From Redhill School to Stellenbosch: Demi Symanowitz's inspiring matric story

With a strong combination of academic excellence, leadership, and resilience, Redhill School matriculant Demi Symanowitz has emerged as one of the school’s top achievers in the class of 2025, securing an outstanding 94% overall average with nine distinctions.

Reflecting on her matric year, Symanowitz described it as a period of growth shaped by balance, leadership, and adaptability. “It was a year defined by balance, juggling the intensity of academics with the responsibilities of being in leadership and staying active,” she said.

She added that Redhill provided an environment where learners are encouraged to grow authentically. “I’ve realised that school is a place where you can truly grow into your own person without being forced into a specific mould,” she said.

Some of her most cherished moments came from everyday interactions within the school community. “The moments spent connecting with my peers and teachers really stood out for me,” she said, recalling weekends spent at Redfests and long afternoons in extra lessons filled with laughter.

As a school leader, she found her role on the SRC particularly meaningful. “Finding my voice through the SRC was incredibly rewarding and showed me you really can make a difference if you try hard enough,” she said.

Navigating the pressure of matric required both self-awareness and adaptability. “When things felt overwhelming, running or going to the gym really helped clear my head,” Symanowitz said, adding that open conversations with friends made the experience less isolating.

“Simply talking about our shared anxiety helped you realise you’re not alone,” she noted. Looking back, she said she wished she had spent less time wishing the year away. “Once it’s nearly over, you realise how much you want to go back,” she reflected.

She credited her teachers with transforming her school experience. “They turned school from a place I might have dreaded into an environment where I could genuinely enjoy myself while learning,” she said.

Symanowitz also spoke warmly of the support of her friends and family. “Redhill is such a supportive community; everyone is happy for your success,” she said, adding that her family stood by her through both difficult and celebratory moments.

To stay focused, Symanowitz relied on a balance of discipline and creativity. “Knitting and crocheting gave me a necessary mental break and helped keep my mind switched off when things felt intense,” she said. She also believes that healthy competition played a positive role. “In my case, it pushed me to achieve beyond what I thought I was capable of,” she said

Looking ahead, Demi will be studying engineering at Stellenbosch University, driven by a passion for problem-solving and innovation. A Grade 11 job-shadowing experience at the WITS laboratories helped shape her career direction. "That hands-on experience really helped me choose my path,” she said. She hopes her future work will contribute to innovation and development in South Africa.

Offering advice to the Class of 2026, the top achiever encouraged learners to stay present and engaged. “Don’t wish the time away,” she said. “There will come a moment when you’d give anything for one more break or one more class with your friends.

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Saturday Star