To the Glory of Pinelands High: Alumni in the Skies

“For most of us alumni, the final verse of the school song resonates far more than the first two. They were just words to sing along to in Grade 8, but by the time the final valedictory service started… that final verse made it clear that the next chapter in life was beckoning.

It speaks of the future, fulfilling destinies, lessons learnt in school and how to apply them in adult life. Most importantly, I think it speaks to setting a good example and consequently inspiring the next generation of Pinelanders.

As shared on a WhatsApp Alumni group earlier this week, Benedict Poulter (Class of 2004) had the responsibility and pleasure of flying a fully laden, wide-bodied, long-haul aircraft from Cape Town to Dubai, coincidentally with a fellow Pinelander on board.

Siv Ngesi was en route to the UAE on corporate work, and Benedict was the flying captain for that Emirates Airlines flight.

Fellow Class of 2004 Pinelander, Uthmaan Parker, shared a touching recollection of him and Benedict attending Job Shadow Week at the Cape Aero Club together. Lauren Joy Maralack recalled Ben dressing up as a pilot for Matric Dress Up Day.

I’m humbled and proud of the fact that Pinelands High School facilitated an environment where children could dream, believe that they could reach for that dream, and ultimately live the dream!

This is from a former Model C, holistically transformed state school that, well into the new South Africa, is still punching well above its weight.

The thought of being flown by a former classmate on a commercial airliner is a privilege very few get to experience.

Thank you for sharing, Siv Ngesi, and keep flying the Pinelands High School flag high, Benedict and Siv.

To the Glory of Pinelands High!”

This blog is adapted from a post written by Nsika Nxumalo, a Pinelands High School alumnus from the Class of 2004.