Stirling High School recently celebrated its 35th year at a Founders’ Day assembly.
The day saw past pupils from the classes of 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009 in attendance.
Entertainment included the school’s acclaimed jazz band, headed by deputy principal Alan Webster.
Headmaster Doug Prior said that such auspicious occasions were meant to remember those who had led the school to what it had become.
“This day is about people who have added value to the school and we should not take what we have for granted,” Prior said.
The school was renamed 1989, after breaking away from what is currently known as Port Rex Technical High School.
Until then, it had been known as Commercial High School.
The keynote address was given by headboy of 1989, Grant Howard, who is now an attorney.
Howard spoke about how a school plays an integral part in moulding its pupils.
“I believe that the school has an inclusive and holistic approach to education,” Howard said.
“During my years, I can tell you that the teachers painted on the canvas of my soul.”
In 1997, Stirling High established the Founders’ Day Award that is presented to either a past or present pupil or a staff member that has done something extraordinary.
The 2019 award recipient is 2003 prefect Judy Sikuza, who is now CEO of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
“You have to harness your own strength, develop character and have an open mind to different people. Take the opportunity to get involved in as many things as possible during your school years to develop yourself,” Sikuza said.
