Spar Superstars Queensburgh News 2024

BRIGHT spark Claire Khathi has been chosen as a SPAR Star for her commitments and achievements in academics.

The Malvern Primary learner, who is nine years old and in Grade Four, says she simply loves history.

“I like history because of the range of things that I learn. I learn a lot about the past which to me is new. So I’m learning new things every day. I also enjoy geography classes but not as much as I love history,” she said.
When Claire is not studying, you will find her reading. She recently won an award for reading and a cash prize which she is very proud of.

“When I need to relax, I open up my books and get lost in the stories. My favourite books are from the Diary of a Wimpy Kid collection,” she said.
Claire’s role model is her mom, Kayla, who motivates her to be a better person and to always do her best.

When she finishes school, Claire would like to be a teacher like her grandmother whom she says is a wonderful teacher.

“Teachers help us learn and achieve our goals in life. I would like to do the same for the children I teach one day. I look up to my grandmother. She is a very good teacher,” said Claire.

She also plays hockey and netball and participates in swimming at school. Claire is also good in the kitchen, particularly with baking, and loves baking cakes with her mom.

“I love baking because it allows me to be creative, which I find very calming,” said Claire.

NORTHDENE Preparatory School learner Taygen Roden has been making waves in the pool at club and school.

The Grade Seven learner recently competed at her school gala where she won three races, broke two records and was named Victrix Ludorum.

Taygen, who is captain of the swimming team, broke the 400m freestyle record with a time of 06:19 (with the old record of 06:25), and the 100m individual medley with a time of 01:26 (with the old record of 01:41).

She also has her School Colours for Swimming for being selected into the Pinetown and Districts School Sports Association (PADSSA) swimming team.

“I was super proud of my achievements as I came up against tough swimmers. My goal was to win as many races as I could as my fellow swimmers at the school are also competitive swimmers. I definitely see swimming in my future, and my future goals are to go to SA Regionals and make the KZN swimming team. While I prefer pool swimming, I would like to try open-water swimming, and I’m aiming to swim my first Midmar Mile next year,” she said.

Taygen, who looks up to SA champion swimmer Chad le Clos, also has a special connection to the decorated Olympian.

“He is an incredible swimmer and is also so humble. My mother, Taryn, decided to reach out on facebook to see if she could raise funds for me to get some Arena equipment. The post reached Geraldine Le Clos, Chad’s mother. She donated Chad’s Arena bag and Arena goggles as well as some swim caps to me. That was a very touching moment, and I’m grateful to them as I would like to emulate Chad on the international stage,” she said.

Taygen has also proven to be quite adept at hockey and was recently selected for the Queensburgh and Districts (Q&D) girls’ hockey team which attended the Umlazi District hockey trials this month.
The talented swimmer also thanked her coaches for their support in her swimming career.

“They have taught me life lessons but also how to never give up. They always encourage me to be my best,” she said.