We award our trophies with pride...

The awards carry a history and legacy that we honour when we select a recipient.  Here is some information on some of our awards.

Riebeek College Girls’High School

Prizegiving Awards ”“ The story behind the award

The Rotary Cup: Service above Self

“WHATEVER ROTARY MAY MEAN TO US, TO THE WORLD IT WILL BE KNOWN BY THE RESULTS IT ACHIEVES.” said PAUL P. HARRIS.   In 1932, Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor created The Four-Way Test. The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

Of the things we think, say or do

  • Is it the TRUTH?
  • Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  • Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  • Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

In the spirit of the above, the recipient of the Riebeek Rotary Cup exemplifies the Four Way Test and always strives to put service above herself.  This selfless individual will work tirelessly to promote charity work and will, under the auspices of the Riebeek Interact Club, make a meaningful contribution to charity events, fundraising and organising while also displaying the characteristics of a truthful, fair, good willed, positive individual. By her nature, she has earned this award.  By the results she has achieved, she has contributed meaningfully to charity work. 

 

Rae Roup Memorial Trophy: service to the school (excluding the headgirl)

The Rae Roup Memorial Trophy honours a learner of the school who has served the school in a variety of ways and not only in the immediate area of her sphere.  This supportive volunteer should ideally be a girl who will help out without seeking recognition for this, a learner who has given of her time willingly and enthusiastically to activities of the school.  She would be an honourable learner who has displayed dignity and respect.  By her contributions, the school has benefitted positively and her contributions have had a positive impact on the learners and staff.  By what she has done, a teacher’s work has been lightened and there is an appreciation of her efforts to step up and step in when needed.  It is her willingness to do more and her manner in doing this that sets her apart.

 

Mayor Kopo Trophy: Community Service

Cathy Simpson Trophy: Unsolicited Service to the School excluding a prefect

Cathy Simpson was the headgirl of Riebeek College in 1990.  She served throughout her school career in a variety of areas.  Always kind and enthusiastic, Cathy was a good friend to many and admired for her nature.  Cathy studied teaching and was injured in an accident while working overseas.  With a fighting spirit and heaps of enthusiasm, Cathy has undergone therapies and undertakes various projects from home. Cathy had served as Interact Head, a member of Club 13 for the top academic learners, Dance Committee Head, Junior Achievement.  Cathy is fondly remembered as a school girl as compassionate, gentle and always smiling.

 

Panagis Trophy: Exceptional Service to a school based society

Lana (Class of 2004) and Vera Panagis (Class of 2012) attended Riebeek College.  Mr Panagis has been involved in the community.  Lana was very involved in, amongst others, the First Aid Club and Vera was very involved in the Computer Club.  The family describe this award as an award for giving of oneself and being dedicated to the school.  The thought was that the person should be exemplary in various fields but have truly excelled in one field.  In the Panagis family, respecting your elders, tradition and values are important.  Vera says of this award, “I hope that the recipient of this award will feel special because they see that hard work does not have to go unnoticed and that taking pride in your work is very important.  I would like a Riebeek girl to always know she is special.  My sister, Lana, is a wonderful role model to me and this trophy was created to recognise people who, by their efforts, are role models of how to give fully to what you choose to be involved in.  The Panagis family value their ties with Riebeek.”  Lana received the Good Fellowship Cup in 2004.

 

Yvette Hunter Trophy: Courage and Commitment to Animals

 

Mr Hunter wanted this trophy to be awarded in honour of his daughter, the late Yvette Hunter who attended Riebeek.  The first recipient of this award was Jodi Hattingh in 2010.  The recipient of this award should be a person of moral standing who has a passion for animal welfare and is a people’s person who serves people and animal causes.  Ideally, the individual should be involved in the SPCA at school level and in the community.  Her fundraising should benefit animals and she should have devoted time to caring for animals.  At the same time, she needs to display a love of serving people.  She should show that she acts without peer pressure influencing her, that she has the moral fibre to stand up for what she believes in and that she will do the right thing for people and animals, no matter how hard.  She will not bow to criticism or pressure and will be unwavering in her support of animals and mankind.

 

Quotes of the iconic Mother Teresa to describe qualities sought:

 “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” 
 “Peace begins with a smile..” 
“I am not sure exactly what heaven will be like, but I know that when we die and it comes time for God to judge us, he will not ask, 'How many good things have you done in your life?' rather he will ask, 'How much love did you put into what you did?” 
“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” 
“Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” 
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” 
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” 
“The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.” 
“What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” 
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” 
“God doesn't require us to succeed, he only requires that you try.” 
“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” 
“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.
We will be judged by "I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” 
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” 

She has had a strong presence on the SPCA committee.  She is a caring and disciplined prefect who has taken the prefects’ oath seriously showing loyalty.  She has helped out at Addo Wildlife Sanctuary.  She has been a helpful member of the Media Committee.  She has served admirable as the Deputy Head of Interact.  Described as epic, motherly and caring by her peers; Loren is a happy individual recognised by her peers for her selfless acts.  It is, thus, with pride that this premier award is awarded as the staff, learners and the Riebeek Family are immensely proud of  Loren Buchner.

Citation for Awarding the Vivian Strydom Cup for Contributions to Cultural Activities

 

Vivian Strydom was a past mayor of Uitenhage.  This cup requires a learner to be the face of culture at Riebeek and should be a young lady with public speaking ability who has poise, confidence, a love of the arts, a willingness to be involved in a range of activities in the school and a commitment to these activities over a period of time.  The recipient should have supported a number of the school’s cultural events.  She could have been involved in English Olympiad, Quiz, Interhouse Oratory, Induction Party, Interhouse Plays, the Cultural Board, poetry competitions or submissions to the Creative Writing section of the magazine or other publications, drama productions, Choir, Magazine Committee etc.  She is recognised by the staff and her peers as “cultural vulture”or the face of culture at Riebeek.  Her demeanour is that of a cultured person.  She must have made positive contributions and served cultural spheres at the school.  Her manner should have encouraged others to participate in cultural activities at the school.

 

Nikki de Groot Trophy (Best All Round Contribution in Grade 8 to 10)

Nikki de Groot was an EP swimmer, good scholar and was fully involved in the life of the school.  She passed away in a car accident.  Her father, Dr de Groot, was a well known medical doctor and was chairman of our Governing Body.  As they were of Dutch descent, Dr du Groot as a child was in a concentration camp during World War Two.  The de Groots were involved in Riebeek in the 1970s-1980s.  DR ECC Van C De Groot was awarded the Freedom of Riebeek College for his contribution to the school from 1974-1985.

 

Dorothy Hutton Award (Participation in Junior Senior School Life ”“ Grade 8 and 9

Mrs Dorothy Hutton was headmistress of Riebeek from 1972 to 1987.  She gave this award as she wished to see more recognition for Grade 8 and 9.  Mrs Dorothy Hutton’s faithful companion was  her dog, Wendy, who came to school every day.  She was known and respected for  her formal register.  Mrs Hutton taught Accounting in the high school.  This award recognises a learner who takes part in a variety of fields ”“ sport, cultural, service, leadership, academics.  The recipient is proving to be an asset to the high school.

 

 Yerelemou Award (Participation in Senior School Life ”“ Grade 11)

The Yerelemou sisters attended Riebeek in the 1980s.  Both sisters were vibrant and engaging young ladies who strove for excellence.  With excellent inter personal skills and absolute commitment to all they undertook, the Yerelemou sisters delighted with their positive natures, their love of involvement and their passion for the opportunities that school offered. 

This award is given to a Grade 11 who has balanced her commitments in what is often a stressful year given the number of leadership positions and opportunities available in this grade.  Elada Yerelemou matriculated in 1989 and received the Good Fellowship Cup in that year.  She had served as a Junior Town Council member and Head of the Cultural Society.  Maria Yerelemou matriculated in 1991, was the headgirl and received the Good Fellowship Cup. The Yerelemou sisters were particularly fond of service, cultural and academics and both shine in the cultural sphere.  The recipient should have participated across a range of activities and it is noted that the involvement is in senior school life, so one should look for active and lively engagement in daily school activities as well as extra murals.  The recipient then needs to be the type of girl who seizes opportunities to the full, participated fully in what she elects to be involved in, a learner who is often keen to do more and embraces opportunities and planning.  She is excited about an event, she gives of herself fully in the event, she tries to involve others, she likes being involved, she enjoys promoting what she is involved in (either directly or by her example).

 

John Jooste Trophy ”“ Exceptional Achievement

Mr Rupert Jooste was a History teacher at Riebeek College whose father was John, a manager at Van Stadens  Beach Resort.  Mr Jooste wanted this trophy dedicated to his late father.  When Mr Jooste himself passed away at a fairly young age while teaching in Johannesburg, the teachers at Riebeek who remembered him were very saddened.  Mr Jooste wanted this award to be awarded to a learner whose achievements were beyond the norm and truly inspirational.  Mr Jooste was an affable gentleman who could adapt in any company.  He was a good and loyal friend and was very popular.

Young Trophy (Strength in Adversity)

You remain in control during times of hardship, even though you experience troubles in life.  You have the strength to move forward and face the new challenges that await all of us each day.  When the chips are down, you still manage to smile and get on with things, it shows a great strength of character - in times of great hardship you stand tall and do not let things get to you.

 Walter Anderson

 The Hippie Snowflake Obsidian: Memoir of a Cutter

 
”• 
Alexander Stone

 Jon M. Huntsman Sr. Winners Never Cheat: Even in Difficult Times

 

 

Joey van Zyl Trophy (a well groomed girl)

Joey van Zyl owned the local school clothing supplier store in Baird Street, Marryats.  As the person who provided our girls’uniform, she had a great interest that the girls wore their uniforms proudly. 

 

 

School Spirit Cup (not a first team player, not a prefect

Tammy MacNicol was slightly injured in Grade 5 after taking part in an athletics event and the hockey goal posts collapsed. This did not deter her from taking part in school life throughout her school career.  She was a vibrant and exuberant Riebeek girl who displayed a pride in her school and a belief in its values.  Matriculating in 2000, she envisioned an award that would recognise an individual who had not yet had a chance to gain recognition ”“ she saw first team players and prefects as individuals who had by the nature of their position attained recognition.  She wanted to give a spirited, supportive, involved learner an opportunity to be recognised.  This cup is awarded to a girl who has an enthusiastic, supportive, encouraging, positive nature.  She could be vibrant or a regular supporter and encourager.  She could be a girl who seeks to embody the fruits of the spirit by living the school’s spirit of enthusiasm.  She could be a learner who is able to engage other learners to participate and support.  She should have a fairly good attendance at school events,  such as a hockey festival, performances in a drama production or grade assembly,  society’s activities, match, extra mural or  event.

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