Top matric takes gap year in Oz
Herald Reporter
A PORT Elizabeth matriculant who achieved eight distinctions last year is jetting off to Australia where she has been accepted to study at the Hillsong International Leadership College, an affiliate of the Pentecostal megachurch, Hillsong Church.
Amy Pullen, a former St George's Preparatory and College pupil, is taking a gap year at the internationally acclaimed college before she returns in 2015 to study towards a Bachelor of Architectural Studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Amy, whose distinctions include English, Afrikaans, Mathematics, Visual Arts and External Music, is registered at the Sydney institution to study a Certificate in Worship Ministry which includes leadership, song writing and song recording.
Her mother, Jacquie Pullen, said St George's had recognised Amy's abilities and encouraged her to reach her full potential.
"It seems that the characteristics of leadership and public speaking taught in the lower grades has equipped Amy to grow in leadership by her example. Also, the way in which she has always been inspired to excel, to aim high, to go the extra mile, has been her foundation for her commitment to studies in high school," she said.
"I will be forever grateful for the 12 solid years of foundation that she will use as a 'starting block' for the next phase of her journey."
College headmaster Wayne Joubert said Amy had led from the front and set an example to her peers.
He said the college's three other top matriculants were Christopher Powels (six distinctions) who will study Business Science at UCT, Anika Keils (five distinctions) who has been accepted to study a BCom in Marketing Management at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Richard Hurley (three distinctions) who will study MBCHB at Wits.
"All 22 candidates are able to continue with tertiary studies and this is largely due to the efforts of our dedicated, professional and highly trained staff; the loving support of our parents and our belief in a holistic education," Joubert said.
