SPAR Super star winners 2020

RICHARDS Bay Primary School’s Yadav Dayaram was over the moon when he was told he was crowned the KZN junior Spar Schools Superstar champion for 2020.

The Grade 6 learner refused to let the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown get him down and decided to film a fun educational video for the youth with his sister, Arya (13), about the virus.

This idea came one day after both siblings’ friends tested positive for the virus, while others were fearful of returning to school.
‘The idea was to ease the tension and fears of pupils returning to school by making this weird transition as easy as possible, plus our friends would rather watch a fun educational video on the virus than read a long written explanation,’ said Yadav.

Yadav has been selected as a prefect for 2021 and finished among the top ten in his grade with an impressive 90.6% aggregate.

Last year he represented the KZN north indoor cricket team and was selected as a reserve for the SA side.

He also won the King Cetshwayo District school cricket league with his school’s first team, competed in an orators competition and placed well in quiz and debate competitions.

Yadav is a member of the Richards Bay Tennis Club and competed in two tournaments in Greytown and the Wilson KZN tennis tournament in Durban.

Covid-19 unfortunately had a negative impact on this talented sportsman career this year, but Yadav is confident that next year he will gain selection for the district teams in tennis, hockey and cricket.

‘2020 was crazy, but it taught me to appreciate everything I have and to not take anything or anyone for granted.’

The youngster said he was extremely proud of this achievement and will use his money to donate food parcels to community members and buy himself a new cricket helmet.

‘The sweet hamper will be my stash for the festive season, but I will also give my sister some money as she helped with the video.’

During the pandemic, Yadav dropped off food parcels and face masks for people in the community in order to give back.

Yadav will be off to Grantleigh in 2022 for his high school career and aims to be a professional cricketer one day.

SPAR Star high school overall winner, Vachariya Naidoo is the perfect example of Hillcrest High School’s logan: If it is to be It is up to me!

Vachariya was meant to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference and the People to People International Global Youth Forum held in the US during June/July but these were both sadly cancelled (hopefully postponed) due to the pandemic.

Even though she said she was a bit disappointed, the Grade 12 learner who has always had a passion to service the community started providing cooked meals with her family and help of some sponsors.

She said after the announcement of the national lockdown many homes would go hungry and be filled with so much uncertainty.

“So instead I put the principles of those conferences, which I believed were leadership and compassion. Being of service to the community are the values I have been brought up with and will always be a part of me. ” said Vachariya.

The selfless young lady whose smile brightens up the room won herself a R5000 Pavilion voucher and a hamper with delicious treats.

Upon receiving it, she smiled and said, ‘I am so excited to receive them because I am going to a children’s home next week and can now have sweets to hand out.’

Since she was featured at the star of the month, Vachariya said she and her family continues to feed the underprivileged in Durban shelters on Saturdays and Sundays.

Hillcrest High School principal, Craig Girvin said the school was enormously proud of Vachariya. “She is a wonderful example of turning disappointment into positive attitude.

“I hope she makes it to the state and wish her all the best,” said Girvin.

He also thanked SPAR and Highway Mail for showcasing the amazing work that learners are involved with.

Nozi Mkhize said SPAR loves to see and work with upcoming leaders.

“What makes it more exciting is that, our overall winner is a young lady. SPAR supports and is very involved with women organisations, we are very proud of Vachariya and the beautiful selfless work she does for the community.

Vachariya will be studying medicine next year.