125 Years and Counting

2010 marks the 125th anniversary of St. Andrews Prep School and this weekend was the big reunion of all the old "Preppies" that have ever attended the school.  As you can imagine, much hard work and preparation had to go into this in order for it to be a success so the school was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Thursday night was the "Blues Cruize - Art and Music Evening" for the community and their parents.  The students performed a combination of scences from 3 of the most popular school plays that were performed in the past.  There was an intermission where drinks and finger foods were served, followed by a musical type show that began in 1885 and went all the way up until today. This included songs such as "Surfing USA," "It's a Small World," and the theme from "Chicago."  One of the last songs of the show featured all of the teachers singing with the choir and somehow I got included in this as well.  The show was was so cute and fun!  It is crazy how much the boys enjoy being in the choir and acting out their parts; It was definitely much different from America in this regard. 

Song from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat"

Since it is an all boys school, and most plays have girls in them...the boys got to be girls!  This was hilarious!  I helped out with putting on their makeup for the performances and, although they would never admit it, most of them really loved it. I even had one little boy who made me re-do his lipstick because he accidentily smudged it! 

Some of the Fairy Godmothers (all boys in real life)!

Friday night the students did the same program but this time it was for the Reunion guests.  It was really interesting to see the people who attended; their ages ranging from 20's - 80's.  Some of the older couples were absolutely adorable!  They were all so sweet and very curious as to what I was doing in South Africa...of course the accent always gives me away!

"Ag, Please Daddy" performed with the teachers

The chorus goes like this...

"Popcorn, chewing gum, peanuts, and bubblegum

Ice cream, candy floss, and Eskimo pie

Ag, Daddy how we miss jelly tots and licorice

Pepsi Cola, Ginger Beer, and Canada Dry."

Saturday morning was an "Old Boys vs. Preppies" Cricket tournament and although I still don't understand the rules of the game, it was fun to watch!  There was a fundraising banquet that night and a family service at tthe school Sunday morning as well.  Overall the weekend was very interesting and I'm definitely glad that I had the opportunity to participate in such an important event!