Steve Camp, Class of 1979

Steve is the Executive Director of the UKZN Foundation, working to raise strategic funds for significant university projects. But it’s outside of work where Steve’s story gets really adventurous. During his military service, he earned his paratrooper wings and went on to train with and qualify for the military airborne wings in Israel, Burma, Estonia, Cuba and the USA. Steve has summited four of the world’s highest peaks, completed South Africa’s ‘Big Five’ endurance events and run marathons on all seven continents! When he’s not adventuring or raising funds, Steve writes – he’s published 22 books, including In Your Stride: 100 Years of the Comrades Marathon, co-authored with Brad Morgan. Looking back, he says, “Highbury holds a special place in our family’s story, spanning generations from my great-grandfather Geoff Lidgett, (1917 – 1921) to my son Stuart (2014–2017). My own days at Highbury provided me with a solid foundation, instilling timeless values and essential skills that prepared me for the challenges of the real world. The lessons I learned and the memories I made there continue to be an enduring source of strength and inspiration throughout my life”

Murray Evennett, Class of 1981

Like his father, Mr Peter Evennett, Mr (Class of 1981), served on the Highbury Board for eight years, with the last three as Chairman. Murray has a long line of Highbury Old Boys in the family starting with his brother Geoff Evennett (Class of 1980), both Murray’s sons, Lloyd (Class of 2023) and Harry, currently in Grade 5, as well as his nephews Tom Trotter (Class of 2013), Jack Trotter (Class of 2014), and Ben Trotter (Class of 2021). As Headmaster Mr Roland Lacock shared, “We are all very thankful to Mr Evennett for his dedication to and love for Highbury and the many hours he has selflessly given to serve our school. Thank you, Murray.”

Ari Seirlis, Class of 1975

Ari Seirlis faced an unimaginable challenge “On 30th August 1985, I broke my neck diving down a waterslide, whilst modelling for a TV commercial at Durban’s Waterworld.” 40 years later he has an incredible list of accomplishments and experiences that will blow you away. His autobiography, Wheels of Fire, is a story of resilience, determination, and a reminder that, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, we can choose to stand tall and succeed. Ari fondly remembers his years boarding at Highbury under Sholto’s leadership as some of the best in his life and we’re proud to call him one of our own!

Benji Hector, Class of 1992

As a weekly boarder from Std 3 to 5, Benji’s time at Highbury gave him a strong foundation, setting him up for leadership roles as Head Prefect at Kearsney in 1997, a professional cricket career spanning 10 years, and now, 16 years in financial services with Alexander Forbes. Benji’s passion for education and leadership extends to his current role as Chairperson of the School Governing Body at Umhlali, where his three children are enrolled. His dedication to shaping the future of education and youth sport is clear, both in his community work and as a trustee of the Kearsney Development Fund. Benji’s achievements and continued involvement in education reflect the values that Highbury instils in all our boys.

Arthur Cook, Class of 2010

Arthur’s Highbury days were filled with achievements and his commitment to excellence continued at Hilton College, where he embarked on a term exchange to Eton College and achieved the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. After school, Arthur headed to the University of Cape Town, graduating with distinction in Financial Reporting and Management Accounting, and took on the role of Head Tutor. His career has since led him back to the UK, where he now serves as an Assistant Manager at Deloitte in London. Meanwhile, his brother Gordon represents the family legacy closer to home, working with Deloitte in Johannesburg. Arthur’s success reflects a longstanding Highbury legacy shared with his grandfather, Douglas Cook (Class of 1934), father Howard Cook (Class of 1971), and brother Gordon Cook (Class of 2012).

Anthony Akerman, Class of 1962

From a young Highbury student to a celebrated playwright and author, Anthony Akerman’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the pursuit of truth. At the age of 10, he faced the life-changing revelation of his adoption, igniting a path of self-discovery. Shaped by Highbury values of grit, courage and perseverance, Anthony followed his passion for theatre, writing many acclaimed plays that brought South African stories to global audiences and earning awards, including the 2014 Thomas Pringle Award. As a leading figure in South African theatre, his journey has come full circle with the release of, Lucky Bastard – a memoir that explores his experience with adoption and a lifelong search for identity.

Morris Crookes, Class of 1980

For Morris Crookes (Class of 1980), Highbury is more than just a school, it’s the foundation of his family legacy and the birthplace of values that have shaped his life and career. Together with his brother Graeme, also a Highbury Old Boy, Morris co-founded Finningley SA, a financial services company based in Kloof, specialising in short-term insurance, investments, and risk planning. As a Highbury boy, he was a proud member of the Rugby, Cricket, and Hockey teams, witnessing major school developments like the construction of the Resource Centre (1978) and Swimming Pool (1980). Later, as a parent, he continued the family tradition, with his sons, Todd and Matthew, becoming Highbury boys too.

Today, Morris remains deeply involved in Highbury’s future. As a member of the Highbury Sustainability Committee, he is dedicated to raising funds for the Highbury Education Trust, which provides bursaries and scholarships while preserving the school’s facilities for future generations. Currently, Morris is helping to drive fundraising efforts for the much-needed library refurbishment. Read more