Learner arrives by helicopter for unforgettable Hoër Volkskool matric farewell

Seventeen-year-old Hoër Volkskool Heidelberg matriculant Jeanevé Schültz made a memorable entrance at her matric farewell on Friday, arriving by helicopter at Beaurain after earlier turning heads in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

The Class of 2026 celebrated its matric farewell under the theme ‘Safari Chic’, with learners dressed in formal attire and arriving in a variety of impressive vehicles.

For Jeanevé, however, the evening carried a much deeper meaning. Her first arrival was at the school’s Big Brag event, where she arrived in a Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Later, she travelled to Beaurain, the venue for the actual matric farewell, where she made her second entrance by Robinson R44 helicopter.

The helicopter arrival was the fulfilment of a dream Jeanevé had envisioned long before the farewell theme was announced.

“The idea of arriving at my matric farewell by helicopter was initially mine,” said Jeanevé. “My father had said that he would try to arrange it through a friend. The plan was initially uncertain after we found out that the helicopter might have to land on the school’s hockey field, where my arrival would not have been visible to everyone.

“My father passed away on the same day the school announced that the farewell would take place at Beaurain. He therefore did not know that the change of venue would create an opportunity for the helicopter arrival.”

Jeanevé said the change of venue presented a new possibility that her mother immediately recognised.

“In previous years, learners had travelled by school bus to the venue after the ‘Big Brag’. This time, because the venue was close to the school, learners were expected to make their own way there.

“My mother immediately realised that this meant we could have the grand entrance we had originally imagined. She had to start from scratch because she didn’t know who my father had contacted about the helicopter.

“She made enquiries and approached about four people before eventually finding someone willing to help. The arrangement was only confirmed on September 19, just six days before my farewell.

“I’m incredibly grateful that she never gave up and did everything she could to make this special moment possible for me.

“Stepping out of the helicopter was an unforgettable experience. We could hear the cheering from the people. Knowing that everyone was watching and sharing in that moment made it incredibly special. The arrival had been kept secret from most of those attending. My date Tian Bosman was among the few who knew because he was arriving with me.”

Jeanene Kruger said ensuring that her daughter experienced the entrance she had dreamed of was particularly important following the loss of her husband. “After losing my husband, I refused to let this special moment become a disappointment. I wanted Jeanevé to have the moment she had dreamed about and deserved.

“Although the farewell was held under the Safari Chic theme, she said the theme did not influence either her outfit or her decision to arrive by helicopter.

“I had already chosen my dress and dreamed of arriving by helicopter long before the theme was announced. Both were part of the vision I had for my matric farewell from the beginning.

“She faced many challenges at a young age, but I watched her grow through every chapter. Seeing the young woman she has become makes me incredibly proud. Beyond the glamour of the evening, the farewell marked an important milestone in her school journey.”