Matsebong Secondary School Celebrates Top Achievers and Bids Farewell to Teacher A.M. Maripane
By Thulane Madalane
Dichoeung — On Thursday, Matsebong Secondary School held its quarterly Top Achiever Awards, a prestigious event designed to recognize and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of its learners. This ceremony was made even more special with a heartfelt farewell for Teacher A.M. Maripane, whose unwavering dedication and commitment to educating her learners have left an indelible mark on the school community.
The event took place in the school parking lot, where a marquee tent was erected to accommodate learners, parents, and staff. The festivities began with Principal K.S. Nkadimeng welcoming everyone present. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the significance of acknowledging hard work and dedication among learners. “Today, we celebrate not just academic excellence but the spirit of perseverance and determination that each of you embodies. This is a collaborative and collective achievement by both teachers and learners. I am proud that our school has achieved a remarkable 93% pass rate after 26 years,” he stated. Nkadimeng also paid tribute to Teacher Maripane, highlighting her success as one of the school’s most outstanding educators. “I am honored to preside over the retirement of one of our dedicated teachers who has consistently achieved a 100% pass rate in her subject for our matriculants. It is time for her to rest and enjoy the fruits of her labor,” he concluded.
As the learners and guests filled the venue with excitement and anticipation, the ceremony highlighted top performers across various subjects, rewarding them with certificates and accolades. Categories included best overall academic performance, excellence in mathematics, language arts, sciences, and extracurricular achievements. The learners beamed with pride as they received their awards, inspiring their peers to strive for excellence in the upcoming terms.
One standout awardee, Grace Riba, was represented by her sister during the event. Grace’s sister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the audience for the support that helped Grace achieve her success. “This award is not just for my sister; it belongs to everyone who has helped her along the way. Together, we can achieve greatness,” she declared, motivating other learners to stay focused on their educational journeys.
In addition to honoring top achievers, the event also served as a touching farewell to Teacher Maripane, who spent seven and a half years dedicated to Matsebong Secondary School. Known for her deep passion for teaching and unwavering support, Teacher Maripane has inspired countless learners to pursue their dreams and excel academically.
During the farewell segment, colleagues, learners, and parents shared heartfelt tributes, recounting personal stories of how Teacher Maripane has impacted their lives. “You’ve not only been a remarkable educator but also a mentor and friend to many of us. Your contributions to this school will be felt for many years to come. As a token of our appreciation, your soon-to-be former colleagues bought you these gifts to ensure a soft landing into retirement,” said Teacher Maphekgo, a close associate of Maripane.
As a gesture of appreciation, the school presented Teacher Maripane with a framed certificate along with thoughtful gifts, including an air fryer, an egg boiler, and a garden spade.
In her closing remarks, Teacher Maripane reflected on her journey and expressed gratitude for the moments spent with her learners and fellow educators. “I leave here with a heart full of wonderful memories and cherished relationships. Each of you has played a significant role in my life, and I will carry these experiences with me as I embark on this new chapter,” she stated.
We hope that the current learners will emulate the 93% that their predecessors achieved. The event left everyone feeling motivated and reaffirmed the core values of hard work and community. As Matsebong Secondary School looks toward the future, the spirit of excellence celebrated during this quarterly awards ceremony serves as a strong source of inspiration for all learners.
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