Entries open for seventeen's Top Teen Achiever Awards

This competition aims to highlight and applaud teen girls for their many extraordinary achievements. Past winners like Shireen Sapiro, Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Paralympic Games, have proved that overcoming life-changing obstacles makes success that much sweeter.

Barene Beard, senior marketing manager at Standard Bank said: “We believe in encouraging young women of South Africa to be proud of whom they are in order to achieve their true potential. Because of the influence young women have, we believe we can have an impact on the broader youth and society in general.”

The 2009 Top Teen Achiever Awards competition began on 1 July and is open to teenage girls between the ages of 13 - 21 in the following five categories:

• Next Big Thing: a rising star in acting, dancing, modelling, music or writing;
  
• Miss Independent: girls who have started their own business or are making their own money;
  
• Gold Medallist: the race is on to find the sportiest teen;
  
• Do-gooder: a selfless soul who dedicates her time to helping and empowering others; and
  
• Green Queen: eco-warriors serious about saving the planet.

Five winners stand to win R10 000 in a Standard Bank account and other prizes worth R16 000 each, as well as feature in the magazine's January 2010 issue.

Entrants must submit a motivational letter, CV and high-resolution picture. Entry forms found in the July issue can be posted or emailed or visit www.seventeen.co.za for an online application. For competition details and rules go online or check out the July issue of seventeen. The competition closes on 26 August 2009.