At this year’s valedictory ceremony, O’Connell walked away with a number trophies and awards including the English Trophy, the Afrikaans Trophy, the Official Languages Trophy, the Mathematics Trophy, the Physical Science Trophy, the Chemistry Trophy, the Life Sciences Trophy, the Accounting Trophy, the Sandton Mayoral Award for Academic Achievement, the Cum Laude Award for Full Academic Colours for five years and also the Councillor’s Trophy.
O’Connell is a top student who has secured eight distinctions in English, Afrikaans, mathematics, life orientation, physical science, life sciences, accounting and advanced programming maths and was re-awarded a white honours blazer for her distinctions. She is also an exceptional mathematics student who Bryanston High School marketing manager, Liz Edwards, describes as “A lady with a head for numbers” and has maintained a more than 90 percent average in the subject in her five years at the school.
This year, she participated in a series in mathematics, world knowledge, Afrikaans and science Olympiads and went on to win a Bronze Medal in the Harmony South African Mathematics Olympiad.
Edwards added, “She also participated in the inter-provincial South African Mathematics Team Competition. However, this young lady believes in serving others too and has full colours for first aid, and regular awards for participation in all spheres of school life including her role as a school councillor. In her spare time, Kiara plays piano, does archery and swims for the school’s first team.”
