PRIZEWINNING children and their guests were treated to a very special ceremony at Ely Cathedral at the end of term.
After a moving speech that resonated with many of the pupils and their families and teachers, the Guest of Honour at this year’s Junior Prizegiving, Henry Olonga, delighted the audience further still by singing with the school choir. The cricket commentator and former cricket test player, who was the first black cricketer and the youngest person to play for Zimbabwe, filled the cathedral with his rich tenor voice before presenting the pupils with their awards.
In 2003, Henry wore a black armband with white team mate Andy Flower during an international cricket match to “mourn the death of democracy” in Zimbabwe. Death threats forced him to live in exile in England, where he now pursues a career as a cricket commentator and singer.
Amidst the celebrations came the difficult task of coming to terms with the sudden death of teacher Nanettte Van Wright-Jordan last week.
Head Richard Whymark commented: “Prizegiving, the leavers’ party and other end of year concerts, assemblies and services were all given the customary effort and respect that this community knows is important, which was particularly heartening at such a sad time.”