During our Parents’ Week at the Academic Awards Assembly on Thursday the 2nd of October 2026, Katherine Hopes and Mihlali Ntantala were awarded with Academic Honours.
Katherine Hopes is an inspiring and outstanding pupil who embodies dedication, diligence, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all her endeavours, and it is with great pride and admiration that we present her with Academic Honours today.
Consistently demonstrating a conscientious and thoughtful approach, Katherine ensures every task is completed on time and to the highest standard. Her meticulous attention to detail and considerate attitude are evident in the thorough, polished, and reliable work she produces. She consistently sets herself high academic goals, driven by a strong work ethic and an admirable commitment to extending her knowledge beyond the immediate requirements of the curriculum. Her ability to analyse and synthesise information with precision and insight is truly outstanding.
Katherine’s remarkable growth over the past year is particularly commendable. Her consistent focus, independent work ethic, and ability to block out distractions have been pivotal to her success. She approaches her studies with quiet determination and a clear understanding of her goals, consistently producing excellent results. Embracing challenges with confidence and maturity, Katherine has evolved into a capable and self-assured young woman. Her impressive academic results are a testament to her disciplined approach to learning and unwavering commitment to improvement.
Beyond her academic prowess, Katherine is a highly focused and kind individual, always willing to assist others and demonstrating a cooperative spirit within the classroom. She shows a mature understanding of balance, knowing when to concentrate on academics and when to engage in social interaction. Katherine’s quiet diligence extends to a genuine desire to unpack and fully understand her work, enabling her to grasp nuances and provide insightful comments and opinions. Her engagement in discussions is exceptional, participating fully in all aspects of the classroom – from insightful questioning to articulate critique and confident expression of opinion.
Katherine’s transformation this year is truly inspiring. Her strong work ethic, positive mindset, and unwavering commitment to excellence are qualities that will undoubtedly serve her exceptionally well in her final exams and beyond. She should be incredibly proud of her accomplishments. Well done, Katherine!
Mihlali Ntantala consistently displays exceptional intelligence, intellectual maturity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, making him a role model among his peers. His sharpness of mind, depth of insight, and conscientious approach to his studies embody the very essence of academic distinction.
What sets Mihlali apart is his ability to combine natural intellect with humility and diligence. He is a careful and creative thinker with an eye for detail, always willing to challenge himself and engage deeply with difficult concepts. Tenacious in his studies, he will not rest until he has mastered the material, correcting mistakes immediately and ensuring they are never repeated. His determination, flexibility in problem-solving, and ability to think across disciplines reflect an outstanding academic character.
Mihlali’s love of learning is evident in the way he approaches his subjects. He constantly asks questions that deepen his understanding and often rethinks explanations to test his reasoning. His openness to feedback ensures that he is always learning and growing, while his articulate expression, both verbal and written, enhances his impact in class. He is active, engaged, and makes insightful contributions that elevate discussion and inspire his peers. His overriding desire to understand mathematical concepts deeply, coupled with his ability to think outside the box and apply ideas across topics, reflects both creativity and rigour in his thinking.
Respected by peers and adults alike for his maturity, integrity, and selflessness, Mihlali sets a very high standard for himself and works tirelessly to achieve it. He is principled in his decision-making, never swayed by emotion or peer pressure, and his humility and willingness to help others stand as hallmarks of his character. Above all, his determination to improve and succeed, together with his willingness to sacrifice to achieve his goals, set him far above most of his peers.
In recognition of his exceptional academic achievements, his integrity, and his exemplary commitment to learning, Mihlali is awarded Honours for Academics.