A group of former Camps Bay High School learners want to preserve the school’s legacy for future generations and has raised over R100 000 to achieve this.
The class of 1988 held their 35-year reunion at the Camps Bay Social Club on Saturday 30 September.
But the night was about more than just reminiscing and celebration, to give back to their beloved alma mater, the group raised R120 000 to establish the class of 1988 Bursary Fund to support deserving learners at the school.
The reunion is the brainchild of Joanne Pienaar, Nicholas Ingel, Byron Ashington and Candace Bernstein.
Pienaar explained the group consisted of about 117 people now living across the world from Australia to the United States of America, Canada, Monaco and Switzerland among others.
Fifty-three of them attended the reunion.
Pienaar said she runs a non-profit organisation in Porterville and funding is always needed. With this in mind she suggested the group start the bursary fund to assist learners in need. She said the initial aim was to raise about R20 000.
“We found out that out of the class of 1988, there are about two millionaires and five billionaires. So, we aimed for R20 000 but on the night, we had about R60 000. One class members pulled me aside and said he would double that.”
She said they were hoping to change lives.
“We will assist a different learner each year. It is a bursary fund so it will be topped up each year. There will always be learners showing promise academically or even learners who don’t, perhaps a child who shows up at school on time each day. We don’t really have criteria for the fund. We are just a bunch of former learners who were naughty, who have now decided to do this.”
Reminiscing about their high school days Pienaar said they were a “naughty” group. “I think some of our parents didn’t think we would become successful. We were smoking, bunking and going surfing during school hours.”
She said the group had already identified a deserving Grade 8 learner who will be the first beneficiary of this fund.
On the night a Wall of Remembrance, a heartfelt tribute to honour departed classmates and teachers, was put up, Pienaar said.
“This poignant memorial served as a reminder of the cherished memories and lasting impact these individuals had on the Class of 1988.”
Principal Louis Mostert said this initiative is a testament to the spirit of giving and the enduring bonds that unite the Camps Bay High School community.
“Their dedication, generosity and commitment to our school shines brightly,” he said. “Not only have they rekindled cherished memories, but they have also sowed the seeds of a brighter future by establishing the Class of 1988 Bursary Fund.”
Mostert said their actions inspire others to give back and ensure the “legacy of Camps Bay High School” lives on.
“We are immensely grateful for their contributions and look forward to working closely with them to make a meaningful impact on deserving learners.
“The Class of 1988 exemplifies the enduring spirit of our school community.”
The group has issued a challenge to other year groups, encouraging them to follow their lead and contribute to the enduring legacy of Camps Bay High School.
Pienaar encouraged the matric class of 2023 to strive for excellence. “Put in the time and effort because it will pay off in the end.”
