Theagan Adiah: from loss to achievement at Suid Natal High School

At Monday's Hoërskool Suid Natal High School awards ceremony, Theagan Adiah was honoured with the Silver Helmet Award - becoming the first pupil from the school to receive the accolade. 

Despite the recent loss of his dad, Theagan, the head prefect, continued to go to school with determination to make his family proud. 

The award is given to the pupil who receives 30 merit slips - for exhibiting key values such as respect, academics, loyalty and goodwill. 

The 17-year-old, from Port Shepstone, said: “Receiving a Silver Helmet Award entails receiving a silver badge in honour of upholding our school's values. I was given 30 blue slips, a token of recognising good deeds that are part of upholding our school's values, by different teachers." 

Theagan said he was surprised to hear his name being called during assembly on Monday. 

“It came as a shock, especially after hearing no one had ever received it in the history of Suid-Natal. I was excited and proud of my achievement. I lost my dad exactly three months ago and because of his teachings and encouragement, I am able to achieve my goals.”

He said he always wished to one day be recognised for his love for the school.

“It was something I was striving towards as I am a true Suidie. Upholding Suidie values has always been my goal since I joined Suid-Natal High School. Just like all teenagers, sometimes you just want to give up and get up to mischief but if you know the goal you want to achieve, you just keep pushing. Sometimes I'm not even aware I am striving for excellence.”

The Grade 12 pupil said in the few months he had left at the school, he hoped to meet the requirements of being awarded the Gold Spear Award. This award entails the same as the Silver Helmet Award but requires 50 merit slips. Theagan will only need 20 more merit slips to receive the award. 

The car fanatic said after matriculating he wanted to pursue a career in the auto-electrician field. 

The POST