Deputy principal of KHS leaves legacy behind
"I remember how easy you (Mrs Menego) found it to laugh with us, sometimes so much that part of the lesson had to be abandoned because you were laughing so much."
It is with deep sorrow that Krugersdorp High School (KHS) announced their beloved deputy principal, Lesley-Ann Menego, had passed away on Thursday, 8 March.
Lesley’s career spanned 38 years, of which 26 were dedicated to the children of KHS. She was a woman of superior intelligence with a warmth and genuine empathy for everyone, both young and old. She earned great respect in the world of education, serving as a teacher, coach, matric examiner, moderator and colleague. She touched the lives of thousands of learners who will remember her with great fondness and admiration.
“She was loved, admired and respected by all. Lesley was a mentor, educator, friend, confidant, mother and sister to the entire school community,” said Lauren Jooste-Coetzee, spokesperson for KHS.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to her children, Nicole and Gary, her son- and daughter-in-law, Vincent and Alli, her grandsons, Blake and Liam, her sister and brother, Susan and Jeff and the extended family.”
Over the past four years, Lesley-Ann has created an environment for many young women who lived in her Residence, which has been a home away from home for them. She has nurtured the girls as if they were her own daughters – often being the shoulder to cry on, the support they needed and their biggest cheerleader, encouraging these young women to be the best they can be. She has left her legacy not only at KHS, but also at the Girls Residence.
The girls of the Residence paid their respects to Lesley-Ann by lighting a candle outside her home and paying tribute to her. They sang a song about strength to live.
On another occasion the school’s first rugby team held a moment of silence in memory of Lesley-Ann.
Alumni and learners flooded the school’s Facebook page with loving comments about her life as a teacher.
Here are some of the comments:
Lynnette Morey wrote: “An inspiring English teacher; I was telling my own children about one of your Macbeth lessons the other day. The thing I remember most is how easy you found it to laugh with us, sometimes so much that part of the lesson had to be abandoned because you were laughing so much. Goodbye Mrs Menego, much loved and never forgotten?”
Olivia Hossell wrote: “What a woman. I believe she has done good and the girls respect her for what she has done. Very few good people like you around.”
Fildah Mashabela wrote: “I just prayed for her soul. Menego gave Lebo an opportunity to study in KHS. She became mother and good mentor to my girls. What a loss of an incredible teacher. We thank the Lord for having known her and the wealth of knowledge she imparted in those who where blessed to be taught by her. My heart is bleeding. It’s unbelievable. May your soul Rest In Peace! You left a void in the education fraternity. KHS has lost!”
A memorial service for Lesley-Ann will beheld today, Wednesday 14 March at 3pm in the school hall.
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