It was a memorable day for Boksburg High School learners and former learners as they celebrated the centenary of the school’s existence on February 11.
The school day started with assembly at the New Dak where Abigail Burness, who’s in Grade Nine, won a prize for designing the winning centenary logo.
Her attractive logo was proudly printed on the T-shirts worn by teachers and staff at the school.
Addressing the learners during assembly, the acting principal at the school, Evelyn Haahjem, said not only has the school grown in size but it has become a shining example of how education and technology should be integrated.
“The school has displayed how discipline should be balanced with an individual’s creativity and how education, respect and compassion should be the driving force behind everyone’s decisions.
“Over the past 100 years, Boksburg High School has produced well-rounded learners who have gone on to become extremely successful. The school has produced doctors, pilots, engineers, artists, comedians, actors, Springboks stars and a Miss South Africa,” said Haahjem.
The highlight of the morning was when the learners formed the number 100 and a drone captured it from above. All the learners were each given cupcakes.
From 1pm, the festivities rolled into action for the former learners, teachers and friends of the school who gathered to reminisce about old times.
Some of the former learners wore their old school blazers with pride while others held them because they couldn’t fit anymore.
Priceless moments were when they hugged and kissed their fellow classmates who they haven’t seen for years.
Some of the former learners came from as far as London and Dubai to come celebrate the schools milestone.
Former Boksburg High School’s principals, Jim Taylor, Jan du Plessis and Helene Boshoff also graced the event.
Taylor seemed to be the learners favourite as he was described as a legend and whenever his name was mentioned the packed hall gave a standing ovation.
During his address, Taylor said he was amazed by the unity that the former learners have shown to meet together and share old memories with each other.
Past head girl Caryl Bam, who was part of the class of 1970, said: “It is amazing that the school was able to thrive and survive over the years. The school has always kept up with the times as there were so many new innovative additions, including the giant strides in technology, sports facilities and new curriculum.
“The academic achievement of learners at the school was and is still evident of what the school stands for.”
Meanwhile, a moment that triggered memories for former learners was when Boksburg High School’s choir sang the school song.
The packed hall sang in unison along with the choir.
Another performance which took the learners down memory lane was when Bev MacDonald’s choir, which consisted of learners from 1988 to 1999 sang some of their old songs. According to MacDonald’s, who taught at the school from 1979 to 1994, her choir was the top-winning choir in the Transvaal schools in those days.
Former learners also got an opportunity to view some of the old pictures at the school’s museum.
- Amazing stories shared with the Advertiser
High school sweethearts Richard Mackridge and Marlene Mackridge told the Advertiser that they fell in love while they were still in school. Richard said he was part of the popular school band around 1967 to 1969.
Sunward Park resident Lynn Young, who is now a retired teacher, told the Advertiser that she was the product of Boksburg High School from 1965 to 1970.
She said from 1977 she taught accounting at the school for 16 years.
Bradley Mey who matriculated in 2006 said he was now an IT administrator at the school.
Boksburg High School’s three generations: 84-year-old Edwin Paul, known as Ted, matriculated at the school in 1955. Her daughter, Bev Stroberg, matriculated in 1986 and Stroberg’s daughter, Meghan Stroberg, is now a teacher at the school.
Eric Bissict who was a head boy at the school in 1948 said he got married to his wife Zona Bissict who also studied at the school in 1953.
