Meeting the other finalists of the Matriculant of the Year competition is the highlight of the event.
So says Joshua Horak, the competition’s first winner reared by the St. Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein.
Top-achieving Gr. 12 learners from across the country may once again enter the Matriculant of the Year competition, made possible by the University of the Free State (UFS), Netwerk24, and Volksblad.
Not only do entrants become acquainted with one another during the final round of the competition, the previous year’s winner plays chaperone to the group during the awards ceremony.
Joshua, now furthering his studies in accounting, admits he was surprised when he advanced to the competition’s final round, but even more so when he was announced as its winner.Besides displays of academic excellence, admirable leadership qualities, and an active participation in cultural and sporting activities, potential entrants should also endeavour to further their full-time studies at the UFS for the 2024 academic year.
He states the ceremony and its proceedings are all a blur to him. “There is so little I can recall from that evening. What I do remember, however, is hugging each person on my way to the stage to clear my head in preparation to deliver my speech.”
Accounting fits him like a glove, and he admits to this fuelling his enjoyment towards his studies.
Joshua, who was still a school prefect last year, embodies the type of learner that should enter the competition. Not only does he have exemplary academic accomplishments, but he also showed his merit through public speaking and playing cricket and golf at school.
Matriculants may enter themselves or have their school do it on their behalf. Take note that the school principal’s signature and the school stamp must be on the entry form.
A refined list of criteria is used to determine the 25 semifinalists.
From these, 14 finalists are selected who will then contend with each other in Bloemfontein from 9 to 11 October.
The winner and the 13 finalists are awarded cash prizes courtesy of the Kovsie Alumni Trust (KAT), Mazars, Absa, and Pick n Pay Preller Walk, in addition to bursaries from the UFS Student Recruitment Services and gifts handed over during the closing ceremony in Bloemfontein, worth R10 000.
The remaining 11 semifinalists each receive a cash prize courtesy of the KAT, and bursaries offered by the UFS Student Recruitment Services.
All competition entries are expected to be submitted before or on 4 August.
For entry forms or more information on the competition, send an email to Linda Greyling at greylinl@ufs.ac.za.
