Christel House South Africa (CHSA) honors a student each year who demonstrates outstanding academic and leadership qualities. Senior Michaela J. earned the 2018 Christel Award. “She sets an example for her peers,” says Ronald Fortune, CHSA Principal. “She is dedicated, hard-working, and she excels in her academics.” Michaela joined Christel House in Grade 6 after winning the Grow Smart Literacy Competition. She was awarded a scholarship as part of the Growthpoint Properties social investment in education. Michaela has dealt with adversity, growing up in poverty and losing her mother at a young age. But she says Christel House helped her overcome her obstacles. “I want to inspire others and prove that where you come from does not determine the rest of your life.”