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The high note of the academic year is being awarded for hard work.
Jeppe High School for Boys held its valediction ceremony in October, with family, teachers and invited guests celebrating their achievements.
The guest speaker was the successful businessman, John Abbott, who has been very involved in the renovation and development of the Jeppe Aquatics Centre for most of this year. Abbott has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and he shared valuable insights and guidance with the boys, in respect of life outside of the school environment.
He also encouraged them to use what they have learnt over the past 12 years of schooling. The top pupil for this year who received the Dux Award for academic excellence was Ashwin van der Merwe. He received first place in information technology, second place in mathematics and physical science and third place in accounting and life orientation. Van der Merwe showed quite clearly that consistency is the hallmark of a successful student.
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Head boy for 2016, Kyle Grundlingh, received the Rotary Cup for service above self. He gave fully of himself to the school this year in his capacity as head boy. Grundlingh also received the Dan Swart Award for the best art portfolio and the David Goble Award for outstanding creative writing.
The Headmaster’s Award, awarded at the discretion of the headmaster to a boy who has stood out, made an impact or displayed special behaviour during the course of the year was shared by Hacjivah Dayimani, Matthew Edwards and Sheldon van den Berg.
Michael Peneda received the Senator Haitas Award, which is awarded to a Grade 12 boy, who, in the eyes of his peers and the staff, has best exemplified the qualities of leadership, discipline, devotion to duty and esprit de corps which means a feeling of pride and mutual loyalty shared by the members of a group. Peneda was also awarded the Afeltra Award for the best art piece.
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Ntokozo Zilwa was awarded the Wharburton Trophy for meritorious service. He was an exemplary leader as chairman of the RCL. He raised awareness of the value of education when he joined the CEO of Rolfes in the annual CEO Sleepout.
The Meredith Award for the sportsman of the year went to Tyrone Green. The Scott Cup for school spirit was awarded to Kwazi Gumede and the Glendinning Award for outstanding achievement went to Mpho Tladi.
The pipe band had an interesting year, with an invitation to the Basel Tattoo. Mandlenkosi Ndabula, being the only drum major of colour, caused quite a stir and was much-loved in Basel, Switzerland during the pipe bands’ visit. He received the Robbie Coelho Award for overall achievement in cultural activities.
Craig van Straaten received the HF Schoon Award for bilingualism and Joshua Sarkis the Du Guigne Award for the best literary essay.