Top pupil makes history
MUSGRAVE teenager, Jia Patel, made history recently when she was awarded the esteemed “white blazer” at Durban Girls’ College, for her outstanding achievements in academics, culture and service.
Patel, 18, described herself as a hard worker with an exceptional work ethic, which she used to reach her goals. She said she was a sociable person and enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends.
Last year, she achieved a 95% aggregate in her Grade 11 results. The requirement for an honours pass is 85%.
“In service, we had to accumulate 250 hours – either in community service or in-school service. For culture, I did music which is measured in points. I achieved this by playing the piano. I am also in our school’s Marimba band.
“It is honestly an indescribable feeling being awarded the white blazer. I am honoured as this recognition is highly celebrated and recognised by the Durban
Girls’ College community. It is also a very proud moment to be recognised for my efforts and perseverance.”
The white blazer, the top award at the 147-year-old Durban Girls’ College, is presented to a pupil who has achieved honours in three of four categories – academics, culture, service or sport.
Only six white blazers had been awarded over the past 30 years: to Kim MacNeillie in 1994, Sarah Pudifin in 2002, Melissa Corfe in 2003, Amy Schaap in 2015, Cenelle Gounden in 2018, and Sarah Sparks in 2022.
The school said: “We are very pleased to announce that Jia Patel, Grade 12, was awarded the white blazer in assembly, on April 16, by the chair of the board of governors, Karen Jones.”
Patel said: “I prioritise my time management and organisational skills.
“Being involved in a lot of things creates a very busy schedule, so I create timetables to juggle my workload effectively.”
Her other notable achievements include receiving the Dux award in grades 7 and 9. Last year, she was the top Grade 11 pupil.
“I have been placed in the top one and two in the school’s music competition for playing the piano. For the Marimba, we won the American Contemporary Festival. I also do classical Indian dancing – Kathak – and received a level four distinction in that exam. I also do first aid for which I have a level two certificate.”
Patel said her family – parents, brother and grandmother – were extremely proud of her.
“I am so grateful to be surrounded by such encouraging people, including my friends and teachers. They made me feel so special after I got this award, by standing up and cheering for me,” she said.
In preparation for the matric exams, Patel said she had acquired good study skills over the years and would continue in that stead to achieve the best results possible.
The subjects she has chosen are English, Afrikaans, pure maths, physical science, accounting, history, life orientation and further studies maths.
Patel wants to study actuarial science next year.