BLOEMFONTEIN: The deputy head girl of the Eunice High School, Kiara Subramanian, was announced as the Matriculant of the Year at a gala event on Tuesday, 14 October. At the 44th event of the University of the Free State (UFS) and Netwerk24-Volksblad, the 14 semifinalists from all corners of South Africa gathered in Bloemfontein for the final judging.
Kiara, who wants to study medicine at the UFS in 2026, said she felt grateful for the honour that was bestowed upon her.
“Not just for the recognition, but for the reminder that when you walk in purpose, God will open the right doors at the right time.
“I’m so proud to be planting this achievement into Eunice soil during our 150th birthday celebration.
This isn’t the finish line, it’s the starting point for an exciting journey ahead.
I’m just a small girl who had a big dream and an even bigger God, and I truly believe His hand of favour never fails.”
Kiara says winning this competition has given her confidence to step boldly into her future at Kovsies.
She follows in the footsteps of 43 other matriculants who started their journey in life after winning the
Matriculant of the Year award. In 2024, Jayden Leech had the honour.
The 14 finalists have an academic average of 87%. They are:
■ Laura Andrade de Ponte of the High School for Girls in Potchef-
stroom;
■ Emile Dawson of the William Pescod High School in Kimberley;
■ Jané de Villiers of Hoërskool Witteberg in Bethlehem;
■ Liam-Loyd Doman of the Hoërskool Voortrekker in Bethlehem;
■ Vindry Horne of the Hoërskool Uitenhage in Uitenhage;
■ Michelle Jacobs of the Hoërskool Labori in Paarl;
■ Megan Johnson of the Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria;
■ Marné Koen of the Hoërskool Die Brandwag in Uitgenhage;
■ Christiaan Kotzé of the Hoërskool Fichardtpark;
■ Jenni Muller of the Hoërskool Wilgerivier in Frankfort;
■ Samantha Mynhardt of the Hoërskool Trio in Kroonstad;
■ Burgert van Heerden of the Hoër Landbouskool Marlow in Cradock; and
■Amoné Verwey of the Hoërskool Jim Fouché.
Marinda Schutte (Derksen), the Matrieknooi of 1985, was the guest speaker.
Esmé Aucamp gave the message from the vice-rector of the UFS, Prof. Hester Klopper, who could not attend the event.
“The future does not happen to
us, it is something we create together.”
The semifinalists were drawn
out of 65 entries from accross the country.
Kiara says the highlight of her school career was being chosen as deputy head girl at Eunice.
“It was more than just a badge; it was confirmation that my school trusted me to lead.”
