Biology Olympiad beckons for top Phoenix pupil

POST. 2015/05/15 phoenix. Greenbury secondary school pupil in a science lab. PICTURE: SIYANDA MAYEZA

POST. 2015/05/15 phoenix. Greenbury secondary school pupil in a science lab. PICTURE: SIYANDA MAYEZA

Published May 21, 2015

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Science buff Rishern Naick’s love and passion for studying life and living organisms will see him jetting off to Denmark to represent South Africa in the International Biology Olympiad in July – if he’s able to raise the necessary funds. The 16-year-old Grade 11 pupil at Eastbury Secondary in Phoenix took a keen interest in science, and especially biology, since he was 13.

“I was introduced to the subject during my first year in high school. I was fascinated by the way the human body worked and the development of animal life,” he said.

Landing a spot in the olympiad was a long journey filled with sacrifices.

Rishern wrote the Natural Science Olympiad last year and achieved 100 percent in the exam. This qualified him to write another exam for which he achieved the highest mark among 14 other pupils and was given the opportunity to represent South Africa in the international olympiad.

For the last exam Rishern had only three days to prepare. He attributed his success to passion.

“Achieving the results was not difficult for me because I love the subject. It was just a matter of revision.

“My driving force was also knowing that I would have the opportunity to visit another country and interact with students from across the globe.”

To prepare for the olympiad Rishern has been doing revision with his mother, Lorraine Naick, and his life science teacher, Beverly Naidoo.

Naick, a single parent, described her son as dedicated.

“He has always been a high achiever and I believe the trip to Denmark is a great opportunity which will open many doors for him. Being a single mother and juggling work and responsibilities at home does become challenging, but with strong family support I have managed to guide my son every step of the way.”

His principal, Jay K Maharaj, said he was elated and exceptionally proud of Rishern’s achievement.

“Our school is situated in a poor-socio-economic environment and we are proud that even with social challenges pupils are able to excel.” Maharaj described Rishern as an unassuming pupil.

“Rishern puts his head down and works very hard. He is diligent and an academic high achiever. We wish him well in Denmark,” he said.

The cost of his trip is R25 000 for travel and accommodation.

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