York celebrates 50 years: Looking ahead, the gold and beyond

GEORGE NEWS - The year ahead is filled with exciting events and activities for York High with the celebration of its 50th anniversary, which reflects the school's spirit and tradition.

One of its upcoming highlights is the Golden Extravaganza, a showcase of the school's vibrant culture. It is also planning a fun-filled party for the learners and a special hostel reunion to welcome back past superintendents and head learners.

"With a legacy of 50 golden years, York is commitment to growth, unity and excellence as we celebrate this milestone year," says the school principal, Francois Moll.

Throughout the year, the school will unveil new projects to enhance campus life, including a state-of-the-art indoor sports hall, which will host indoor cricket, hockey and netball.

"Another exciting development is the plan to transition to solar power, aligning with our commitment to sustainability," says Moll.

"We are also introducing a modern coffee shop and clubhouse to serve as a welcoming hub for learners and visitors alike."

The founder staff. Back: June van Zyl, Niel van Zyl, Peter Bishop, Peter Swart and Linda Nienaber. Front: Annette Mostert, Ron Dugmore and Thelma Farrell.

A weekend to remember

York marked its 50th anniversary with a memorable weekend of celebrations, from 1 to 3 May. The festivities began with an alumni spitbraai at The Quarry, where nearly 300 alumni gathered despite the chilly weather.

A highlight was founding headmaster Ron Dugmore reflecting on the school's early years, while Moll emphasised York's progress and future projects.

The Class of 1991. Back: Phil Muller, Matthew Gatland, Sian Goussard, Gillian Lee and Alonzo van Vuuren. Front: Michaela James, Cindy Prinsloo, and Jonathan and Julie Monk.

The celebration continued with a VIP breakfast attended by founder staff, retired staff, current and past chairs of the governing body and honorary past pupils, followed by an alumni golf event at the George Golf Club.

Friday Night Lights at The Quarry saw alumni hockey players taking on the second boys' and first boys' and girls' teams.

Alumni First Team Hockey Girls

The weekend wrapped up with the alumni enjoying a tour of the school, revisiting classrooms and seeing new developments, followed by alumni sports matches in netball, cricket, squash and touch rugby, celebrating York High's enduring legacy of excellence and unity.

York High extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this milestone celebration a success.

The alumni cricket team. Back: Sheldon Erasmus, Sancroft Damant, Travis Ackermann, Daniel Miskey, Danick Muller, P-J van Merch, Kevin Damons, William Rose and Brad Stockigt. Front are Devon Jefferys, Bluefasa and Fagen Vollenhoven.