St John’s College Celebrated the Upper UV Speech Day on Thursday 13 October, in Pelican Quad. This is always a special occasion as we celebrate and recognise matric achievers, our dedicated staff and their supportive parents.
The Big Band and Symphony Orchestra welcomed the Academic procession with an opening prayer from The Revd Dr Jeremy Jacobs.
The formalities began with a welcome by Mr Peter Wright, Senior Deputy, followed by an address by Mr Thulani Khanyile, Chairman of Council, and Mr West, Executive Headmaster.
Dr Colleen Henning, Deputy Head: Academics, presided over prize-giving, with Mr Wynand Pretorius conferring them. Entertainment was provided by Lintao Li, who performed Assez Modere by Francis Poulenc (1899 - 1963) and a drama piece entitled Touch Screen by Dumi Fuyane.
Mr Graham Kerr-Phillips, Chairman of the Old Johannian Association, presented the matric group with their Old Johannian ties, inducting them into the OJA and finally, Head of School and Second Prefect, Uzayr Ballim, led the Charge to the Upper Vs.
We congratulate our students who achieved in their subjects and disciplines and those who received individual awards.
SUBJECT PRIZES
AP English: Ruhil Gosai; AP Mathematics: Sebastian Bouilliart; Afrikaans FAL: Thomas Kruger; Dramatic Arts: Alex de la Rey; English: Sebastian Bouilliart; French: Sebastian Bouilliart; Geography: Matthew Botha; German: Ziyaad Patel; History: Sebastian Bouilliart; Information Technology: Ruhil Gosai; isiZulu FAL: Lufefe Radebe; Latin: Enrique du Plooy; Life Orientation: Sebastian Bouilliart; Life Sciences: Khelan Desai; Mathematics: Sebastian Bouilliart; Music: Zaahid Sallie; Physical Sciences: Sebastian Bouilliart; and, Visual Arts: Zach Roussos.
ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES
For an academic certificate in Upper V, students need to achieve an average of 75% or above.
Uzayr Ballim, Joshua Barker, Thomas Barry, Matthew Botha, Sebastian Bouilliart, Thomas Carstens, Antoine Coche, Alex de la Rey, Khelan Desai, Matthew Dippenaar, Nsika Dlamini, Enrique du Plooy, Panashe Dumbu, William Ford, Matthew Fridjhon, Dumi Fuyani, Michael Giltrow, Ruhil Gosai, Cole Gresty, Jack Hamlet, James Hind, Zayaan Ismail, Thomas Kruger, Adrian Mackenzie, Zeyn Mahomed, Siyanda Mbatha, Matt McJannet, Keitumetse Mphomane, Malusi Mtshali, Ziyaad Patel, Darren Peng, Stuart Phipson, Matt Pryce, Lufefe Radebe, Damian Roets, Zach Roussos, Remo Scaramal, Ben Scott-King, Tigran Sennett, Lethokuhle Sikosana, Jack Smithyman, Jonathan Stagman, Joss Theophanous, Albert van der Sandt, Ruben van Zyl, Wolfgang Visser, Will Whittaker and Alexander Wiederhold.
SCHOOL PRIZES
Music
Best Senior Instrumentalist: Thomas Kruger
Walter Macfarlane Senior Chorister Award: Lintao Li
Most Improved Musician: Lintao Li
Garvey Cup for Musical Endeavour: Zaahid Sallie
Visual Arts
RP Reynolds Trophy for excellence in art practical and theory: Zach Roussos
Diedie Marais Trophy for Art Practical showcased on various platforms: Remo Scaramal and Nick van der Linde
Lesley van Bavel McKenzie Visual Culture Studies Award History of Art: Zach Roussos
Oratory
Public Speaking Trophy: Ben Scott-King
Andrew O’Dowd Memorial Medal: Alex de la Rey
Dramatic Arts
Andrewes Prize for Drama for the most sustained and outstanding commitment to Drama since Remove: Julio Teixeira, Graytin Pretorius and Ben Scott-King
Mike Stalley Trophy for the best actor in any production in 2022: Alex de la Rey
Dramatic Arts Trophy for the most versatile actor in Upper V: Ruben van Zyl
Matthew Pulford Trophy for excellence and sustained commitment to backstage: Tim Gultig
Undtiedt Prize for Drama for the most inspirational performance in their Matric Practical Examination in 2022: Alex de la Rey and Joss Theophanous
THE OLD JOHANNIAN ASSOCIATION AWARDS
An Old Johannian Association Award is presented on behalf of the Association to a matric who has represented South Africa in any field. This year we congratulate:
Khelan Desai for winning the National English Olympiad
Joshua Boulle and Joel Leotlela for Rugby
Matthew Pryce, Luka Rajak and Tigran Sennett for Water Polo
Greytin Pretorius for Acting
Panashe Dumbu for Basketball
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
The Fleming Prize is presented for outstanding Service to the School by a matric over and above the service expected of him in any role he may hold. The award is presented to:
Daniel Basson for First Aid and Rowing
Tim Gultig for Backstage
Dustyn Holmes for Public Relations
Liam Snyman for First Aid
The Fleming Prize is also awarded to a student who has contributed impactfully to the advancement of social justice, equity and belonging. We celebrate Lethokuhle Sikosana.
William Young Mathematics Prize for a vast improvement in Mathematics: Timothy van der Colff
The Marilyn Jardine Award for Afrikaans Creative Writing: Albert van der Sandt
The Muhammed-Ismail Bulbulia Prize for Creative Writing: Alex de la Rey.
Walter Webber Essay Prize for best English Essay: Lethokuhle Sikosana
The Wynand Pretorius Prize for best History Essay. This new prize is to be awarded in recognition of the significant contribution that Mr Wynand Pretorius has made to History at St John’s College. He has taught in the History Department for 25 years, and for 20 of those years, has been Head of the Department. During this time, he has been a dedicated teacher and a superb leader who has maintained excellent relationships with colleagues and students. The growth of the department and the number of students choosing to study History to matric has been, in no small measure, due to his leadership. This History Essay prize is a fitting tribute to a much-loved teacher.
We congratulate Sebastian Bouilliart as the inaugural winner of this award.
John Airey Memorial Prize for extramural contribution is awarded jointly to James Alp and Tom Davis
These young men have both made outstanding contributions to St John’s during their College Careers.
James was awarded Colours for Cricket and a team blazer for Hockey.
James was an integral part of the 1st XI cricket team for two seasons playing a leadership role in his final year. He was a tenacious, hard-working opening batsman who played many valuable innings for the 1st XI. He will also be remembered as an excellent wicketkeeper. With his good work ethic and attention to detail, he was a rock for the team behind the stumps putting many opposing batsmen under pressure with his fantastic glove work. He was a wonderful team player, always putting the team's needs ahead of his own.
In Hockey, James was a key player in the 1st team. He had a strong work rate defensively, and his great eye for the ball enabled him to score goals in very difficult situations. He had a great attitude throughout the season and always gave his best effort in training sessions and games despite a very busy sports schedule.
James was also a Clayton House Prefect.
Tom has made a huge impact on the sports field in his time at the College. His calm and disciplined approach sets Tom apart from most athletes. Tom has been able to excel in four different disciplines at 1st team level in the College - Rugby, Squash, Football, and Athletics and always represented the College with distinction.
Tom was awarded Honours for Rugby and Colours for Squash. He was part of the leadership group for The Blues as well as managing to play 1st team rugby and 1st team squash concurrently. He delivered consistent performances throughout the whole year with outstanding commitment and was the backbone of all the teams he played in.
Tom represented the College without looking for any form of acknowledgement. He played with his heart on his sleeve and always gave his best.
Tom was also a Hodgson House Prefect
Both Tom and James are celebrated as true Blue sportsmen who have made the most of their abilities and have encouraged others to do the same.
Walter Andrewes Prize for excellence in cultural activities, sport and Academics is awarded jointly to Alex de la Rey and Ruben van Zyl.
Alex and Ruben have both made an exceptional contribution to St John’s College in culture, sports and academics.
Alex has achieved Honours in Academics and Honours in Water Polo and represented the College in Rugby and Football. In Water Polo, he co-captained the 1st team, which achieved historic results this year in winning three national tournaments as well as the SA U18 National Tournament. He is a true sportsman and a great example of a Johannian.
Alex has also earned Honours in Dramatic Arts and Colours in Public Speaking by representing St John’s at the highest levels. For Drama, he has written, directed and acted in many productions at St John’s and FEDA. He was also chosen to play a lead role in “The Fragile King”, an international movie.
As Head of Nash, he led his House with dedication, and he is a role model for many boys.
Alex is a true all-rounder and an outstanding young man who always displays commitment and discipline. He has an exemplary work ethic and is a team player in a humble and dignified manner.
Ruben has achieved Honours in Academics and Colours in both Rugby and Tennis. Ruben played an integral part in the 1st Rugby team, often playing a role in scoring points. He captained the 1st Tennis team, led by example and was respected by all. He served with distinction and was a mentor to a number of the younger players.
Ruben has also earned Honours for Dramatic Arts and Colours for Public Speaking. He has consistently been involved in Drama throughout his College career and has always displayed commitment. Ruben was an integral part of the Co7id ensemble at FEDA this year, with the play winning four awards out of nine nominations.
Ruben was a Clayton House Prefect and played an instrumental role in the House.
He is an impeccable young man and a true example of a Johannian.
Both Alex and Ruben are worthy recipients of the Walter Andewews award and have the College’s gratitude for the high standards of excellence in all areas.
The Aquila Alta Award is for the boy who, rooted in St John’s from the beginning of the Pre-prep, has been nurtured and given the wings to fly as he leaves the College.
He is a matric who has shown consistent commitment and has excellent personal qualities of integrity, dedication and kindness and can lead with distinction and uphold the values and traditions of St John’s.
Congratulations go to Michael Giltrow and Mark Kwant.
The Alan and Gen Wilcock Medal is presented to a matric who has shown courage and resilience in the face of adversity. This year the College is proud to acknowledge Jack Smithyman.
The Peter Baker Prize for the Dux Scholar of the Year is awarded to Sebastian Bouilliart.
The St John Award is awarded to a young man in each House who has shown significant growth and progress from his Remove year. This could be in several fields or in one particular area. The recipient is a fine young man who upholds the values of the school and has grown in self-confidence and ability as a consequence of his involvement in St John’s College.
Nash Neo Machaba, Hill Christopher King, Clayton Ruben van Zyl, Thomson Liam Snyman, Alston Mark Kwant, Clarke Christopher Gray, Hodgson Tshwarano Diswai, and Fleming William Ford.
The OJs OJ Award is an award which is voted on by the Matrics. The award is for the boy who, in the opinion of his peers, will be most successful not because he is a top academic or sportsman but because of the qualities of honesty and integrity. A young man who exemplifies Lux, Vita, Caritas. This year’s award goes to Siyanda Mbatha.
The Allen Senior Cup
The Allen Senior Cup is the Inter-House trophy awarded to the House whose seniors have accumulated the most inter-house point events in 2022.
1st Nash, 2nd Clayton, 3rd Clarke, 4th Hill, 5th Hodgson, 6th Fleming, 7th Thomson, 8th Alston, and 9th Runge.
The Le Sueur Cup
The Le Sueur Cup is the Inter-House trophy awarded to the College House which has accumulated the most points in inter-house events in 2022.
1st Nash, 2nd Hill, 3rd Clayton, 4th Hodgson, 5th Thomson, 6th Clarke, and a tie in 7th place with Alston and Fleming.
The Headmaster’s Trophy
This award is presented by our current headmaster Mr Stuart West and has been presented by six of his predecessors, Mr Paul Edey, The Revd Roger Cameron, Mr Alan Wilcock, Mr Robert Clarence and the late Messers Walter Macfarlane and Jan Breytenbach.
It is for the matriculant who, in the opinion of the headmaster, most embodies and embraces the College motto of Lux Vita Caritas.
The Headmaster’s Award for 2022 is shared between Alex de la Rey and Dustyn Holmes.
Alex de la Rey is an exceptionally talented young man whose talent is coupled with incredible humility. His first thoughts are about service and how he can elevate those around him.
Despite all his commitments, across so many avenues within the College, he never allowed his academics to take a backseat. He excels in creative spaces such as English and Dramatic Arts, as well as in Physical Sciences and Mathematics. He is an example to his peers, and his willingness to trust the staff and to work with them have all contributed to his success.
He is a talented sportsman who always gave his best efforts. He played for the first team in two sports and wholeheartedly played in a lower team in his third sport. He is an incredible public speaker, and his sincere and humorous delivery wins his audience over every time. His work in Dramatic Arts, of course, stands out. His natural talent and ability, coupled with his dedication and hard work, have resulted in consistent, close-to-perfect pieces throughout. Even though he will write, direct and act in a production, his concern, first and foremost, is that others are recognised for their efforts. He is truly selfless.
He is a strong and assured leader and a worthy example of a true Johannian who embodies Lux, Vita, Caritas.
Dustyin Holmes is a young man who always shows up with his usual polite, courteous and enthusiastic manner, his smiling eyes reflecting a joy and passion for life. The staff refer to him as a gentleman in the truest sense. As a leader, he never took his role for granted and wore his tie with pride and made sure he consistently earned and respected his position.
He is a young man who has proved, time and time again, the important truth that being a Johannian is about so much more than results. He works hard and exceeds expectations.
He is a highly talented and decorated athlete and was destined to have a brilliant sports season this year had it not been for a serious injury. He never allowed his injury or inability to play the sport he loved at the highest level to embitter him. Instead, he displayed the most amazing commitment to his team and attended practices and encouraged his peers throughout the season. When he finally recovered, he was able to play in the Inter House competition and helped his House to win the trophy.
This young man is polite, direct and aware. He is very empathetic and always looks out for his fellow students. His love for the College is unparalleled, and he is a worthy example of a true Johannian who embodies Lux, Vita, Caritas.