In a year that saw Holy Rosary School for Girls achieve a 100% Matric and Bachelor’s Degree pass rate, one student’s story stands out as a testament to extraordinary grit and tenacity. Jaanki Arora, a Sri Lankan resident of Bedfordview, has emerged as a top achiever in the Class of 2025, securing eight distinctions and the school’s most prestigious accolades despite a daunting personal battle with rheumatoid arthritis.
A Legacy of Excellence Amidst Adversity
While the Class of 2025 celebrated its strongest performance in school history, Jaanki’s journey was defined by a silent struggle that began in Grade 10. Following a period of intense pain and inflammation, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that turned even the simplest tasks into monumental hurdles.
“When I used to write for even five minutes, my wrists would get inflamed, and it became too painful to even move my fingers,” Jaanki shares. This made exams incredibly difficult, as the treatment itself brought on immense nausea and concentration loss. “The journey has been rocky; my medication makes me feel quite sick, so I often had to miss school or simply couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain. This led to a lot of missed work, which made the stress of matric skyrocket.”
Despite these flare-ups – one so severe it caused a partial hip dislocation – and an immune system so compromised that a minor flu could “knock her out” for days, Jaanki maintained a rigorous academic schedule. She ultimately placed 3rd overall in the Holy Rosary Top Ten for the final matric examinations.
Jaanki achieved an exceptional 86,14% average, with her eight distinctions including:
- Mathematics (91%)
- Life Orientation (92%)
- Life Sciences (87%)
- Accounting (85%)
- English (85%)
- Afrikaans (82%)
- Physical Sciences (81%)
- Further Studies English (84%)
The White Honours Blazer: A Rare Distinction
The pinnacle of Jaanki’s high school career was being named the only recipient of the White Honours Blazer in 2025. To receive this award, a pupil must achieve at least three Full Colours awards, be an elected leader, and display all-round excellence.
Beyond her academic re-award of Full Colours – which she held for four consecutive years – Jaanki was recognised as a powerhouse in cultural and service spheres. She was the recipient of the Principal’s Trophy, described as the “epitome of a true Holy Rosary ambassador” for her determination since joining the school in Grade 8. Her leadership and achievements extended to:
- Public Speaking: Earning Full Colours for two consecutive years and the Adjudicator’s Award.
- Service: Serving on the Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC), the Technical Crew, and as Captain of the First Aid team.
- Literary Excellence: Winning the Holy Rosary English Creative Writing Trophy and the trophy for the highest mark and distinction in English.
Resilience Beyond the Classroom
Arthritis forced Jaanki to give up tennis as her body felt constantly fatigued, but she adapted by finding new ways to manage her health, such as yoga, walking, and maintaining a calm mindset to prevent stress-induced flare-ups.
Her commitment to her community never wavered. Her service included participation as a Debutante in Grade 10 and membership in the Diversity and Belonging Leadership Committee. For her consistent performance, she was also awarded a Gold Certificate and Gold Medal for Studies, maintaining an average aggregate of over 560 across her senior high school years.
Looking Toward the Future
Jaanki, who also received the Ingram Trophy for the highest mark and distinction in Life Sciences, is now preparing for the next chapter of her journey. She intends to pursue a degree in either Actuarial Sciences or Medicine, fields that demand the same precision and empathy she has demonstrated throughout her schooling.
“I am moved by the grit and tenacity displayed by the Class of 2025,” said Dr Deon Oerson, Head of School. Jaanki Arora’s success proves that when a student faces challenges with determination – turning toward their goals like a sunflower – they do not just succeed; they flourish.