MBOMBELA – Curro Nelspruit’s annual valedictory service was recently held, during which the Grade 12s were awarded for their hard work and commitment towards academics on their last day of school.

The event started with a beautiful message from Pastor Shaun Adams, from Church Unlimited. He has built a relationship with this specific grade, delivering devotions and motivational messages when he visited the school.

Beautiful décor by the art department and musical items by our learners added to an emotional and befitting send-off for this dynamic group of Grade 12s.

The head leaders of the school delivered a heartwarming address, in which they acknowledged the hard work and efforts made by the staff and parents towards making their tenure at school successful.

Bianke Lottering and Bavukile Vilane each used the opportunity to highlight some of their most special moments with the Class of 2019.

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Filled with anecdotes and some funny stories, they expressed the gratitude towards the people who played a major role in their time at Curro Nelspruit.

The headmaster’s address, by executive head, Mike Bownes, was unique. He often referred to the well-known song by Frank Sinatra: “New York, New York” which he rewrote and actually sang parts of it.

Filled with good wishes and hope, promised greatness and success to accompany every learner throughout the upcoming exams and young adulthood.

He ended his speech with:
“We wish the Class of 2019 well in all their future endeavours and know that they will stand the school in good stead in their final examinations.

“We would also like to acknowledge and thank the parents for entrusting their learners to our care. A strong partnership between parents and staff plays and incredible role in a learner’s upbringing, preparing them for future success,” he said.

Top three learners in Grade 12:
Palesa Mhlongo
• Receiving a book prize for being 3rd in the grade
• With gold awards for Accounting, Life Sciences and Siswati First Additional Language
• The trophy for being the top achiever in Siswati First Additional Language (donated by Mr Jaco Putter)
• With an average of 78,5% she is awarded academic half colours

Nelluccia Burger
• For an average of between 70% and 79% a silver certificate for the English Olympiad
• Receiving a book prize for being 2nd in the grade
• Silver certificates for English Home Language and Mathematics
• Gold certificates for Accounting, Afrikaans First Additional Language and Life Sciences
• Trophies for Afrikaans First Additional Language and Life Sciences (donated by Mr Andrew Collie)
• Academic full colours for an average of 81,33%

The dux scholar for 2019 – Riad Mohamed
• A book prize for being 1st in the grade
• A silver award for English Home Language
• Gold awards for Accounting, Afrikaans First Additional Language, Life Sciences, Mathematics, AP Mathematics and Physical Sciences
• Trophies for being the top achiever in Accounting, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (donated by Nel Trophies)
• Academic honours for an average of 85,33%.

Special awards :
Awarded by the executive head and staff to the following learners for exceptional service or achievements.

Miguel Diaz
Half colours – Leadership

Zuziwe Mayejane
Half colours – Leadership

Bavukile Vilane
Full colours – Leadership

Bianke Lottering
Full colours – Leadership

Nelluccia Burger
Die Curro Nelspruit-volhardingstoekenning – ’n Spesiale toekenning word aan ’n leerder toegeken wat vanweë buitengewone volharding bo normale omstandighede uitgestyg het.

Miguel Diaz
The John 13 Servant Leader Award For exhibiting selfless service, servant leadership, empathy and dedication to his peers, staff and the Curro Nelspruit community in his matric year.

Bianke Lottering
Leadership Award – Donated by Andrew Collie – The honour of the leadership awarded is awarded to the Grade 12 learner who shows outstanding leadership. A learner who has demonstrated the ability to build and lead in the various areas of their high school experiences. They have determination and the will to succeed, a belief in achieving extraordinary things, a willingness to learn, a desire for constant improvement, the initiative to pursue an idea. They have the ability to empower teammates and earn their trust by working hard and having fun whilst always showing integrity.

Dihan Putter
Curro Character Award – Donated by The Rest Nature Estate – This award recognises and encourages a senior learner to use their talents in many spheres of school life. The learner does not need to be the best in each of these areas, but needs to demonstrate exceptional commitment, fortitude and overall performance. The chosen learner possesses a human compassion that promises that their talents will not be directed inwards towards self-reward, but outwards to service of society.