St Mary’s rewards excellence at prize giving
Leia Bhagwan and Jessica Staats were joint recipients of the 2026 Burgess Shield for Dux of School at St Mary's DSG.
ST Mary’s DSG, Kloof, celebrated the academic achievements of its high school girls at its annual High School Speech Awards recently.
The evening recognised the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of the girls, with particular honours going to Leia Bhagwan and Jessica Staats, joint recipients of the 2026 Burgess Shield for Dux of School.
Seven Grade 12 girls received Certificates of Commendation for achieving year marks of over 85%. They were Leia, Carla Franz, Zenande Mkhwanazi, Christie Robertson, Sienna Russell, Jessica and Lauren van Niekerk. Five of the recipients – Leia, Zenande, Christie, Jessica and Lauren – achieved Cum Laude recognition.
Also read: Pinetown learner bags eight subject awards
The school also acknowledged the important role played by its teachers and parents in supporting the girls throughout their academic journeys.
The evening’s guest speaker was Thalia Pillay (Class of 2014), co-founder of Orca Fraud. She shared her journey as an entrepreneur and highlighted the role of technology in creating safer financial systems. Her address also reflected on how her time at St Mary’s had helped shape her path beyond school.
The school’s Old Girls International Award was presented to Deborah Gray (Class of 1995), while the National Award was bestowed posthumously on the late Mary Turok (née Butcher, Class of 1949). Turok’s award was accepted by her niece, Lisa Engelbrecht (Class of 1983), while Gray sent a video message of encouragement to the matric class as they prepared to embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“The awards evening celebrated not only academic excellence but also the values and sisterhood that continue to connect St Mary’s girls long after they leave the school.
“As the Class of 2026 prepares for life beyond its gates, the school encourages its young women to carry these values forward, embrace new opportunities and make a meaningful difference in the world,” said executive principal Jonathan Manley.
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