Academic excellence awarded

Duneside High School in Walvis Bay held its annual prize-giving ceremony for grade 10, 11 and AS level on 24 September, awarding learners who demonstrated outstanding academic performance throughout the year.

El-Shaddai Mugabe, AS Level learner, was announced the Dux learner of the year 2024, who not only excelled in his academics but an all rounder who is actively involved in extra mural activities outside the school. The Dux learner awards were sponsored by various local and international companies, the sponsorships included cash prizes, a printer, and an HP laptop combo.

Mugabe expressed joy and satisfaction stating, "I feel very excited and truly honoured to have received the Dux award. It was a truly pleasurable experience to have obtained an award I have been desiring since primary School having witnessed my seniors obtain such great heights."

"Making my parents proud was the number 1 goal for me, so fulfilling the goals they had for me and seeing the smiles on their faces is one of my greatest achievements", he added.

Additionally, he emphasized that the award will help him throughout his varsity life as it has taken away one of many financial strains from his parents. "I'm truly grateful to my school for seeing my potential and my support system for standing by me in times of need. God who has been my pillar of strength as I aspire to take up a course in the medical field and become a medical doctor, hopefully I would be able to specialize further on in my career", Mugabe concluded.

A few special awards were made and the principal's award was given to learners who were actively involved in both school and extra-mural activities in each grade. Lynthia Beukes was recognized in Grade 10, Godwill Hamata in Grade 11, and El-Shaddai Mugabe at the AS Level, each receiving a cash prize for their exceptional involvement and academic achievements. Additionally, Ellen Shatilwapo got the Versatile award for representing the school positively throughout the community as a member of the Junior Town Council.

Many learners excelled in more subjects with some reaching top achievement in more than 2 subjects. In Physics, Tate Indongo scored 73% in Grade 10, while Godwill Hamata achieved an impressive 85% in Grade 11. Tobias Hitenanye excelled at the AS Level with a percentage of 72%. In Grade 10 Biology, Lynthea Beukes scored 70%, and Godwill Hamata delivered a strong performance with 78% in Grade 11.

In Grade 11 Johnathan-Mark Robinson achieved 77% for English as a first language, and Melania Kangangela scored 79% in AS Level for English as a second language. Kaith-Llynne O’Brien excelled in Afrikaans with a remarkable 90% in Grade 11, making her the best learner in Afrikaans. Additionally, Ellen Shatilwapo attained 78% in Grade 11 Business Studies, and she also excelled in Geography with 79%, while Uilika Ashimpungu scored 72% at the AS Level in Geography.

Mathematics saw high marks, with Lynthia Beukes earning 79% in Grade 10 and Ellen Shatilwapo achieving 85% in Grade 11. At the AS Level, Tobias Hitenanye again scored 72%. In Accounting, Issabelle Rooza achieved 80% in Grade 10. In Chemistry, Godwill Hamata was announced the top performer with 83% in Grade 11 and Helena Nauyoma with 79% at the AS Level.

The ceremony also recognized overall top performers in the respective grades. In Grade 10, Lynthia Beukes led with a 75.9% average, followed by Dantago Somaeb with 74.6% and Tate Indongo with 73.9%.

In Grade 11, Godwill Hamata topped the list with 82%, followed by Ellen Shatilwapo with 79.5% and Shantay Hainyanyula following closely behind with 79%. At the AS Level, El-Shaddai Mugabe led with 72.2%, followed by Tobias Hitenanye with 70.5% and Helena Nauyoma with 69.6%.

This year, the school managed to accumulate a total amount of N$120 000 including vouchers and cash prizes at their prize-giving ceremony.