Parina Natau, a Grade 12 student at Westville Girls’ High School, has been named the school's Dux award recipient for 2026. This award was granted to her after she received 11 awards for her academic achievements.
Thanks to her outstanding knowledge, Natau also received a scholarship at the University of Pretoria. She shared her feelings, stating that she feels immense pride in her accomplishments. Natau noted that she has consistently ranked first every year since Grade 8, always paying close attention to her studies and striving for perfection.
She explained that she was able to achieve her exemplary academic results by finding a balance between her studies and social life. Natau emphasized that she worked hard, managed her time effectively, and still found time for socializing with family and friends, as well as for sports and hobbies.
When she is not immersed in her studies, Natau enjoys playing tennis or paddleball with friends. Additionally, she has artistic inclinations and finds painting to be a relaxing activity.
Natau plans to build a career in mechatronic engineering, aiming to become a specialist in biomedical engineering. She added that she is fascinated by how engineering and technology can contribute to the advancement of medical science, thereby improving people's quality of life.
Natau's Awards
Among the awards she has received are a Certificate of Distinction for Leadership, the Panda Trophy for Art Theory, the Panda Trophy for Painting, the Trophy for Language Excellence, the Vega Brand Builder Trophy, the Vega Creative Communicator Trophy, the Epoch Optima Trusts Trophy for Mathematics Excellence (twice), the Life Westville Hospital Trophy for Excellence in Higher Mathematical Education, the Double Helix Life Sciences Trophy, as well as awards for English, Fine Arts, Mathematics, and Higher Mathematics.