Spar Superstars HWM 2026

ELA Ogle’s dedication, positive attitude and a strong work ethic has earned her the SPAR Star of the Month title.

Vivacious, thoughtful and confident, her educators said she is well known for consistently going the extra mile for her teammates and peers.
The Westville Senior Primary School (WSPS) Grade Six learner recently earned a place on the KZN Action Netball U12A team, which toured Johannesburg in March to compete in the IPT Action Netball Little League. The team experienced wins and losses, finishing with four victories, and gained invaluable experience while forming lasting friendships and special memories along the way.

She has also been selected for the U12 PADSSA hockey team and will represent her district at the KZN trials in May.

Christine Marshall of WSPS, KZN Action Netball U15A and B coach, and Ela’s netball coach in 2024 and 2025, said, “Ela has shown true grit and skill at netball since day one. She will play in any position you give her and will always give her best.”

Ela’s outdoor netball coach, Adrienne Witthuhn, echoes this sentiment: “Ela is a determined and strong player who strives to perform at her best in any position. She enjoys a challenge and never gives up. Ela reads the game well, offers valuable insight, and leads by example. She is an invaluable member of the U12A team.”

YOUNG rider Mason van Heerden recently travelled to Cape Town to compete in Rounds 1–3 of the South African Cup. He was selected to represent the KZN A Team, which won the provincial competition.

The Westville Junior Primary School SPAR Star of the Month competed in the 9-10 expert age category. The Grade Three learner placed first in Round 1 and second in both Rounds 2 and 3.

Mason will travel to Johannesburg in June for the next rounds of the competition.

“We are extremely proud of Mason and his performance, particularly as he competed so confidently against older and more experienced riders,” said the school.

STAR College’s SPAR Star of the Month Mishka Naidoo embodies what it means to lead with heart and intellect.

The school described the Grade Seven learner as an all-round inspiration.

“As a prefect, Mishka sets the standard for responsibility and kindness. She is helpful, hardworking, enthusiastic, and an absolute pleasure to teach. She doesn’t just meet expectations, she lifts the people around her,” said the school’s marketing manager Sara Hayden.

Mishka is also a proud member of the Star College Primary Debate Club and will represent the school at the National Debates League.

Her greatest passion is maths. She is the youngest member of the Soroban Maths Association of SA and also excels in mental arithmetic. Her love for numbers isn’t just academic, it’s part of who she is. For fun, she solves maths sums in her head before bed, turning bedtime into brain-training time.

On Saturdays, she volunteers with the Kharwastan Clean-up Group, helping keep her community clean and safe. She also assists at the Royals Football Club.

Last year, she played a key role at their Fun Day, where orphans from the community were treated to a day of games, food, and joy. Mishka gave her time and energy to make sure every child felt special.

“Star College Primary is proud to call Mishka one of our own. We know this is just the beginning of a journey that will inspire many,” said a proud Hayden.

ST Mary’s DSG, Kloof has chosen Sia Kassanjee as their SPAR Star of the Month for her outstanding achievements in karate.

The Grade Six learner’s recent accomplishments paint a picture of discipline, focus, and determination. At a prizegiving ceremony on February 17, Sia was awarded a plaque for Self-Control, which is one of the five core pillars of karate.

Her momentum continued later that month when she competed in an Interdojo Tournament, where she secured both gold and silver medals. Just a week later, Sia took to the mats again at the Karate KZN Provincials, delivering an exceptional performance and earning double gold in both Kata and Kumite.

Adding to these impressive achievements, Sia has been awarded her KZN Provincial Colours and will compete at the SA National Championships in Johannesburg in May.

“Sia’s passion, perseverance, and commitment to her sport continue to inspire those around her. We look forward to cheering her on as she steps onto the national stage in May. Well done, Sia!,” said Sarah Bartholomew, marketing and communications administrator at St Mary’s.

KLOOF Senior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month is Skyler Hulley.
Skyler has been described as an all-round achiever and a wonderfully helpful, genuine person who takes initiative when she sees a need.

The Grade Seven learner is determined, driven, and puts 100% into everything she does.

She holds a student-leader position as Shepstone House Captain and she is part of the Tech Team which manages sound and visuals for assembly.

She is an Art Monitor, is part of the Catering team assisting at events hosted at KSP, and represents the school as part of the Swimming Squad.

In addition to these sport and service roles, she maintains high academic standards and has been awarded an Academic Excellence badge. She also attends judo lessons outside of school where her perseverance and never-give-up attitude shines.

THOMAS More College’s SPAR Superstar for April is Grace Stols, who put on a superb performance at the Biathlon Championships recently. Grace finished in second place at the championships and earned selection to the KZN team.“This is a tremendous accomplishment. We are incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work,” said the school.

LAYLA Munday, a Grade Eight learner at Hillcrest High School (HHS), is making great strides in the equestrian arena, riding her pony Jumanji and her horse Trinity.

At a recent graded Showing Show, she wore her HHS colours with pride and registered some great results.

She hopes to qualify for the KZN team for the Youth Champs at Shongweni Club later this year.

Her results on Jumanji at the recent event included placing first in three categories, namely Show Hunter Pony-in-Hand, Show Hunter Pony-Ridden, and Show Riding Pony-Ridden, and third in Show PonyRidden.

As her first show on Trinity, she also reeled in the rosettes, placing first in the Junior Best Canter and Junior Intermediate Show Hack, second in the Thoroughbredin-Hand and Junior Best Trot, and third in the Show Hackin-Hand categories.

At the SANESA Q1 event earlier this year she rode Snow Patrol and Jumanji in the Dressage, Performance, Equitation and Performance Riding categories, adding another four first rosettes to her collection, a second, and a third in the Novice Tests and Child Rider classifications.

KLOOF High School’s SPAR Superstar for April is Megan Burbidge, who recently had a role in the production of The Little Mermaid with the Young Performers Project, which is part of the internationally accredited International School of Performing Arts (ISPA). Megan dedicated between 14 and 20 hours a week to rehearsals.

WATERFALL College has proudly announced Roxy Cooke as its April SPAR Superstar nominee.

Roxy, the school’s first team hockey captain, has shown remarkable growth and dedication to her team.

“She is known for her friendly nature and her ability to uplift those around her, contributing greatly to the success of the Waterfall College hockey team. Under her leadership, the team has gone from strength to strength, coming second in the Gelofte Night Series last term. Roxy was also selected for U18B Pinetown and Districts Hockey – a fantastic achievement,” the school said.

Roxy continues to grow in confidence and ability, consistently contributing to her team and leading by example.

“Her success is also supported by her mom, Natalie Cooke, who is a masters hockey player herself and coaches our Waterfall College hockey team, playing an important and unique role in Roxy’s development as a player,” the school said and expressed pride in the pupil.

VENKATA Eedara is Star College Boys High’s SPAR Star of the Month.

Coming into high school as a Grade Eight learner, Venkata has quickly made a remarkable impression through his dedication, talent, and compassionate spirit.

“Joining high school can be challenging, but Venkata has embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. He is an active representative of the school in sports, excelling in volleyball (U15) and soccer (U15). His sportsmanship on and off the field exemplifies respect, teamwork, and perseverance, inspiring his peers and teachers alike,” said the school’s marketing manager Sara Hayden.

Academically, Venkata is among the top three learners in his grade. “His disciplined approach to learning and his eagerness to improve continually set a positive example for his classmates.”

Beyond his achievements in academics and sports, Hayden said Venkata is also a dedicated humanitarian.

“As a member of the Time to Care Club, he actively participates in community service initiatives, offering assistance to those in need and promoting kindness within and outside the school environment.

“We look forward to seeing his continued growth and contributions in the future,” said Hayden.

WESTVILLE Girls’ High School has chosen Virika Budhia as the school’s SPAR Star of the Month.The matric learner recently achieved her First Class Certificate in Scouting.

Virika is a dedicated member of the Surat Hindoo Scout Group and has consistently upheld the Scout Motto and Scout Law through her commitment, leadership, and service.

“We are incredibly proud of her achievement and wish her well as she continues to pursue the Scouts SA Springbok Award,” said the school’s marketing and communications manager Sesethu Senene.