St Mary’s matric won’t let anything slow her down

Pertunia Lerato Letsoalo is the recipient of a prestigious Allan Gray Scholarship, which has allowed her to attend St Mary’s where she is a full-time boarder. Having come from a disadvantaged background, Letsoalo has had to adapt to an environment in which many of her peers are privileged, but according to school staff, she does not battle with accepting her reality and has made the most of her opportunities.

According to her teachers, Letsoalo is not only a committed, diligent pupil and a pleasure to teach, but a compassionate, empathetic young woman with an interest in the needs of others. Responsible, organised and full of energy, she is often the voice of calm in a conflict. She faces challenges with a positive outlook, and is proactive in asking for assistance. Letsoalo is regarded with trust by her peers, who look to her for guidance.

As an Allan Gray pupil, Letsoalo has been exposed to pupils from around South Africa and the world. During a 2012 exchange programme with Moira House School in Eastbourne, England, she spent a month with children from very different backgrounds and cultures, returning with a greater awareness of how others live.

Letsoalo has attended several diversity workshops through Allan Gray, and had the opportunity to consider her role as a leader in Africa. She is involved in upliftment programmes in her home in Tzaneen, Limpopo, where she organises netball tournaments for township children, involving them in activities to take them off the street. She participates in school sport at a high level, playing in the first team for basketball and netball, and forms an integral part of the athletics team. Her outstanding leadership potential and positive influence on those around her are demonstrated by her peers’ election of Letsoalo as captain for basketball and netball, and captain of her school house.

Having achieved one distinction in her matric results, Letsoalo continues to shine among the stars of St Mary’s School.