Last night, we gathered to celebrate the Matric Class of 2026 at Herzlia High School’s Valedictory Ceremony, for an evening of nachas, ruach, laughter, reflection and, inevitably, a few tears.
Valedictory is always about more than awards or final results. It is a moment to recognise a group of young people at the end of a significant chapter in their lives, each having travelled a different road to get there.
At Herzlia, we know that achievement does not look the same for every pupil. For some, it is academic excellence and for others it is leadership, service, sport, creativity or Jewish life. Also, for many, it is found in the quieter achievements of friendships, personal growth, resilience and determination that are not always recognised with an award. Each pupil has contributed something of their own to this matriculating class.
In his speech, Herzlia High School Principal Shane Brorson reminded the matrics that “who you become is ultimately more important than what you achieve.” He spoke about the responsibility of a Herzlia education to develop not only capable young people, but good human beings and mensches who treat others with kindness, stand up for what is right and recognise their responsibility to the wider community.
For 2025-6 Head Girl Sienna Berridge, the evening was an opportunity to reflect on the many people and experiences that have shaped the Herzlia Matric Class of 2026. She said that “as Herzlians, we are a mosaic of everyone who has touched our lives and been a part of our journey.”
Sienna’s reflection was particularly meaningful as a grade whose high school years began during Covid, missing out on some much-loved Herzlia traditions, including camps and Shabbatons. Yet Sienna spoke with enormous pride about how her classmates embraced the opportunities they did have, supported one another and created their own memories. From sporting achievements and school productions to the everyday experiences and friendships that make school life so special, each has played a part in shaping the people they are today.
Sienna also paid a moving tribute to Mr Brorson, recalling his humour, his involvement in school life and the personal relationships he has built with pupils. From coaching water polo to joining in the ‘Last Matric Day’ antics, her memories offered a glimpse of the Principal whom generations of Herzlians have come to know and appreciate. This was an especially poignant valedictory as Shane prepares to retire at the end of the year, bringing his own significant chapter at Herzlia to a close.
UHS Executive Director Andries van Renssen turned his attention to what happens after school, sharing a reflection he called “The Great Scattering”. He spoke about how friendships inevitably change as young people pursue different paths, often in different cities and countries, and encouraged the matrics to make the effort to maintain those connections. He also reminded them that leaving school does not mean leaving the Herzlia community. As members of our global Herzlia Alumni Association, they become part of a network of fellow Herzlians who can offer friendship, advice, support and opportunities wherever life may take them. It is a community they can both draw on and contribute to in the years ahead.
The evening also included the presentation of Herzlia’s Premier Awards, recognising exceptional achievement across academics, leadership, service, Jewish life and menschlichkeit.
As our matrics prepare to leave the familiar rhythm of school, they carry with them far more than what they have learnt in the classroom. They take the friendships, experiences, Jewish identity and values that have helped shape them, along with a responsibility to make a positive difference in the world.
Sienna expressed this beautifully through the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, reminding her classmates that they have a role to play in strengthening their communities and helping to repair the world around them. It is a fitting message as they prepare to take their place in the wider world.
To the Class of 2026, we are proud of every one of you. Thank you for the contribution you have made to Herzlia, the memories you leave behind and the part you will continue to play in our story.
Mazaltov to the one and only Herzlia Matric Class of 2026. We wish you every success in your final exams and all that lies ahead.
Behatzlacha!
