Vryheid High School (VHS) kicked off the fourth term on a high note with two prestigious events: the annual Sport & Culture Prize-Giving Ceremony and the Academic Prize-Giving Ceremony. Both evenings were a tremendous success, celebrating the outstanding achievements, dedication and hard work of our learners and staff.

Sport & Culture Prize-Giving Ceremony

It was a privilege and an honour to welcome former VHS learner Ndumiso Nyawo back to his alma mater as our guest speaker for the Sport & Culture Prize-Giving Ceremony. His presence made the evening even more memorable as we celebrated the talents and accomplishments of our learners.

A special congratulations to our prestigious trophy recipients, whose exceptional achievements deserve particular recognition. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to every prize winner who was honoured during the evening.

Most Versatile Sportswoman: Mercy Chituku;

Most Versatile Sportsman: Suhail Dhooma;

Cultural Person of the Year: Siphesihle Xaba;

Sportswoman of the Year (Outside School Sport): Emma Mattison;

Sportsman of the Year (Outside School Sport): Melokuhle Shabangu;

Sportswoman of the Year: Angela Stoltenkamp;

Sportsman of the Year: Jayden Dunn.

We are incredibly proud of these learners, whose achievements reflect the spirit of perseverance and excellence that Vryheid High School strives to uphold.

Academic awards and 2027 head leaders

The celebrations continued with our Academic Prize-Giving Ceremony, where we had the pleasure of welcoming another former VHS learner, Dr Benedict Mhlongo, affectionately known as Dr Better, as our guest speaker.

Through his inspiring personal journey, Dr Better reminded our learners of the importance of determination, resilience and believing in their dreams. His message left learners motivated to pursue their goals and strive for greatness.

Another special highlight of the evening was the official announcement of our 2027 head leaders.

We proudly congratulate the following learners on their appointments:

Head leaders 2027:

Head girl: Zenani Ndlovu;

Head boy: Mvelo Mlotshwa;

Deputy head girls: Promise Odekpe and Mercy Chituku;

Deputy head boys: Lizwi Rakoimetsi and Esethu Ndwandwe.

Hostel head leaders: Siyanda Zondo and Mbhele Khanyisa.

We wish these young leaders every success as they prepare to take on their responsibilities in 2027. May they lead with integrity, compassion and pride, setting a positive example for the entire VHS family.

A heartfelt thank you goes to every staff member, coach, organiser and learner who contributed to the success of both ceremonies. Your dedication behind the scenes ensured two truly memorable evenings.

Eco-Club builds a greener future, one eco-brick at a time

The Vryheid High School Eco-Club recently spent a fun and productive Friday afternoon at neighbouring Risen Son Academy (RSA), helping learners build their very first eco-bench!

This exciting project began in February when the VHS Eco-Club visited RSA to deliver a presentation on the importance of reducing, re-using and recycling plastic waste. Before leaving, they challenged the RSA learners to collect plastic waste and turn it into as many eco-bricks as possible. The goal was simple but meaningful: reduce plastic pollution in and around Vryheid while creating something practical and lasting for the school community.

When the VHS Eco-Club returned, they were warmly welcomed by enthusiastic RSA learners, proudly armed with 53 eco-bricks they had made themselves! VHS donated the remaining eco-bricks, bringing the total to 115 eco-bricks, enough to construct a small bench for learners to enjoy during break time.

The afternoon was filled with teamwork, laughter and plenty of hard work. Older RSA learners rolled up their sleeves to mix cement, sand and stone, while the younger learners eagerly took turns placing the eco-bricks, building their bench one brick at a time.

A special word of thanks goes to Ms Barry and the RSA staff for embracing and encouraging this wonderful environmental initiative. We also extend our sincere appreciation to THE LIGHTHOUSE, whose generous sponsorship of cement, sand and stone made the project possible.

This latest achievement marks the fifth eco-bench built by the VHS Eco-Club since the initiative began in 2021.

What started as a simple effort to reduce plastic waste has grown into a meaningful project that brings schools together, encourages environmental responsibility and proves that even small actions can make a lasting difference.

Matrics sign NSC pledge ahead of examinations

As we approach the final stretch of the academic year, our Grade 12 learners are preparing for one of the most important milestones of their school careers, the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

On Friday, our matric learners took part in their official NSC Pledge Signing Ceremony, marking their commitment to approaching the examinations with honesty, integrity and dedication. The occasion was made even more special by a heartwarming visit from the Grade 1 learners of NRS, who presented each matric learner with a small gift and their best wishes for the examinations ahead. A beautiful gesture reminding our matrics just how far they have come since their own first days of school!

As the NSC examinations begin this week, we wish our Grade 12 learners every success. May your hard work, determination and perseverance throughout the years be rewarded. Believe in yourselves, stay focused and give it your very best. The entire VHS family is behind you every step of the way!

Excellence beyond the classroom

At Vryheid High School, excellence extends far beyond the classroom and sports field. Whether through academic achievement, sporting success, cultural participation, leadership or environmental service, our learners continue to demonstrate that true success is built on hard work, teamwork and a willingness to make a difference.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.