We were there because we all had something in common and because we were waiting to meet someone rather important. You see we had all been involved with the President’s Award.
The Presidents Award is an international initiative, which aims at developing well-rounded students. At its core the Presidents Award is a community service endeavour that involves completing hours of service, building on skills and physical recreation abilities as well as involving oneself in adventurous journeys.
There are three levels to this award: bronze, silver and gold.
What I had in common with the pupils around me was that I had scaled the ranks and would be receiving my gold award. The award is called the Presidents Award in South Africa, however in England (where it originated) it is named The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The individual we were to meet later that day was the fourth child of the Duke of Edinburgh (as Wikipedia told me on the long drive to Pretoria), Prince Edward or His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex.
We had all gathered to receive our Awards from Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex.
When the service began, after the singing of the National anthems, Minister Collins Chabane welcomed us. Following that we listened to touching testimonies from pupils who had earned their gold awards. One student, Thulani Buthelezi of Aryan Benevolent Home, spoke passionately about how the award gave him a purpose and a goal in his life.
The time had come for the dignitaries to present the awards. Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, along with Minister Chabane and a few others, greeted and conversed with the gold award recipients. I must admit it was more intimidating than I had originally imagined.
Flashes were going off from the many cameras surrounding the royals as they shook my hand and asked how I enjoyed working towards achieving the award.
The President’s Award was an awesome experience, and meeting with royalty was the cherry on top.
Michael Carter, St Stithians College, Grade 11.
