Hillcrest High School’s top achievers are closing their matric year with impressive accomplishments and inspiring plans for the future.
Kylie Coetzee
Head Girl, Academic and Sports Achiever, Kylie Coetzee, will travel to the United States next year to play football while studying Occupational Therapy. “Sport has always been my passion, and I have excelled in soccer especially,” she says.
Selected for the first team in Grade 9, Kylie credits the “love from the seniors and the constant support they offered” for inspiring her to work hard and do the same for others. She values the encouragement from her teachers, who “showed up in the toughest times” and helped her balance academics with leadership and sport.
Her advice to younger learners is simple but powerful: “Be kind. People will not necessarily remember your achievements or leadership positions, but they will remember how you made them feel.”
Jade Gericke
Jade Gericke, recognised for her Academic, Service, and Cultural Achievements, aims to study journalism or archaeology. She is proud of her involvement in the Sign Language Club, School Choir, Steel Drums and Marimba Band, and numerous service clubs.
Aside from her service to the school, Jade has contributed in excess of 127 hours of community service to various animal rescue and other charity organisations.
“My family, friends, teachers and my church have been my main support, with mentor, Ms Cope helping her manage stress and anxiety.”
Her advice: “Push yourself out of your comfort zone… Be true to yourself and never change for someone else.”
Ethan Ainhirn
Top Academic Achiever, Ethan Ainhirn, plans to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pretoria. Excelling in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, he says his motivation came from “the people I choose to surround myself with – friends, teachers and my mentor, Miss Ramsout, who has helped me achieve on both an academic and personal level.”
His message to others: “Do not rely solely on the school curriculum for learning. Find the right people… You’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t make the effort yourself.”
Hannah King
Academic, Cultural and Service Achiever, Hannah King, plans to complete a BCom in Business before attending Chef School. Alongside academic success, she embraced activities from Choir and Steel Drums to Catering Club and outreach work.
“I want to be the best that I can be!” she says, crediting Hillcrest High for creating “an environment that breeds excellence” and her faith for keeping her grounded.
She encourages learners to focus on the positive: “Academics can open doors, but extra-curricular activities can help you walk through them.”
These four learners embody Hillcrest High’s spirit of excellence, service and balance – ready to carry their values and ambitions into the world beyond school.
