The influence of science and technology in the 21^st century is rapidly taking over the world, and the generation thereof is highly exposed to these advancements, making it possible for them to think out of the box, apply their innovative and creative minds and come up with solutions to the world challenges.

On 16 August 2018, the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology (FEIT) at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) hosted their 20^th annual High school Quiz Whizz competition to encourage and promote the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects amongst high school learners. This year participating schools included Grey College Secondary School, Sand du Plessis and Sentraal High Schools.

Sentraal High School came first and was honoured to be the fifth-time-winner in the 20^th year of the competition following the first two years of inception in 1999 and 2000. The winning team received R45 000 worth of prize money towards study bursaries for 2019. Sand du Plessis received R 10 000 each, while Grey College settled for R 7500 each.

According to Mr Carel Korff, coordinator and presenter of the event, the two main aims of the quiz is to engage young school learners to the exciting fields of engineering, technology, science and the environment, as well as present the CUT as the university of choice for full time students in engineering and technology in central South Africa.

“We are privileged and honoured to have been presenting this event for twenty years, thus serving our Free State communities and encouraging our youth to pursue their studies and careers in this wonderful challenging world of science, engineering and technology. This is the 21^st century, and we are moving with the times,” he said.

This annual quiz is one of the flagship events hosted by the FEIT marketing committee, under the leadership of Ms Linda Meiring.

The school will nominate three academically deserving learners who wish to follow a career in engineering or information technology.

Images

1: This year’s winners of the high school quiz competition went to Sentraal High School with prize money 3x R15 000.00 bursaries. From left: Raymond Janse van Rensburg, Dian van Wyk and HZ Lombard.

2: Sentraal High School proud to be the 5^th time winners since the inception of the competition in 1999.  Having a laugh and enjoying their Quizz Wizz experience, from left: Dian van Wyk, and HZ Lombard.