Academy Valedictory Service and Prize-Giving

St John’s College hosted the Valedictory Service for the St John’s College Academy in the Memorial Chapel on 31 October. This annual event brought 120 young men from Barnato Park and Highlands North Boys’ High School and 40 Prep boys from Asteri Primary, Yeoville Boys’ Primary, and Yeoville Community School to recognise and celebrate the Academy students’ achievements.

The ceremony began with a welcome from Mr Stuart West, Executive Head of St John’s College and Lennox Phofu's (UVI Runge) reflections about his time at the Academy. He was followed Jenovic Ilunga (Academy Head Boy 2025), who, despite his youth, shared insights that resonated with students and adults alike.

Ms Lucia Mukhari, Head of Prep Academy, celebrated the achievements of the Garde 7 boys. Mr Mickey Mashego, Head of Community Engagement, addressed his matric boys and offered them words of encouragement ahead of their final examinations. He also announced the Head of Academy 2025, Jenovic Lumu, and Deputy Head, Sphesihle Khubeka, which was met with admiration and applause by their peers.

The highlight of the prize-giving was the announcement by Mr Paul Emant, Head of Sixth Form, of the Sixth Form Scholarship, which was awarded to Dux Scholar Khanya Ntshalintshali. He will join St John's Sixth Form on a full scholarship in 2025.

Fr Thapelo and Fr Matthew led a mass to honour the students’ dedication to education. The Prep Academy bid a sad farewell to Ms Mukhari, who leaves St John's after taking over from Mrs Michelle Fehresen three years ago. Mr Mashego paid tribute to her commitment and mentorship of our young Academy students. She has been an inspiration to our boys and our teacher interns involved in the Academy Programme.

The service ended with a final roll call by Mr Mickey Mashego and the Charge delivered by Mr Stuart West, urging the boys to embrace their futures with purpose and courage:

"You have been placed in a continent and a world of boundless possibility but profound needs. You have been entrusted with treasures worth more than gold. If you take your journey seriously, seeking to discover who you are, what you think, and what you are passionate about; if you take risks, push boundaries, and try new things while maintaining your humanity, integrity, and hope; if you explore the world to find your purpose, understanding that a full life is one that touches the lives of others; if you desire, above all, to make a difference—then you will carry our hearts, our values, and all we have tried to teach you into whatever the future holds for you."

The day ended with parents, guests, and students gathering for refreshments on the Community Room lawns.

St John’s College extends thanks to the donors whose generosity makes the Academy programme possible and to the partner schools who support this shared journey.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024—your journey has only just begun!

About St John’s College Academy

The St John’s College Academies are an integral part of the school’s vision. Three times a week, the school welcomes 72 high school students in Grades 10, 11, and 12 and 40 Prep students in Grades 6 and 7 to the St John’s campus. These students benefit from additional lessons, mentoring, and a robust sports and life skills programme.

This initiative also includes a specialised mathematics programme for Grade 9 students from Barnato Park High School and Highlands North Boys’ High School, ensuring foundational academic success.

Through this commitment to excellence, St John’s College continues to empower young learners, instilling values of humanity, integrity, and hope, shaping leaders ready to make a difference in their communities and the world.