No one was more surprised than Danélle Barnard when the announcement came in front of 2 000 students that she has the privilege of being invited to the USA.

The announcement came at the All Africa Student Convention in Bloemfontein earlier this year, directly after the 18-year-old Danélle had been presented with a gold medal for a short story that she had written.

“I can’t wait to phone my mom!” and “Will I ever find my seat again in this auditorium?” were two of the thoughts that ran through her mind as Danélle stood speechless on the stage.

She did find her seat and back home she showed her parents the letter of invitation. She was invited to the ACE 2011 International Student Convention at the James Madison University in Virginia, USA.

“Your child’s hard work and commitment to developing her God-given gifts has brought her this far. Please consider your child’s participation carefully as this could be a life-changing event,” reads the letter.

Danélle will be part of an international group of students who will spend three days in New York City, two days in Washington DC, six days at the ACE (Accelerated Christian Education) convention and five days at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, including a hopper pass for all four theme parks as well as a visit to Kennedy Space Center. Naturally, this last leg of the tour is the one that Danélle looks forward to the most.

Parents Henk and Rindi Barnard are proud of their daughter and grateful for the golden opportunity offered to her. Ms Yvonne Roux, principal of Bravo Christian School of Victory, is equally proud of her deputy-head girl of next year.

“I wish everyone could read Danélle’s story with the title Forgiveness. It is truly an amazing piece of literature,” Ms Roux commented on the school’s budding young writer.

“Danélle taught herself to read at the age of four,” says mom Rindi, who is the head of Small Talk Christian Centre for Early Learning. Danélle loves reading, especially mystery and suspense stories, and her favourite author is Mary Higgins Clark. She has been regularly keeping a journal for many years.

“Writing is my hobby and my way of channelling my thoughts and emotions, though painting is my passion,” says Danélle. This young lady has the dream of qualifying as a gynaecologist when she has completed her ACE matric next year.

Qualifying for the international tour and conference was exhilarating, but getting there is another thing. Danélle is responsible for her own expenses, which amount to approximately R35 500. The tour starts in May and payments have to be made on January 15 and finalized on February 15.

Those interested in supporting Danélle, can contact Barend at Audiosat on 082 902 5653 or Rindi Barnard on 072 547 7730 or 076 761 7282.