Risper Okello

17 years old, attending Hillcrest School Nairobi, Kenya. Risper was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in June 2020.

Risper has made a very good start to her A-levels, achieving As in all of her end of year exams in Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. In addition, she has been teaching herself AS Economics. She is a hardworking, mature, enthusiastic student and demonstrates high-level thinking and problem-solving skills.

In sport, Risper has been working on her basketball and football skills and was chosen for both school teams. She has performed with the school choir and has continued to learn piano. She helped direct the school play and organise a Shakespeare night. A competent debater, Risper has participated in three debate competitions and qualified for the finals.
Risper was appointed Head of Charities in the Interact Club; she has also been a Master of Ceremony, organised a science fair project, a talk for students and introduced the ‘buddy’ system to Hillcrest Scholars Society. She has mentored two Yr 11 students and, after a rigorous selection process, has been appointed as Prefect and Deputy Head of School in the new academic year.

Through the Interact Club, Risper organised a Valentine’s dinner and funday, raising 90,000 Ksh. She has mentored girls in schools in her upcountry, donating textbooks and clothes to them and also to the Kenya Children’s Home. She has participated in her school’s environmental club litter collection at Nairobi National Park.

Beacon Workshop Participation

Risper's 2022 Summer Beacon Citizenship Project was focused on fostering girls’ mental health and hygiene at Riara Girls High School, Nairobi.

In Leadership Workshops, Risper has been naturally engaging. She evaluated her presentation effectively and spoke from the heart. She has grown in confidence and presence and is becoming a real leader.