Herzlia’s Matric Class of 2024 Valedictory Ceremony was a wonderful celebration of our pupils’ journey into young adulthood, where they truly shone as the stars of the evening. The night was filled with laughter, tears, music and applause as we honoured their hard work, dedication and friendships that have flourished over the years. While many well-deserved awards were presented, the evening was truly about recognizing the individual and collective paths that have brought them to this milestone after 12 years at Herzlia. Mazaltov to them all!

Shane Brorson, Principal of Herzlia High School, shared his reflections: “Valedictory is always a mix of pride and bittersweet emotions as we say goodbye to our Matric Class of 2024 and send them off with our best wishes for their final exams. Many of these pupils have been part of the Herzlia family for their entire schooling journey, and it’s been a privilege to watch them grow. What makes Herzlia special is the way we prepare our pupils for this significant chapter in their lives. Our Jewish identity is central to who we are and works hand-in-hand with our focus on academics, sports, culture, Jewish Life and menschlichkeit. Every award presented reflects a facet of menschlichkeit. Together, these elements create a nurturing environment that allows our pupils to develop into contributing global citizens as they move forward in their education and beyond. If our pupils achieve academic excellence but lack menschlichkeit, we have not fulfilled our mission to guide the next generation of our community.”

Ethan Werb, Head Student 2023-4 reflected that “As Herzlians we are familiar with the line: “As we travel along the path of life, strength and knowledge we seek, we shall not stop until we reach the top of the very highest peak.” Let me reinforce one message behind these meaningful words in our school song. Herzlia never lets you walk this path alone. We are united by our unwavering support for one another and our love for our school. Because Herzlia is not just a school, nor is it wholly a community. Herzlia is a team. A team of young strong-minded individuals who come together, not just to seek knowledge, but to foster friendships, pursue their passions, improve their skills, and maintain growth on a personal and unified level. Herzlia is a place where we can all come together, to learn, excel and dream big dreams, because Herzlia is more than just a place. Herzlia is a home, and all those who reside in it, are a part of a family and our unified goal is making the world a better place. At Herzlia, this is not just a dream, this is a reality, because the motto of our family, in Herzl’s words: “If you will it, it is no Dream.” No group exemplifies this significant quote, than the matrics of 2024.”

Sally Bodington, Head of Grade 12 and Life Sciences Teacher at Herzlia High School adds, “The strength of our matric class lies in the community surrounding them. Pupils benefit from a solid network of support and care from teachers, parents, family, friends and school leaders. This collaborative effort ensures that each pupil is supported and met where they are at every stage so that they can each reach their full potential.”

Mazaltov to Herzlia High School’s Class of 2024 Premier Award Winners:

• Rossouw Van Zyl Memorial Award in Recognition of Having Attained an Average of 90% or more in the Preliminary Examinations 2024:
  
  Judd Jocum, Daniel Bieber and Ethan Werb
  
• Award for the Top Academic Pupils in Gr 12: For having achieved an average of 93% in the National Senior Certificate preliminary examinations and for obtaining distinctions (80% or more) in 7 out of 7 NSC subjects.
  
  Daniel Bieber
• The Union of Orthodox Synagogues Cape Council Award: This year it is awarded to a recipient who has contributed significantly to the Judaic life of Herzlia High School over the past three years.
  
  Noah Zive 
• Achvah Award: Gr 12 pupil who best exemplifies Herzlian menschlichkeit showing exceptional generosity of spirit and awareness of human connectedness:
  
  Ruby Webb
• Principal’s Award for Outstanding Commitment & Service to the School (Endowed by the Class Of 1969 In Honour of their 50th Anniversary):
  
  Ethan Werb
• Zalman Avin Memorial Award for the Best All-Rounder in Gr 12:
  
  Ethan Werb