Bonteheuwel High School made history when it hosted the first matric ball in the community, at its year-old hall on Thursday September 19.
On the night, hundreds of people lined the street in front of the school to shout their support for the matric pupils, who came out dressed in their best.
Principal Nicola Pather said ball was held in the hall to restore Bonteheuwel’s pride and relieve parents of having to spend a fortune.
“We want to show that this community is safe and we want our residents to once again take pride in our area.
“It has always been my dream since 2004 to have a school hall and to host our matric ball in it. Now, 15 years later, that dream has become a reality. It just shows that anything is possible if we work together. We have a role to play and part of that is to instill the pride into the next generation,” Ms Pather said.
Parents often spend thousands of rand to give their children their dream matric ball, and the costs usually ran that high because outside venues were hired, she said.
“Why take it outside the community? There is too much poverty and unemployment and many parents get themselves into debt for this. Tonight our hall does not look like a school hall because of the way it has been decorated.
“It is so awesome that all our pupils pitched in to make the theme of a ‘Springtime in Paris’ almost real.
“I firmly believe a new season is starting for Bonteheuwel. This is as a result of social cohesion. We opened our school hall in September last year, and now we hosted our first matric ball here,” Ms Pather said.
Ward 50 councillor Angus Mckenzie, who also attended the ball, said he was “exceptionally proud of Bonteheuwel High”.
“To make history like this, is an amazing achievement. The management of the school must be lauded. Well done
to each and everyone
involved. The Grade 12 pupils have set a benchmark, and now they must become role models by working hard and achieving the best results,” Mr Mckenzie said.