2020 Matric Tie Ceremony

Mariselle Stofberg
Elizabeth Kandjumbi

This year’s matrics were the first of the decade to receive their ties on the 20th of January 2020. The tie ceremony started 3 years ago to not only give them a sense of fulfillment and pride but to serve as a reminder of how far they’ve come. The tie symbolizes a monumental journey from grade 1 to grade 12 and it also distinguishes the matrics from the rest of the learners.

“Walking through the cheering crowd felt surreal. I remember clapping for my matrics and in a blink of an eye I was the one being clapped for,” said Leroy Boois, with a bright smile. “As I walked through the crowd, I could feel my heart beat in my throat but I was also very proud of myself for making it this far,” said Anina Peters.

Although Ms Colette Riekert could not be present at the memorable event, she was there in spirit. She sent out her message through a music video titled ‘Hall of Fame’ by The Script. The lyrics of the song sent out a powerful message: “You can be a master. Don’t wait for luck. Dedicate yourself and you can find yourself.” Ms Rieckert wanted the grade 12’s to know that they could be anything they wanted to be as long as they believe in themselves. If they made it this far, they could surely achieve much more.

The time came for the grade 12’s to receive their ties and officially be announced as the matrics of 2020. Each one was called up on stage and were handed their tie by the head girl, Charlize Agenbach and one of the LRCs, Lebeau du Preez, of 2016. Dumisani Mangundah says, “I felt so proud and honored to receive my tie. It’s been a four-year long journey filled with many obstacles and to have made it this far, is a great achievement.”

This is just the beginning of their journey and having started it on a positive note, we can’t wait to see how the year will treat them, besides they are the first matrics of the decade.