The glittering Debutantes’ and Squires’ Ball, held at The Garden Venue, was the culmination of a year of hard work which saw learners raise half a million rand for Rand Park High School.
Their achievement was acknowledged by school principal Alan Wilke who thanked the learners and their parents for their immense effort within the constraints of a difficult financial climate.
This year, the top 10 debutantes and squires were each awarded a prize for their contributions to the fundraising effort.
Cayla Willemse brought in the highest amount (R67 772) and was awarded the top debutante crown. Tammy Owtram placed second, Megan Freese placed third and Gabriella Soares, Kaitlyn van Zyl, Jasmitha Govender, Elizabeth Maritz, Claire Bunton and Makayla Daves made up the balance of the top debutantes.
Keanan Hirsch was acknowledged as top squire.
The fundraising programme started in the first quarter of the learners’ Grade 10 year and ran for 12 months. The learners and their parents work tirelessly to organise fundraising events, sell goods, host sports derby days, participate in shadow servings at John Dory’s restaurant, and cater at school food fiestas, among other activities.
“Many valuable skills are learnt during the fundraising year, including leadership, teamwork, communication, creativity and commitment to the school,” said Wilke.
A special component of the fundraising programme included giving back to charitable organisations and making a difference to those who are less privileged. The Santa Shoebox Project was one of the beneficiaries of the learners’ charitable work and received 115 packed shoebox gifts for distribution to needy children in South Africa.
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