Last night, the Herzlia High School hall came alive with music, brachot, laughter and a few tears as we celebrated the Matric Class of 2025 at their Valedictory Ceremony. It was a night of joy and pride, deeply connected to our Jewish identity and community spirit and a fitting tribute to the journey these young men and women have travelled.
For many of our matrics, their journey began almost 18 years ago in Herzlia’s Chai to Chai journey, which spanned from 18 months to 18 years. We call this group the “Herzlia Lifers” and this year they make up 68 out of 90 pupils, to be exact! Watching the whole cohort walk across the stage, we were reminded of just how far they have come from their first pre-primary songs and oversized Grade 1 backpacks, through to the exams, camps, sports tours and friendships that shaped their high school years.
As Herzlia High School Principal Shane Brorson reflected, Valedictory is not just about results. “It is about the growth, resilience and generosity of spirit of every young adult we bid farewell,” he said. “What makes this ceremony so meaningful is that it highlights the balance Herzlia strives for: academic success alongside values and identity. This year group has shown us again that true excellence is measured as much in character as it is in grades.”
UHS Executive Director Andries van Renssen elaborated further on this theme in his address, ‘The Great Scattering’, when he reminded pupils and parents that leaving school changes the nature of friendship. “Friendships no longer come automatically; they require intention and care,” he explained. “That is why our Herzlia Alumni Association matters so much. Wherever life takes you, be it Cape Town, Johannesburg, London or Toronto, there will always be Herzlians ready to welcome you, support you and remind you that you are never alone.”
From the pupils themselves, Head Student 2024-5, Jacques de Wet, spoke with moving honesty about his own journey. “Herzlia is not just a school. It is a community. It is a home,” he said. “I know this because I joined only three years ago, not in Grade 1, yet I found friends who became family and teachers who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Today is about gratitude, for our teachers, for our families and for Herzlia, the place that gave us a voice and a purpose. Every ending is a new beginning, and we are ready for what comes next.”
Immediate past Chair of the UHS Board of Governors, Hayle Marks, shared a personal reflection as both alumna and parent: “Success is not only about the distinctions on a report card or the goals we achieve. True success is about the lives we touch, the kindness we show, and the difference we make. Menschlichkeit is one of Herzlia’s strongest pillars, and as you step into the world, it will be your greatest measure of achievement.”
The evening also shone a spotlight on excellence with the presentation of Herzlia’s six Premier Awards, honouring academic brilliance, leadership, service, Jewish life and menschlichkeit.
Mazaltov to the Matric Class of 2025. As they step into adulthood and join our worldwide alumni family, they carry with them Herzl’s timeless words: “If you will it, it is no dream.”
