Heather Secondary’s 43rd Annual Awards Evening: A Celebration of Excellence

On 23 January 2025, Heather Secondary School hosted its 43rd Annual Awards Ceremony in the prestigious Heather Hall, an evening dedicated to honouring the academic, leadership, and extra-curricular achievements of our learners. The event was graced by learners, parents, educators, distinguished guests, and the school’s former principal, Mr DK John, marking an occasion of immense pride and celebration.

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

The evening began with a solemn academic procession, followed by the National Anthem and a prayer by Mrs B.A. Saul. The Programme Director, Ms K. Naick, ensured a seamless flow of events, as Mr A.D. Stoffels extended a warm welcome to the esteemed guests and school community.

The Principal’s Address by Mr S. Reddy, was an inspiring speech that resonated deeply with learners, parents, and educators alike. Reflecting on the achievements of the Matric Class of 2024, Mr Reddy praised their resilience, dedication, and hard work, highlighting the school’s 87.6% pass rate and the 75 distinctions earned by learners.

"Tonight is especially significant as we celebrate the culmination of the schooling careers of our Matric Class of 2024. Your outstanding performance is a testament to years of effort, perseverance, and sacrifice. Beyond statistics, your achievements are a reflection of determination, discipline, and excellence. We are confident that you will go on to make meaningful contributions to society," he said.

The SGB Chairperson, Mr M. Naidoo, also took the stage, commending both learners and educators for their commitment to excellence, while Guest of Honour, Mr D.K. John, delivered an inspiring address, reinforcing the value of education in shaping the future.

Recognising Excellence Across All Grades

The announcement of awardees, led by Mrs R. Erradu, Mrs N. Devcharran, and Mr A.D. Stoffels, was met with cheers as learners from Grades 8 to 12 were honoured for their exceptional achievements in academics, leadership, and extra-curricular activities.

Notable awardees included:

🏆 DUX Award – Jyrin Jungalee (Singh’s Trading Centre Floating Shield)
🏆 Best All-Rounder – Marcus David
🏆 Service to School Award – Jyrin Jungalee
🏆 Sports Girl of the Year – Bronwyn Moodley
🏆 Sports Boy of the Year – Marcus David

Subject excellence awards were also presented, recognising learners who demonstrated outstanding academic performances in the various subjects.

A New Generation of Leaders

The evening also saw the induction of the 2025 Peer Leader Executive Committee, a momentous occasion for learners stepping into leadership roles. Head Peer Leaders Arabella Mohammed (12A) and Rahel Roopen (12A), along with their Deputies, were officially sworn in by Mr K. Morhan and Ms K. Arjoon, signalling a new chapter of responsible and visionary leadership at Heather Secondary.

Arabella Mohammed, in her Valedictory Speech, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by Heather Secondary, stating:

"Being a leader is about more than just a title; it’s about responsibility, vision, and inspiring those around us. I hope to leave behind a legacy that empowers others to take initiative, to dream big, and to believe in their own potential."

A Tribute to Parents and Educators

Throughout the evening, parents and educators were acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to the success of the learners. Mr Reddy expressed gratitude to parents for their unwavering support and to the educators for their dedication to shaping young minds.

"The success we celebrate tonight is a collaborative effort, built on the hard work of learners, the dedication of teachers, and the unwavering support of families. Together, we are building a future where excellence is not just an aspiration but a standard," he concluded.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Excellence

The 43rd Annual Awards Ceremony was not just an evening of accolades but a celebration of potential, perseverance, and passion. As learners left the hall with their awards in hand and aspirations in their hearts, the message was clear: Heather Secondary continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in education.

Congratulations to all award recipients, and may this be the stepping stone to even greater success in the years to come!