Parktown High School for Girls hosted its annual valediction ceremony for the matric Class of 2023 on October 19.
The marketing and communications officer at the school, Kerry Liss said this was an important event as it marked the end of 12 years of schooling for the current matriculants. It allowed the school community to celebrate the learners’ incredible achievements and to say farewell to both the girls and their parents/guardians.
Liss added the guest speaker for the evening was Faith Pienaar, the deputy head girl from 2010. On finishing school, Pienaar followed her dream of becoming the first black female wine farmer in South Africa. Her address to the girls was an inspirational and honest account of her journey through school and beyond. She encouraged the girls to take their privileged education and use it to make a difference in our country, which included voting in the 2024 elections. She told the matrics, “Your initial degree does not have to define what you do for the rest of your life and it is essential that you find what gets you up in the morning and that your work is meaningful, allowing you to live a life of purpose.”
Having celebrated the school’s centenary this year, headmistress Tracey Megom’s address looked at some of the most important icons, symbols and aspects that were synonymous with Parktown, using these aspects to describe and thank the matric Class of 2023. Her final message was to ‘not forget about the memories made and lessons learnt in this iconic building, with the beautiful jacaranda trees lining its driveway, each unique in their beauty’.
“The wisdom and knowledge that flow through the building’s corridors, together with perpetual energy that can uplift anyone at any time, the pigeons that watch over them all day every day in the magnificent grounds, and the star of service that sits proudly in the middle of the school badge and embodies everything good about the school and everything expected from a Parktown girl.”
Premier Academic Awards were:
- Dux Scholarum and Elizabeth Hedding Award – Christina Vaudran (94.85% average).
- Awards to the president and deputy presidents of the Representative Council of Learners – Daniella Monyepao (president), Christina Vaudran (deputy president) and Rofhiwe Muambadzi (deputy president)
- Matric ’98 Cup for Endeavour – Pono Mangwale. This award is made in recognition of endeavour and consistent effort in all subjects.
- Stefanie Radel Memorial Award – Paris Rees. This award is made in recognition of being a motivating and enthusiastic person who is willing to help others to shine.
- Collier Cup – Zandile Ncube. This is an award for service to the school community made to a learner who is not a Representative Council of Learners councillor.
- Rotary Good Citizenship award – Jeanne Wanyama. This award is made in recognition of service to the broader community and for good citizenship.
- Anthea Cereseto Emerging Leadership Award – Ceejay Anthony. This award is made to a learner who is not a Representative Council of Learners councillor but has proven to be an emerging leader in the school.
- Old Parktonian Award – Lisa Sibanda. Best All-rounder: academic, sports, culture, leadership and service.
In addition to the many girls who received half and full colours for academics, 29 learners attained their academic honours. Academic honours are awarded to a learner who obtains a re-award of academic full colours, with an average above 80%.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/401315/parktown-high-school-for-girls-learner-elated-about-hobours-white-blazer/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/401146/parktown-high-school-for-girls-save-lives/
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