GRAAFF REINET NEWS - The Tony Burrell Union at Union High School was the grand venue for a formal dinner on Thursday 16 May, to bid farewell to Union Preparatory School principal, Leona Rich.

Rich has served the school as principal for the past 12 years and will be retiring in September.

Thanks to the Prep School’s hospitality team, The Union was beautifully decorated according to a Hollywood theme, paying homage to Rich’s love of acting.

It was a wonderful occasion, with a great crowd, who all wanted to give this much-loved principal the send-off she deserves.

A lavish three-course dinner, catered for by Angeline Hampton, was interspersed with tributes by Union High School’s headmaster, William Pringle and Stephen Bezuidenhout, chairman of the Prep School’s governing body.

After an emotional video, during which Rich’s loved ones, colleagues and learners expressed fond memories and their good wishes for her retirement, Rich said she is leaving with a heavy heart. "I will always cherish this journey and my heart is filled with gratitude, appreciation and sadness,” she said.

Rich thanked her colleagues, pupils as well as the school’s parents for their support and cooperation over the years.

“This is not only in terms of improving the school’s infrastructure, but the quality of teaching and learning as well,” she said.

The evening’s organisers extend their thanks to everyone who attended and for making the evening a memorable occasion.

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