AISA launched the award in 2008 to recognise and reward the achievements of outstanding students in AISA member schools. The award is bestowed upon any final-year student who can demonstrate high academic results and whose character exemplifies the association’s values. Each school is invited to submit one application.

Nominations are due no later than 1st March of each year with the AISA Board confirming the successful candidates at the Board meeting. Schools are then free to award recipients at the end-of-year school celebrations.

AISA values are demonstrated by those who:

• Promote a school environment characterised by a sense of hospitality, friendliness and community among students and between students and staff.
• Demonstrates by example the concept of service to the human family either within or outside the school environment.
• Seeks to understand, appreciate and promote African cultures through service activities, participation in cultural events, or personal expression through African literature, languages, music, art or dance.
• Embraces a worldview that celebrates human unity and diversity. This trait could be demonstrated through service activities, student activities, cultural events, membership in clubs or organisations within or outside of school, academic projects, or any form of artistic expression.

Nomination guidelines

• Each AISA full-member school is invited to nominate one student each year to be considered for this award. The student must be in his/her final year of high school.
• A formal communication and plaque of recognition will be sent to the winners’ school heads and counsellors. The award announcement and presentation will then take place either at the school’s end-year ceremony or other preferred date by the school’s management

Key Nomination Dates: 

• Opening Date: 01 December
• Closing Date: 01 March
• Announcement: May (at Schools’ Discretion)