The school also has an innovative way of raising money for needed goods and projects like curtains in the hall for the drama classes, gazebos for shade at athletic meets, air conditioners for classrooms, or even assistant teachers.
One of the most popular fundraisers, held at the beginning of every year, is Mr and Miss CHS, sponsored by Theron Du Plessis auditors. This year, 2014, was its 20th anniversary. Drama teacher Melina Smit does the choreography and organising, but the children do the lighting, sound and stage management, providing them with invaluable experience. (Several CHS students have gone on to study drama at Stellenbosch and Free State Universities.)
This year saw a record 37 entries. In the first stage of the competition, the entrants were taken to the Victoria Manor Hotel and interviewed. Then they were taken to the Karoo Comfort Zone close by where they had their make-up done and the first photo shoot by Ryno Ferreira of Sky Photography before a ‘Mocktail Party’.
The event culminates in an evening in one of the school halls, and tickets are snapped up fast. The entrants are judged on poise and personality as well as less important matters like looks.
Melina Smit (also known as Die Drama Juffrou) says: “It’s amazing how much confidence they gain, and how much they learn. We use the event as a platform for creativity.”
The winners for 2014 were Annelu le Roux and Donovan Tam. Adri Burger won Miss Personality, and her counterpart was Bongani Matika. Yana Piek and Amore Truman were judged the most photogenic.
For more on Cradock High School, see www.cradockhighschool.co.za.
