Parktown High School for Girls held their prestigious Night of Stars Awards on 26 September, recognising the diverse quality of their council, sport and service stars.
The guest speaker for the evening was Ann Ashworth, an ultra-distance athlete and advocate based In Blairgowrie. Ashworth was also the winner of the 2018 Comrades Marathon.
Her address to the girls was based on two quotes that have been very important to her, ” ‘Once upon a time, you were a little girl with big dreams that you promised you’d make real one day. Don’t disappoint yourself,’ by Unknown, and ‘I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure,’ by Eric Liddell.”
Ashworth’s talk focused on having a big dream and setting goals in order to achieve that dream but understanding that working toward that goal might be difficult.
This was inspiring coming from the Ladies’ Comrades winner who juggles her professional and sporting life while still giving back to her community by founding a team focusing on the development of young, underprivileged female runners, thus epitomising what Parktown aspires to.
Tucker and Lazenby trophies were awarded to Jade van Buuren and Praise Chasela respectively, recognising girls who dedicate themselves to the sport and cultural programmes of the school without receiving recognition at the highest level, encompassing the spirit of a Parktown girl.
The Cultural Woman of the Year was awarded to Miandi Swart who has been an integral part of culture at Parktown for the last five years, excelling in hip-hop dance, where she received her Protea Colours.
Sportswoman of the Year was awarded to Shakeerah Jacobs whose passion, commitment and skills were evident on the soccer field and in touch rugby where she has played an integral role in her team’s success. She is also a member of the U20 South African soccer team.
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