The Cricket Centre at St Benedict’s College was filled with pride and gratitude as boys, parents, staff and board members gathered for the College’s Annual Academic Prizegiving, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of 2025.

The formal academic procession and opening prayer set a reverent tone for the evening, reflecting the College’s Catholic ethos and reminding boys that wisdom and understanding are treasures worth pursuing with dedication and perseverance.

Recognising Academic Excellence Across the College

The ceremony honoured boys from Grade 8 to Grade 11 for distinction averages and subject excellence. Junior boys (Grades 8 and 9) who attained averages of 75% and above received subject certificates, while senior boys were recognised for distinctions across multiple subjects.

Top Achiever Awards celebrated the highest mark attained in individual subjects, while Bilingualism Awards recognised excellence in English and either Afrikaans or isiZulu. The Golden Ratio Certificates highlighted exceptional performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, celebrating excellence in STEM.

Celebrating the Academic Dux

A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Academic Dux medallists—the top three academic performers in each grade.

Grade 11 Achievers

  • Gold (1st): Matthew Hickman-Steel – 93.15%
  • Silver (2nd): Michael Bester – 92.58%
  • Bronze (3rd): Michele Patrizi – 91.7%

The Junior Study Merit Shield was awarded to Joshua Paravano (Grade 10) for his deep spirit of study and industry, reflecting sustained commitment to academic excellence.

Exceptional Matric Achievements

Special recognition was given to the Matric Class of 2025, whose IEB results once again reflected remarkable academic strength.

Top achievers included:

  • Jordan Dos Santos – 10 Distinctions, 93.6% average (IEB Outstanding Achiever)
  • Christian Moll – 9 Distinctions, 92.1% average (IEB Outstanding Achiever)
  • Adham Gittings – 9 Distinctions, 91.7% average (IEB Outstanding Achiever)
  • Charlton Chung – 10 Distinctions, 91.0% average (IEB Commendable Achiever)

These young men will pursue studies in fields such as Engineering, Medicine, Accounting and Actuarial Science at leading institutions including Wits, Stellenbosch, UCT and the University of Pretoria.

Honouring Long Service and Dedication

The evening also recognised the faithful service of staff members who have contributed meaningfully to the life of the College:

5 Years of Service

Shaneela Govender • Gerard Naus • Moira Walker

10 Years of Service

Theresa Meredith • Zanele Ntshangase • Sr Bev Ferreira • Claire Steyn

15 Years of Service

Jenny Stoltz

A Culture of Excellence Rooted in Values

In his address, College Head Dave Jeffrey commended the boys for their perseverance, reminding them that academic achievement must be accompanied by humility, integrity and service.

The evening concluded with the school song and a closing prayer—leaving families proud and boys inspired for the year ahead. The 2025 Academic Prizegiving once again affirmed St Benedict’s College’s commitment to forming young men of intellect, faith and purpose—prepared not only for university success, but for lives of meaningful contribution.