A 17-year-old learner from Macassar has been selected to be part of a group of Top Academic Achievers from around South Africa who will be embarking on a specialised academic tour to the east coast of America, which includes visits to Boston, New York and Washington over a period of 12 days, visiting world-renowned universities.
Erin Appollis, a Grade 11 learner at Parel Vallei High School, is relishing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which is orientated to expose academic achievers to top class tertiary institutions where they will have the privilege of attending private lectures at universities such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Princeton.
“I really wasn’t expecting to be selected, it feels like such an honour and I want to make the most of this experience,” Erin said. “I believe it will benefit me immensely, particularly as I prepare to complete school and pursue tertiary education. It will also propel me towards further academic achievements, through which I plan to give back to the community one day.”
She completed most of her primary school in Bloemfontein and Kimberley after moving around as a little child, but returned to her home town of Macassar in the last term of her Grade 7 year.
“I completed my Grade 7 at El Marine Primary and have since been at Parelvallei. I’m dedicated to my education and I enjoy studying.
“I therefore feel confident that this opportunity will benefit me immensely. It’s a chance for me to grow and see beyond the immediate horizon and catch a serious glimpse of what my full potential could possibly be.”
Erin also participates in several outreach programmes, plays hockey and is part of the school’s interact club.
Her family has already started various fundraising efforts to garner the funds required to make the trip, which amounts to R72 990 before taxes.
Erin’s father, Gurstern, said there’s still a way to go to raise the full amount, and a golf day planned for Friday 30 June will be the biggest effort yet to raise the monies.
“We are very hopeful and optimistic about reaching our target,” he said. “We have faith in the Lord and we are certain the outcome will be positive.”
He added that sponsorships for the golf day were still open.
“We were only raising a little money with hotdog sales and other efforts, so I felt that a golf day could possibly have a much better impact. We appeal to the community to come out and support the golf day and enjoy the day with us. Lot’s of prizes will be up for grabs.”. To find out more on the golf day on Friday 30 June or to get in touch, contact Gursten Appolis on 072 079 2508.
