Tears, joy, nostalgia at Cappies Valedictory Parade

Tears of pride, joy and parting marked the last day of school for the Grade 12 learners at Capricorn High School last Thursday when the school held its annual Valedictory Parade.
The parade, steeped in history and nearly as old as the school itself, serves as an opportunity to say farewell to the present Matric group, honour ex-Capricornians who have passed away and hand over the school colours to the Grade 11 learners.
The matriculants and Grade 11 learners march onto the field where the outgoing head boy and head girl then hand over the school colours to the new leaders. Adding to the solemnity of the parade was the South African Army Band that, jointly with the school’s own band, has accompanied the parade for the past eight years.
School Governing Body Chairperson, Jacob Tshiwilowilo in a speech said that the parade was one of the highlights of the year. He expressed the hope that the Grade 12s leave the school highly motivated and inspired. “This day marks a great milestone at Capricorn High School as our educators look back with pride on the immense work done to prepare our Grade 12 learners for their final hurdle, their last school exams,” Tshiwilowilo said.
Learners afterwards said the parade was marvellous and one of the school’s richest traditions.

LEANDRI VAN SCHALKWYK
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