Matric farewell season in spotlight
2009-08-06
Eden Weiss
THE matric farewell season is upon us and is regarded as one of the top events on the school calendar. However many feel that the annual event has lost its focus over the previous years. Thousands of rands are spent on clothing and accessories for a single night’s event. Sinead Comninos of La Rochelle believes some people go over the top. “Every person obviously would like to look their best, but there should be a limit to how much is spent. It doesn't take money to look your best, it takes effort.” Another local student, Andrea Kearns who is in Grade 10 at Paarl Girls’ High, believes other issues will also be faced. “There seems to be an over-hyped atmosphere about the matric farewell in the weeks leading up to it. Many girls and boys are under a lot of pressure to look their best.” Former Charleston Hill Secondary pupil, Teswin Watson, agrees: “I remember that reputation played a big role, because everyone expected the most from certain pupils.” Klein Nederburg learner Geronn Joostenberg is more positive and believes that the occasion is there to be enjoyed and remembered. “There is less pressure for us guys. The main priority is to get the perfect car and to enjoy the evening.” Geo Rickert of Berg River High School believes the purpose of a farewell is to do just that. “It is an occasion to highlight the current matrics that are possibly under the same roof together for the last time.” Fellow Berg River student, Deidré Julies (in Grade 12), looks forward to spending a night with her friends. “If you have the perfect date and perfect friends, there’s no reason not to have a perfect night.” Apart from the glamour factor of the evening there seems to be a lot of emphasis placed on the ‘afterparty’. Matriculant Peta Malan of Huguenot High School is concerned that the afterparty is being stressed more than the Farewell Ball itself, threatening this old tradition. “Arrangements for the ‘afterparty’ are made long before most students even choose their dates.” Expenses can be a major setback for matriculants on this special occasion. At a popular dress boutique in Paarl R800 is the average amount needed to purchase a dress, yet some learners believe that it is hard to find the appropriate outfit for this amount an pay even more. Mbekweni residents Khanyi Mjodo (Stellenberg High school), Anelisa Ndewu (Paarl Girls’ High) and Nkemi Leholo (Huguenot High School) all agree that to make a matric farewell special, one must only attend in your final year. “By waiting for your final year you deserve to be spoiled and look magnificent. “There is no such thing as an overdramatic farewell, because its a unique day in our lives.” This year will not disappoint. Expect striking gowns and glamorous couples. The first matric farewell of the year at Bridge House near Franschhoek was a lavish event and there are many more to come.
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