Durban Girls' College Celebrate the 2024 Recipient of the White Blazer

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Jia Patel has become the seventh recipient of the coveted ‘White Blazer’ which she achieved for Honours in Service, Culture and Academics.

Durban, South Africa (18 April 2024) – The award of a White Blazer, the top award at Durban Girls’ College, is presented to a girl who has achieved Honours in three of four categories: Academics, Culture, Service or Sport. Jia Patel has achieved Honours for Service, Culture, and Academics in 2024!

Only six white blazers have been awarded over the past thirty years to the following recipients, Kim MacNeillie in 1994, Sarah Pudifin in 2002, Melissa Corfe in 2003, Amy Schaap in 2015, Cenelle Gounden in 2018 and Sarah Sparks in 2022.

“We are very pleased to announce that Jia Patel, Grade 12, was awarded the White Blazer in Assembly on 16 April 2024, by the Chair of the Board of Governors, Mrs Karen Jones. Jia Patel has achieved Honours for Service, Culture, and Academics.”

Her honours awards were broken down as follows:

Honours for Service: an award achieved in 2023 where she was extensively involved in the following areas: DGC First Aid, Waitressing at the Grade 11 dance, Academic Support, assisting at the High School Open Evening, Anchor of Hope, Kendra Gardens, Lakehaven Child and Youth Care Centre, Westville Baby House, Bhambayi, Comrades first aid and the LEARN Project.

In the Cultural category she achieved Honours for Music in 2023. Being involved, for the past 5 years, she has been a valuable member of the Marimba Band. As the Marimba Leader this year, she has demonstrated excellent leadership skills. She is deeply committed to her musical journey and has achieved Distinction in Trinity Grade 4 Piano and Grade 5 Theory. As a musician, she has consistently participated in the Progress Concerts and the internal musical performance schedule over the years, setting an excellent example for young musicians at DGC and giving back to the DGC Community

She also received Honours for Academics in 2023, awarded this year. This means she achieved an aggregate of over 85% in her Grade 11 year. She was the Middle School Dux in her Grade 9 year, and her academic acumen was recognised when she was made Vice Head of Academics.

“Jia embodies a commendable dedication to her responsibilities. Her remarkable work ethic, coupled with her commitment to principled leadership and effective communication, distinguishes her. Her considerate and deliberate approach to caring for others and for her school is apparent. Her impeccable school record, her warm, friendly demeanour, alongside her substantial contributions to both the school community and beyond, sets a shining example for her peers. Remarkably, she maintains a delicate balance between her academic endeavours and co-curricular pursuits, demonstrating an unyielding commitment to excellence.

We congratulate Jia and thank her for her wonderful contribution to Durban Girls’ College.”