Montrose Primary School Grade 7 learner Jade Emanuel-Sam achieved a clean sweep in the Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) Olympiad, finishing first at circuit, district and provincial levels.

Jade’s journey began on August 11 when she represented her school at the EMS Circuit Olympiad at Tubaclu Primary School. After finishing first, she progressed to the district competition at Bryanston Parallel Medium School on August 20, where she again claimed top spot. Her success continued at the provincial Olympiad at Bryanston High School on August 26, where she competed against Grade 7 to 9 learners from across the province.

Read more: Redhill pupil wins olympiad

The school received confirmation on August 27 that Jade had once again finished first. Her teacher, Eugene Heine, said Jade’s consistent performance was impressive.

“Every time, of course, she came first; that’s why she went through,” said Heine.

He added that the provincial competition was completed online using electronic devices and included learners from grades 7 to 9. Jade said she was shocked when she learned that she had won the provincial competition. “I was very shocked,” she said. “I was speechless, but then I was also extremely excited at the fact that I actually made it.”

Rising to the challenge

Despite competing at three different levels, Jade said EMS came relatively easily to her and that her preparation mainly involved going over her notes. “EMS does come a bit easy for me,” she said. “So to prepare, I really just read over my notes on the drive to the competition.” She described the circuit competition as the easiest, followed by the district and then provincial competitions, which she found slightly more challenging.

While Jade said she did not receive formal coaching specifically for the competition, she credited her teachers for providing a strong foundation. “I have two excellent teachers in this area,” she said. For Jade, the achievement is a source of personal pride. “I am very proud of myself for doing so well with this,” she said.

Also read: Redhill School Olympiad ranks internationally

Looking to the future

Her ambitions extend beyond the classroom. Jade hopes to become an entrepreneur one day and is already considering starting her own business. “My goal is really, I want to be an entrepreneur myself and maybe start my own business when I’m older,” she said. “Currently, I’m thinking of maybe opening a bakery, but I’m not sure yet.” Outside school, Jade enjoys playing tennis, drawing, creating things and listening to music. She also shared a message for other learners who look up to her: “Always try your best and do what you’re supposed to do on time.” Jade will be recognised alongside other top achievers at a provincial awards ceremony scheduled for September 12.

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