Spar Superstars Highway Mail 2024

LIAM Chigubu, a Grade Four learner at Gillitts Primary School, is a bright and enthusiastic young lad. He is a high flyer who has achieved academic accolades for the past four years.

Liam can be described as a jovial, inspiring and talented individual, who is a role model to his fellow peers.

Liam wishes to venture into the world of architecture as a career path and has designed quite a few of his future homes, the first one being for his parents. Teachers describe Liam as a timid and well-mannered learner.

“We have much faith in Liam and know that he will achieve whatever he puts his mind to,” stated the school.

GRADE One Luseluhle Mdletshe has been chosen as St Benedict’s SPAR Star of the Month.

Luseluluhle joined Pinetown JKA Karate Dojo in 2021 and has earned his orange belt.

He recently represented the Pinetown Dojo at the KZN Championships which were held at Hillcrest Primary School. He achieved second position in his division, earning a silver medal and his first KZN colours.

“Luseluhle will compete again at a national level on May 18 in Gauteng at the Ellis Park Stadium. We wish him the best of luck,” said educator Shareen Gould who described the young learner as a quiet boy who loves his sports, particularly karate, swimming and soccer.

WESTVILLE Senior Primary School (WSPS) SPAR Star of the Month is Carlos ‘CJ’ Esau.

The school described the Grade Seven learner as a polite and respectful learner who is well-liked by the staff and his peers alike.

CJ is a prefect and was appointed as the captain of the first cricket team and is the vice-captain of his house.

He hails from a sporting family and was encouraged to play with a ball at an early age.

CJ recently successfully attended PADSSA trials for hockey and will therefore go on to attend KwaZulu-Natal trials.

Stuart George, the head of boys’ hockey at WSPS, said CJ is a gifted sportsman and one of the strongest hockey players in KZN who has his sights set on being selected for the U13A KZN Team.

“He is part of the Highway Football Team and also made the PADSSA team for cricket. We are hoping that CJ will be selected to represent KZN in three sporting codes this year.”

The head of sport at WSPS, Darryn Hatch, said CJ is proof that dynamite comes in small packages.

“What CJ lacks in size, he more than makes up for with his strong will and his flair for putting on a great show and keeping the fans entertained. CJ has got loads of character and a fun and mischievous streak, which makes him a very popular teammate, but when he steps onto the field, he is dedicated and focused. CJ loves the camaraderie in sport as well as the opportunity to travel with his teammates and to play competitively against top teams in the country.”

ST Mary’s DSG, Kloof’s Primary School SPAR Star nominee is Alexis Boyers from Grade Six who made the Girls’ U13 KZN Cricket Training Squad. Alexis was spotted by one of the coaches during a recent Cricket Clinic held at Kearsney College.

Impressed by her skills, the coach encouraged her to try out for the KZN Team over the Easter holidays. Alexis was then selected and made it to the Training Squad.

Cricket isn’t just a sport for Alexis; it’s a family affair. She has always enjoyed playing with her dad, Brendan, and her younger brother, Adam. Recently, they even installed a cricket pitch in their garden where Alexis practises every weekend and whenever she can squeeze in time in the afternoons.

Alexis loves being a part of a sporting team and also enjoys playing hockey, soccer and water polo. Her passion and love for cricket stems from her dad, whom she considers her role model.

St Mary’s senior primary sports coordinator Doné Irving said they are proud of Alexis for pursuing her passion. “We wish her the very best as she prepares for the 2024 squad,” she said.

The squad will gather for training sessions this term at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium, with the final team selection scheduled for later in the year.

ASANDA Mazibuko, a Grade Eight learner at Hillcrest High School, was awarded both her KZN Colours and her National Colours for drum majorettes by the Federation of Dance Drill, Cheerleading and Majorette Sport South Africa (FDDCMSA). The FDDCMSA is a recognised member of the International Association of Majorette Sport.

Asanda started drum majorettes, or drummies as it is known, when she was in Grade Six at Forest View and joined the Eagles Majorette Club in Grade Seven. Asanda was also appointed as the captain for the Senior Team and the leader for the Senior Team Small Drill. She has also been invited to compete at the World Cup Majorettes event in France in July 2024.

STAR College Boys’ High has selected Grade Nine learner Dante Lazarus as the SPAR Star of the Month.

The school’s marketing manager, Sara Hayden, said that from Grade Eight, Dante has shown extreme talent, achieving first place in the grade, first in GET (General Education and Training), was made class captain and has an aggregate of 96%.

Not only did he excel at school but he participated in external olympiads.

“He was ranked 16th in KwaZulu-Natal for the South African Maths Olympiad, received a platinum pass in maths and science and a diamond pass in English and EMS in the Conquesta Olympiad. He also received a bronze medal in the Science Eskom Expo.”

Hayden said Dante consistently demonstrates traits of integrity, kindness, respect and responsibility in all aspects of his academic and extracurricular activities.

“He has a positive impact on his peers and teachers alike, always willing to help others and go the extra mile to contribute to the school community. His leadership skills, empathy and willingness to learn and grow have been exemplary, and they have truly embodied the values of our school.

“I have no doubt that Dante will continue to thrive and make a positive difference in whatever he pursues in the future. He is a role model for his peers and a true asset to our school community. Thank you for your exemplary character and dedication, Dante!” she said.

NAKSHATRA Eedara is Star College Girls’ High SPAR Star of the Month.

She started off in Grade Eight, attaining 15th place in the South African Math Foundation Competition, receiving a bronze medal for the Eskom Expo, a gold medal for Conquesta and a silver medal for the Star Genius competition.

Last year, in Grade Nine, she received a bronze medal in the South African Maths Olympiad, received a silver medal for the Teen Eagle English Competition and represented herself and her school in the Global Finals.

She took part in the World Robot Olympiad and achieved the highest score in KwaZulu-Natal which took her to national level.

Marketing manager at the school Sara Hayden said the Engineering Excellence Award and first place in Robot Performance was handed to Nakshatra in the First LEGO League.

“She was a gold medalist for Conquesta, silver medalist for SAASTA Science Olympiad and a bronze medalist for Star Genius,” said Hayden.

The talented and focused young lady lives by Edwin Louis Cole’s quote: “Winners are not people who never fail but people who never quit.”

“This has truly led her as she achieved first place in Grade 10 for the first term this year and the highest aggregate for the FET [Further Education and Training] Phase.”

Hayden highlighted that Nakshatra’s peers admire her dedication and work ethic, and she is often looked up to as a role model within the school.

“She has a bright future, and the school wish her all the best,” she said.