Last week, our Class of 2021 ceased to be College boys and became College “Old Boys” as they were formally inducted into the Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Association. This week saw another step in closing off their five year College journey, with the School’s annual Speech Day and Valedictory Service recognising cultural, sporting and academic outstanding achievements by our 6th formers.
In his address, College’s headmaster, Mr Chris Luman, acknowledged the contribution played by the senior leaders of this matric year, commending them on their commitment, resilience, courage and strength. Covid has certainly presented the Class of 2021 with many challenges, beginning in their 5th form year, and they have come through these displaying exceptional fortitude and courage. He wished the boys well for the future, encouraging them to live healthy lives, to live in hope and to strive for servant leadership.
Guest of Honour at Speech Day was College’s former headmaster, Mr Ron Jury. With 34 years of service, of which 2006 to 2012 were served as Headmaster, Mr Jury shared a few anecdotal and humorous memories with the boys. His key message was a request that they adopt a more modern definition of masculinity, one which embraces having positive relationships with others, the ability to connect, to love, and to show kindness, care and respect in their interactions with others.
James Beauclerk, College’s Head Prefect, paid a moving tribute to the staff of College as well as to his fellow prefects and classmates. In his characteristically humble yet confident manner, he highlighted much of what the two words “Maritzburg College” mean, and encouraged his peers to stay true to themselves as they move out into the world. In a clear validation of his leadership and exceptional talents and hard work, James was awarded the Phelps Cannon Prize for Service to the School, the Charles Taylor Award for Good Fellowship and the Mike Brown Five Pillars Award. The Five Pillars award recognises exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, sport, culture and service.
Special congratulations go to our joint Duxes for 2021, Usmaan Desai and Amaan Essa; both boys were awarded the FNB Prize and the Levinsohn Trophy for the Dux of Maritzburg College. Usmaan also received a Merit Certificate, and Prizes for English, Life Orientation, and the PKF Trophy for Economics. Amaan was awarded a Merit Certificate and the Prizes for Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Science. Second in 6th form was Mark Laithwaite , who received a Merit Certificate, the Prize for History; the Olley Prize for History and English and the Nedbank Proxime Accessit. Taking home the PWC Prize for Accounting and the Colenbrander Accountants Prize for 3rd in Form was Thaufeeq Patel.
Also among the top prizewinners was Asiphile Zungu who received the Mary-Ann Hartley Trophy for Most Outstanding Vocal Soloist, and the Christopher Duigan Trophy for Excellence in Music Performance. Benedict Nuttall displayed his versatility of talent and was awarded a Merit Certificate, the prize for achievement in Academics and Culture and the Graham Holder Trophy for the Best Overall Contribution to Culture at College. Thomas Conolly, a Deputy Head Prefect, was awarded a Merit Certificate, the Shrives Trophy for the Most Committed Player in the 1st Hockey XI, the Maritzburg College Old Boys’ Association Prize for Service to the School and the Prize for Achievement in Academics and Sport.
On the sporting front, we are very proud of our 1st XV rugby team who received the Headmaster’s Award for the Highlight of the Year for their victory against Glenwood breaking a 14 year record of losing, and 1st XV captain, Corbin Thunder, who received the Headmaster’s Award for the Best All-Round Sportsman.
Well done to all the Class of 2021 – these are young men of stature who can go forward with pride and courage, knowing that their time at Maritzburg College has prepared them well for wherever their lives take them.
Pro Aris et Focis
Full List of Prizewinners
