News and Events : News 03-04

Press Release September 2003

South African student attends the American prep school of African National Congress founder 

NORTHFIELD—In September 2002, South African President Thabo Mbeki visited Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH), a college-preparatory school in rural western Massachusetts, to celebrate the one-hundred-year anniversary of Pixley ka Isaka Seme’s graduation from the school. Seme had returned to South Africa after completing his education to found what would become the African National Congress. William Rhodes, class of 1953, chair of the NMH Board of Trustees, senior vice chairman of Citigroup, and chairman of Citibank/Citigroup stepped forward after the President’s speech to announce to the NMH community that he was establishing a scholarship in honor of the Present’s visit and “so that we may educate more students like Pixley Seme.” The scholarship supports a student to come to NMH from South Africa , and includes annual tuition, boarding fees, books and supplies, and transportation

Head of Northfield Mount Hermon School Richard W. Mueller recently announced the first recipient of the William R. Rhodes South African Scholarship, Ensend Willemse from the District Georgia, South Africa . Ensend was chosen from among five candidates who were recommended by the Provincial Heads of Education from the country’s nine provinces.

Ensend is an outstanding student who is respected by both his teachers and peers at his South African school. In 2001 he served as spokesperson for the Kretzenshoop Primary School in a meeting with Nelson Mandela, was elected Vice Chairperson of the Council of Learners (akin to American high school’s Student Government), and was named Top Achiever at his school. He is also an athlete who excels at rugby and cricket.

Ensend lives in a rural farming community. Without the Rhodes Scholarship, it is likely he would not have had the opportunity to continue his education. Ensend hopes to become a lawyer and believes that coming to NMH will help him, “promote South Africa and make my dreams of getting an education come true.” He plans to return home, like Pixley Seme, and put his education to use in improving the lives of other young South Africans.

Northfield Mount Hermon is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school in western Massachusetts . NMH enrolls up to 900 boarding and 200 day students in grades 9 to12 and postgraduate, and is known for its diverse and talented students, innovative academic program, tradition of putting values in action, and innumerable opportunities for growth.

Contact: Deborah Holman, 413-498-3376, dholman@nmhschool.org

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