pupil Nkululeko Mhlongo was awarded the prestigious Allan Gray Fellowship which will finance her university studies.
Lynn Knowles, head of student affairs at the school, said Mhlongo was a worthy recipient of the award which will finance her University of Cape Town studies in the faculty of chemical engineering. Knowles said it will cover costs for her textbooks, residence fees, and supplies a stipend. She said fellowship candidates were selected according to their achievement excellence, intellectual imagination, courageous commitment, and personal initiative.
Knowles described Mhlongo as an “exceptional” young woman who is “intelligent, selfless, and displays extraordinary integrity”.
Knowles said, “She was awarded honours blazers for both academics and service, which embraces social responsibility. Her innate leadership qualities resulted in her being elected as head of house, a most sought-after position.”
When she received the news about her selection, Mhlongo said she was left stunned and speechless. “It was mainly because I did not believe it and I was overwhelmed by the intense mixture of joy and astonishment. As trite as this may sound, I believe I managed to receive the Allan Gray Fellowship by being my best and true self. I am the only version of myself and if I am my best self then no one can compete with me. That being said, my best and true self fits into the five pillars which make up the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation’s entrepreneurial values,” she said.
At St Mary’s, Mhlongo participated in basketball, performance art technology, school plays, worked in the library and computer room, was on the marketing committee and did community service.
The Vereeniging resident said the fellowship is an excellent initiative for young adults in southern Africa. “It’s an invaluable opportunity which I am tremendously grateful to have. It’s more than just a financial reward but a programme to encourage and nurture entrepreneurial leadership qualities, which is a rare aspect in undergraduate scholarships or bursaries. It is an opportunity which I wish more students would apply for,” Mhlongo said.
She added that she attained her achievements by working diligently. “I remained persistent and focused on my strengths rather than weaknesses.”
She also acknowledged her family, friends and teachers for their support.
