Mayor gives top matrics recognition for their hard work
The crème de la crème of the 2018 matric class, from various high schools in the greater Mossel Bay area, were recognised for their hard work at a function hosted by executive mayor, Alderman Harry Levendal.
Mayor Levendal told the learners, their friends and parents that it should be recognised that many achieved good results despite challenging circumstances.
"We congratulate you for overcoming obstacles, hardships and, in some cases the shackles that you were challenged with during the 12 years you were at school. Your hard work has paid off handsomely," Alderman Levendal said.
Department of Education circuit manager Rozelle Neethling-Smith said the matric final exam was the most important exam anyone could sit for.
"Today we celebrate not only the top achievers of the five departmental schools and the only private school in the greater Mossel Bay area, but all of the 798 learners who participated in the 2018 final exam.
"Of those, 663 passed, meaning that eight of every ten learners who entered for the exam succeeded."
Neethling-Smith challenged Point High School, currently ranked in the top five of the 46 high schools in the circuit to become the best ranked school in 2019.
"The merit awards the recipients receive today are certainly proof that hard work pays off. Thanks for the dedication and effort you have put into your school career," Neethling-Smith said.
She reminded the class of 2019 that a matric pass was nowadays required even for entry level jobs.
A number of the recipients could not attend the function as they already had to attend university.
The function ended with refreshments being served and a last opportunity for old school friends and their parents to mingle with the mayor, deputy mayor Dirk Kotzé and members of the mayoral committee and the municipal manager, Advocate Thys Giliomee who also attended the awards ceremony.