Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
THE Salvation Army-run Usher High School in Matabeleland South on Saturday honoured its top-performing pupils and dedicated staff during a colourful Speech and Prize- Giving Ceremony that celebrated academic excellence, discipline and empowerment.
The annual event, which ran under the theme: “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures,” was attended by parents, School Development Committee (SDC) members and partners. It highlighted the school’s continued commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners and promoting equal opportunities for both boys and girls.
Top achievers from Form One to Upper Six received awards for outstanding performance in academics, leadership and extracurricular activities. Teachers were also honoured for their dedication and service, which has seen the school maintain a consistent record of excellence.
The ceremony featured vibrant performances from the school band, choir, and the Zimbabwe Territorial Youth Timbrelists, reflecting the school’s holistic approach to education.
In her address, the headmistress, Mrs Kudakwashe Dzvairo, said the theme, “Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures”, captures the school’s mission to cultivate curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking among learners.
“Empowering minds refers to fostering a culture of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, while shaping futures means influencing or helping to create what will purposefully happen in the future.
These are the intentions and purpose of Usher High School,” she said.
Mrs Dzvairo said the school’s mission is to produce wholesome individuals who are well-prepared to fit into society and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“We’re committed to providing a supportive environment that empowers students to reach their full potential,” she added.
The school continues to excel academically. Last year, Usher High recorded a 90,3 percent pass rate at the Zimsec O-level and a 100 percent pass rate at A-level. This year, the school introduced Cambridge examinations, further broadening learners’ exposure to international standards.
Beyond academics, the school promotes a wide range of extracurricular activities, including netball, volleyball, basketball, chess, girls’ soccer, tennis, debate, music and drama. Notably, volleyball captains Courage Shiri and Loveness Dube represented Zimbabwe in the Cossasa Games in Eswatini, where they won gold medals.
The SDC chairperson, Mr Anesu George Chibi, said the school was implementing a “Buy a Brick” campaign to fund the construction of a boys’ hostel.
“This initiative invites all parents, stakeholders, alumni and community members to take part in building the future — one brick at a time. Our learners are at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue to come up with initiatives to develop the school, guided by our School Development Plan,” he said.
District Schools Inspector’s representative, Mr Reuben Zinyemba, commended the school for maintaining high academic standards in the province, attributing the success to teamwork and staff dedication.
Guest of honour, Mr Lawrence Tapfumaneyi Chisango, director of Konica Minolta, applauded the school’s transformation from an all-girls’ institution to a co-educational one, saying it prepares girls for the realities of the modern world.
“This change helps prepare girls for a world that is not a woman’s world only, as they need to learn to interact and work with males as well. Have confidence in yourselves. Many people fail to take the first step in life because of fear, and that has made them miss great opportunities,” he said.
The event concluded with a prayer session for learners writing their final examinations, as parents, teachers and fellow pupils joined hands to seek God’s guidance and favour.
Founded in 1936 by The Salvation Army, Usher High School began as a girls-only mission school before becoming co-educational. Located 53 kilometres from Bulawayo, it now caters for 556 learners — 470 girls and 86 boys — and offers both day and boarding facilities.
Over the decades, the school has upheld its Christian values, producing disciplined, high-achieving learners who have gone on to serve in various professions. Its blend of spiritual grounding, academic rigour and life skills training has made Usher High a beacon of holistic education in the region.
The ceremony was punctuated by a captivating display of academic excellence showcased by pupils in various disciplines, where they boldly embodied eloquence through public speaking, the school band, Zimbabwe Territorial Youth Timbrelists and choir.
