The JuniorTukkie Welcoming and Achievers’ Function was held on Thursday, 5 March 2015 in the Aula at the Hatfield Campus of the University of Pretoria. This Function was introduced in 2009 to acknowledge students who had excelled academically in the end examination of their final school-year.

On this special occasion, Prof Norman Duncan, Vice-Principal: Academic, addressed the students on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Prof Cheryl de la Rey.

The University of Pretoria regards the successful transition from high school to tertiary education as a key priority and focuses on students’ successes. During the Welcoming Function students were once again encouraged to continue to work hard and to maintain a balance among academics, sports and social activities. The University of Pretoria offers various achievement awards to students. The function was attended by JuniorTukkies and students who qualify for the following awards:

Vice-Chancellor’s special awards: Students who qualify for this award, each received a bursary to the value of R9 800.

2013 Grade 11 Empowerment Week achievement awards: The top 15 learners who had attended the Grade 11 Empowerment Week in 2013 each received an amount of R13 600. These awards are based on the average percentage obtained by learners in the end examination of their final school-year.

2014 Grade 12 Preparation Conference awards: On the last day of the Preparation Conference programme, a lucky draw was held and three students each won an amount of R16 000.

Grade 12 Dux learners: The top Grade 12 academic achievers from the UP feeder schools (one dux learner per school) each received an achievement award to the value of R5 000.

Achievement awards (90+% average): Students in the Faculties of Health Sciences and Veterinary Science who obtained an average of 90% or more in the end examination of their final school-year, qualify for a guaranteed academic achievement award to the value of R20 000.      Students in any of the other faculties who obtained an average of 90% or more in the end examination of their final school-year, qualify for a guaranteed academic achievement award to the value of R40 000.

Edu-Loan bursary: The first-year JuniorTukkie who obtained the highest average percentage in the end examination of the final school-year, received an Edu-Loan bursary to the value of R12 000.

Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: UP is the first South African University that competed successfully to partner with the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program. This year’s group consists of 18 students who all received full scholarships for the duration of their studies and automatically became members of the JuniorTukkie Club.

Students were also encouraged to join the JuniorTukkie Student Society and the JuniorTukkie Alumni, and to become involved in the various activities at Student Affairs, which include student culture, TuksFM radio station and faculty and day houses, to name but a few. By becoming involved, they will be taking the first steps towards making a big difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders.

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of the name of the JuniorTukkie who had achieved the highest academic average and was the recipient of the R12 000 Edu-Loan bursary. Johan Kruger’s accomplishments include the following:

2010–2014: Top achiever from Grade 8 to Grade 12

2014: Top Grade 12 student in Limpopo

2014: Provincial winner in both Afrikaans and Mathematics Olympiads

2014: Grade 12 academic average: 95,9% (LO included)

2014: Obtained 96% for Advanced Mathematics

2013–2014: Member of the first hockey team

2014: Obtained provincial colours for hockey

2013–2014: Member of the second golf team

Participation in ATKV debate and public speaking

2014: Deputy Head Boy of Hoërskool Pietersburg

2014: Member of school’s governing body