Leading and serving

Making a difference wherever she goes
Mariselle Stofberg
Mikayla Pretorius and Beatri Turner

The Blou Kudu recently had the privilege of sitting down with deputy head girl of WHS and the recent winner of Miss High School, Reschelle Beukes. She shared her upcoming projects and tips on how to manage time.

Q: It is no secret that you take part in multiple activities and extra-murals. Aside from the LRCs and Miss WHS, what other activities do you take part in?

A: I play netball in the u/19 B team, so the second team. I also served as Junior Mayor and recently gave over to the new Junior Mayor. Sometimes I help with the youth church as well.

Q: As mentioned, you are also Junior Mayor. What are some of the accomplishments you’ve achieved in this position?

A: With the help of sponsors, we built a containerised classroom for the grade twelves of Mount View High. These learners have their classes in tents. I believe your circumstances should not make your education harder than it already is. Education is very dear to my heart and I believe it is the key to unlocking many doors. WHS also collected and donated stationery to Mount View High, so I would just like to thank the school for their contribution as well.

Q: Being part of the LRC requires a lot of hard work. What is something you’ve learnt since starting out in the LRC?

A: To do everything like everyone is looking, to be assertive and to always uphold the best of your morals and standards.

Q: What did you enjoy most about the Miss WHS experience?

A: I know this sounds cliché, but I really enjoyed the people. Of course I knew them before Miss WHS, but through this experience I spent more time with them, saw them work under pressure and got to know them better.

Q: What are some of your plans as the newly-crowned Miss High School?

A: I would like to continue working with Mount View High School and hopefully plan a matric farewell for them. There are about 20 matric girls. We would like to sponsor dresses and hold a small matric farewell for them.

Q: Who are some of your role models and what about them inspires you?

A: I have different role models for different aspects of my life. When it comes to being proper, being a lady and respect, I look up to my mom. For sport I actually look up to my friend, Chantelle, just because she is so driven and determined and always works so hard. For my school work, I am for healthy competition, but I try not to compare myself to others. Rather, I am my own competition and I try to better myself.

Q: What qualities do you think are important for someone in a leadership position, such as yourself?

A: I know this isn’t a quality, but it’s important to hold on to God in everything, and not lean on your own understanding. Of course, you also need to work hard and you have to be sure of who you are. When you fall under pressure, it is easy to forget who you are. Your focus should be in the right place for you to not divert from what you stand for. If you stand for nothing you will fall for everything.

Q: What advice would you give to students trying to balance sport, academics and cultural activities?

A: For me, the more I do, the more I get done. It’s like a riding a bicycle: to keep your balance, you have to keep moving.

Q: Lastly, what are your plans after you finish high school?

A: I definitely want to study medicine, whether it is in South Africa or abroad. After I get my degree, I would like to specialise in neurosurgery. But it is in God’s hands and I will have to see what God has planned for me.