[January 04, 2010] Matriculant Scores Nine Distinctions Tweet Jan 04, 2010 (Cape Argus/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- Twelve years of hard work have paid off for a Milnerton teenager who achieved nine distinctions in the Independent Examination Board's national senior certificate exams. Alexa Heekes, 17, who attended Elkanah House in Blouberg, was also the only Western Cape candidate honoured by the IEB for "outstanding achievement". She was ranked in the top five percent of pupils doing six subjects or more, and achieved more than 80 percent for life orientation. Alexa said she was surprised at her results. "I was expecting good results, but I did better than I thought I would." She earned distinctions in Afrikaans, English, life orientation, mathematics, mathematics paper 3, additional mathematics, science, art and design. Alexa said the secret to her success was working hard from a young age. She also received a lot of support from her teachers, parents Allan and Candice, and younger sister Sasha-Lee. She had missed her June exams because of bronchitis, and had to write them later. But she was well prepared by the time the final exams began. However, Alexa did not spend the entire year with her books. She also found time to tutor younger children, volunteer for animal welfare organisations, paint and draw. She plans to study art at UCT next year, and might also do a course in mathematics. Principal Jonathan Manley said Alexa was a model pupil. "She not only excelled at academics, but was also a leader. She was a prefect and was also involved in outreach and community work." Three pupils from Somerset College in Somerset West were also honoured by the IEB for "commendable achievement". They were ranked in the top five percent in five subjects. They are Louwrens Botha, Gerard de Vink and Michael Kloos. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]