WEEKEND POST CORRESPONDENT
TWO sought-after bursaries from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University were awarded at the gala final of the 2012 Matric of the Year awards held at the South Campus Auditorium in Port Elizabeth last weekend.
The first went to overall winner, Grey High School prefect Edward Hoskin, 18, and the second to Orcilla Howard, 17, of Uitenhage High School, this year's winner of a scholarship for a pupil from a previously disadvantaged background. Edward and Orcilla both received a full three- to four-year NMMU bursary for a first degree or diploma of their choice and both will be taking up their bursaries next year.
The other big winners were:
Vishnu Pillay, 17, of Selborne College in East London (Academic category winner);
Shimwe Gwimo, 17, of Alexander Road High School in Port Elizabeth (Cultural winner);
Theo Weyers, 18, of Despatch High School (Community winner); and
Catherine Atkinson, 18, of Clarendon High School in East London (Sports winner).
NMMU's director of marketing and corporate relations, Pieter Swart, who was also one of the three judges, was the master of ceremonies for the event attended by finalists, parents, principals and other guests from education and business spheres.
Speaker Neil Hart, deputy president of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and chairman of Boomtown Strategic Brand Agency, motivated the finalists to make a difference in South Africa starting now.
"I challenge you go out into the world and change it for the better, not after varsity, not even after the holidays. Start tomorrow," he said.
Finalists received prizes valued at more than R100000.
Besides his NMMU bursary, Edward received a year's subscription to Weekend Post, a framed certificate and floating trophy, a Proline notebook and graduation banquet for himself and 25 guests (including venue hire and a five-course meal) from Villa Tuscana and Fat Cats Catering. His school will also receive a floating trophy.
He will keep fit with an annual Profiles Health Club membership and voucher from Profiles Spa.
Edward and Orcilla each received a Russell Hobbs microwave from Rafi's Appliances and Mattresses, an Xlusiv Hair and Beauty makeover, a Vodacom handset, starter pack and goodie bag and Swarovski crystal jewellery from Jenni Collections. Orcilla also received a certificate and Proline notebook.
The four Excellence Award winners each received a six-month Weekend Post subscription, framed certificate, Proline Mirage Tablet, Russell Hobbs kettle and toaster set, Xlusiv voucher, Jenni Collections voucher and corporate gift bag from NMMU.
The sport Excellence Award winner, Catherine Atkinson, was also awarded R10000 towards her studies at NMMU.
The 21 finalists each received a three-month Weekend Post subscription, framed certificate, NMMU hamper, Profiles membership and Jenni Collections vouchers.
