Spar Superstars Highway Mail 2024

DEUTSCHE Schule Durban (DSD) is proud of Edi Botha, who, at just seven years old, has made an outstanding mark in vaulting at the South African National Vaulting Championship, incorporating SANESA Nationals, during the September holidays.

The school’s SPAR Star of the Month was the youngest competitor from Quest Vaulting Institute KZN in Assagay.

Edi, under the expert guidance of coach Brooke Holm, represented both the KZN VASA and the SANESA team. She had an impressive run, securing seventh place in the D-Grade Barrel U12 VASA, ninth in the E-Grade Horse U12 VASA, and seventh in the E-Grade Horse SANESA category. Prior to this, Edi won the KZN championship for her grade in August, cementing her status as a rising star in the world of vaulting.

Edi’s talents extends beyond competition. As part of the prestigious 1*Squad VASA team, she is affectionately known as the ‘flyer’ for her incredible gymnastic abilities on horseback. When asked how it feels to soar so high, Edi’s response is as fearless as she is: “It feels amazing!”

DSD headmaster Peter Deppe said Edi’s love for vaulting is matched by her enthusiasm for other activities at school.

“Edi plays the recorder and enjoys swimming – though her passion for horses always takes the lead. A team player at heart, Edi eagerly participates in sports, seeking every opportunity to contribute to her school’s spirit.

“Edi’s achievements in both vaulting and at school are a testament to her dedication and determination. We look forward to watching her continue to soar, both in the arena and beyond!” he said.

GRADE One learner Kirana Govender is Westville Junior Primary School’s SPAR Star of the Month.

Kirana is the youngest of her siblings. She and her two sisters are huge golf fans, following in their dad’s footsteps.

Kirana owned her first set of clubs at the age of two and was always interested when her sisters or her father picked up a club to practise.

She would follow them with her club and try to do better. She started golf lessons with the 1st 2 8teen Junior Golf school in February 2023 and has never stopped.

In February 2024, Kirana joined SA Kids Golf and played in her first golf tournament at just six years old at Kloof Country Club. She was ranked fourth in her age category.

Kirana also played in the KZN Junior Golf Masters on September 1 and ranked third where she got a trophy and prize money.

To date, she has six medals and four trophies.

She said she loves her golf and wants to better her score at each tournament – her goal is to drive the ball better than her dad and play off a single digit handicap as well as do lots of travelling with golf.

Kirana also loves swimming, hockey, tennis and cycling.

She thanked her golf coaches, Anthony Moller and Neil Pearce, as well as her teacher Kim Geldenhuys at Westville Junior Primary for her ongoing support and encouragement.

WESTVILLE Senior Primary School (WSPS) has chosen Victoria Johnson as the school’s SPAR Star of the Month.

Heidi Rencken, head of girls’ hockey at WSPS, described Victoria as an enthusiastic and determined young sportswoman who exemplifies excellent sportsmanship and displays great leadership skills.

Rencken said Victoria consistently gives her best in every task and participates in a wide variety of sports, showcasing her competitiveness, dedication and passion.

Victoria’s positive attitude and commitment contributes to her achievements in all sporting codes.

The Grade Seven learner holds several leadership positions at WSPS. She is a prefect and the captain of not only her house but also the first-team hockey, first-team indoor hockey and first-team water polo, and she is the vice-captain of first-team netball.

She is a member of the A swimming team and the first girls’ football team.

Outside of school, she made the U13 PADSSA netball side. She also made the U13A KZN Coastals hockey team, and her team finished third at the IPT tournament.

“She received the prestigious award of ‘Goalkeeper of the Tournament’ at the St Mary’s U13 Hockey Tournament and the Fatima U13 Hockey Tournament,” said Rencken.

“She made the U13 PSI Panthers Indoor Hockey Team and the U13 KZN Coastals Water Polo Squad. It is Victoria’s dream to play for the South African Women’s Hockey Team and represent South Africa at the Olympics.”

Considering all of her incredible accolades, Rencken is confident that Victoria will achieve her goals and inspire others to aim high, as well.

AZARIA Alwar has been chosen as Star College’s SPAR Star of the Month for her kindness, respect and dedication to her studies and community.

Known as an all-round achiever at just 13 years old, the school said Azaria is already making a name for herself as one of the most outstanding learners at Star College Girls’ High School.

She consistently ranks among the Top 3 students in her grade.

“Her recent selection to compete in the International Greenwich Olympiad in the UK – a project-based science competition – highlights her prowess in scientific inquiry and problem-solving. Earlier this year, she proudly won a gold medal in the Eskom Science Expo, dominating the Plant Sciences category. These accolades are testaments to her hard work and commitment to her studies,” said marketing manager Sara Hayden.

Not just a science enthusiast, Azaria is also a budding linguist. She recently placed in the TeenEagle International English Language Competition, earning an invitation to compete in London.

Outside of academics, Hayden said that Azaria is also a gifted athlete.

“She is a registered competitive swimmer with Swim South Africa (Level 2), and she has completed the prestigious Midmar Mile seven times, demonstrating not only her physical capabilities but also her dedication to open water swimming – her true passion.”

In addition to her swimming success, Azaria is an accomplished ballet dancer. Beginning her ballet journey at the age of six, she is now internationally graded with both the American Academy of Ballet (USA) and the Royal Academy of Dance (UK).

“Her recent partial scholarship to the American Academy of Ballet in New York City for the summer school programme further highlights her talent in the performing arts.”

In addition to her numerous extracurricular pursuits, Azaria places great importance on her spiritual growth. Currently studying for Hifz, she is dedicated to memorising the Quran, reflecting her commitment to her faith and values.

Hayden said her leadership qualities were showcased during her time as head girl in Grade Seven, where she led her peers with compassion and integrity.

“Azaria maintains strong, respectful relationships with both staff and students, contributing positively to the school community and serving as an inspiration for others.”

Hayden added that Azaria is a beacon of light at Star College. “Her humility and kind spirit are infectious, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence while remaining grounded.”

HILLCREST High School congratulates Jared Brown who was recently awarded with a trophy for the Best Ambassador of the School. Jared was awarded at the school’s Speech Night recently. Further to this, Jared was also awarded the Fellowship Award at the Hillcrest High School Valedictory Assembly, which was held to celebrate the Grade 12 Class of 2024. He was voted by his peers as the most deserving for his fellowship and service to others.

The Grade 12 learner has been a member of the Student Leadership Team for 2024, a grade head for Grade Nine and for the Learner Support Unit. He was a member of the first team for hockey, touring with the team to George this year.

Hillcrest High School marketing manager Kim Blom congratulated Jared, saying his willingness to assist others, to step in wherever needed, to carry the load, is inspirational.

“We would like to wish Jared and his fellow Grade 12 Class of 2024 learners all the best for the Matric Final Examinations that start on 21 October. Always remember our HHS motto – :”If it is to be, it is up to me,” she said.

ST MARY’S DSG Kloof High School’s SPAR Star nomination for this month is Zahra Dreyer-Ferreira who is in Grade 11.

Zahra has been selected to play tennis in the U19 age group at the SA Masters event in Johannesburg this weekend. This is an outstanding achievement as she is one of the top eight players in the country selected to play.

St Mary’s tennis coach, Judy Ambrose, said that Zahra started playing tennis at the age of four.

“At a young age, she showed very good balls skills and was naturally athletic. In primary school, she played both tennis and hockey for KZN. From Grade Eight, she has played in the St Mary’s First Tennis Team. Her coach, Mark Vorwerk, has been behind her success in making the South African U19 side and now making the Masters Tournament. Zahra is a great ambassador for St Mary’s and has always put her school first. We are very proud of her success and her commitment,” she said.

St Mary’s wishes Zahra all the best for the tournament.