Getting an award in matric may be a big deal for some, but not for Melissa Pillay, who has bagged a staggering 27 awards.
The Umkomaas Secondary School matriculant achieved eight distinctions in matric and walked away with 27 awards, including the Dux.
Principal Prem Jagdev said he was proud of Melissa’s achievement.
“From Grade 8 she had been very consistent and excelled throughout her secondary education.”
Her secret is paying attention in class, having a balanced lifestyle and most importantly, ensuring she got enough beauty sleep.
Melissa is studying chemical engineering at Wits University and could not be reached for comment at time of publication, but her mother, Verni Pillay, said she had always been a high achiever.
“Since pre-school she has walked away with awards every year, coming first in class and in her grade.”
Pillay said her daughter had been very relaxed during the exams.
“Compared to other children, Melissa took things easy. I never saw her stress out. In fact she would tell me to relax. “She also never missed her three-hour beauty sleep after school,” she laughed.
Her mother said Melissa achieved her great results by staying calm, being organised and attending all her classes.
“She had a timetable and she always told me her reason for success was because she listened to her teachers and paid attention in class – a tool she has carried with her to university.”
But Pillay and her husband Teddy, have mixed emotions about Melissa’s achievement.
“We were excited she performed so well, but also sad that she was leaving home to study in Gauteng.”