From left: Elroy Davids (Assistant treasurer of JWAA), Willdene Bouwers, Emmerencia Africa, Sonique Arends, Stephen de Bruin (Principal), Reon Kilian, Clifton Johnson, and Aurick Swartbooi (Deputy Chairperson of JWAA). Absent: Jason Pietersen.

The John Walton Secondary School celebrated the success of their matric class of 2019 with an awards ceremony on the 8th of January 2020 at the school.

The school, which had previously held "under-performing school" status, witnessed a steady rise in the matric resullts in recent years. In 2016 the school recorded a 52.8% pass rate. This was followed by 63.8% and 62.7% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In 2019 the breakthrough finally came when the school achieved a 79.2% pass rate, the highest in more than a decade.

This achievement was a direct result of the hard work, dedication, perseverance, and sacrifice by both pupils and teachers. The school organised and participated in a number of study camps throughout the year, supported by the matric intervention programme (MIP), SGB, the John Walton Alumni Association, and other stakeholders.

The alumni association warded the top 3 achievers from the class of 2019 cash prizes to the value of R 2000, R 1500, and R 1000, respectively. The top achiever obtained a distinction in History (85%) and was awarded a R 1000 prize. In addition, the top 3 pupils that attempted their matric examinations for a second time were awarded cash prizes to the value of R 250 each.

The achievements of the class of 2019 marked the start of Mama Walton's return to a standard of excellence that the school was once known for, proving in the process that, indeed, "it takes a village".

Sicitur Ad Astra!