Penny Heyns salutes Clarendon milestone
Hope School pupil Lihlombe Hemeni, 10, has been chosen as one of the Eastern Cape representatives in the National Cross Country Championships which takes place in Port Elizabeth next month.
Hemeni was chosen after she took part in the Mega District Cross Country competition in King William’s Town.
Two other Hope School pupils also took part: Esinako Mrwebi, 10, and Elam Meleni, 11.
Head of sports at Hope School Liesl Mortimer said Hemeni had won every inter-schools event this year in the girls’ U/10 division.
“Our U/7, U/8, and U/9 pupils have also done extremely well this season but there are no events at district championship-level for them to qualify in as they are too young.
“Most of them have been dominating the top three positions this season in their categories so we look forward to seeing more from them,” he added. Clarendon High School celebrated its 115th anniversary during the Founder's Day celebrations at the school on Friday, with special guest Penny Heyns in attendance..
Clarendon Old Girls and current pupils gathered in a huge marquee on the lawn as part of the celebrations.
Principal Patricia Rose thanked the positive contributions made by staff and pupils in making Clarendon a school of excellence.
“Young ladies carry huge responsibilities ahead of them.
“They are a power of good and can change the world into a haven of peace,” said Rose.
Olympic swimmer Heyns was the guest speaker. Heyns made history at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, in the US, when she became the only woman in Olympic history to win both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events. She said students must realise that life was filled with both highs and lows.
“When I was in Nebraska, I hated every minute of it in the beginning.
“I was miserable, I wanted to go home. I soon realised that my mind was set on things I couldn't control,” she said. “You have to use your God-given talent, make the most of opportunities that come your way, and run or swim your own race.”
The 115th anniversary also marked the end of an era, with principal Rose leaving the school at the end of the year.