Individuals who have served and supported the Kingswood community with distinction and who are not themselves Old Kingswoodians may be proposed and then accepted as Honorary Old Kingswoodians.

Tracy was born and raised in the Eastern Cape, in East London. She attended Stirling High School, where she was made Head Girl in her final year.

Upon finishing school, Tracy was enrolled at UPE (later known as NMMU), where she studied a Bachelor of Commerce. After receiving her degree, she went on to complete a Higher Diploma in Education. Tracy was also the recipient of Colours for Leadership at UPE.

She began her teaching career at Westering High School in Gqeberha, where she taught from 1996 to 2004. In 2004, she moved to Makhanda/Grahamstown and began working at Rhodes University.

In 2007, Tracy joined the Kingswood staff. Here she taught in the Commerce Department, was the Interact Head, coached Netball and was the Head of Day Girls, to name but a few of her roles.

Tracy soon became HOD, and in 2013 she moved into Kirkby House, where she thoroughly enjoyed her years as Houseperson. Tracy’s gentle and caring nature made her much loved with the girls.

In 2019, Tracy stepped in as Acting Deputy Head of the Senior School, and in 2020 she was appointed as Senior Head, in charge of academics and pupil affairs. At the end of 2021, Tracy was once again called to step in as Acting College Head. In her resolute, calm manner, she navigated this effortlessly.

There is no doubt that Tracy has served the school in various capacities over her time at Kingswood. She has done these with distinction, throwing herself into every role, and ensuring that the job is not only done, but done well.

A colleague described Tracy’s work ethic as follows: “She possesses an unparalleled ability to listen, provide solace, and often resolve issues, rendering her invaluable to the Kingswood community.”

But this award goes above and beyond her incredible service to Kingswood through her position on the staff, but also to that of the wider Kingswood family.

The love that Old Kingswoodians who have walked their school journey with her is unmatched. Tracy remains the first port of call for young OKs long after they have left. Tracy can often be found on the phone to young Old Kingswoodians, imparting her wisdom, and encouraging them as they learn to fly beyond the walls of Kingswood. When one of her 10-year reunion groups returned last year, they were determined that “Mrs Van” had to be there. The affection they still held for her was palpable, and the echoes of laughter filled the museum after story upon story was shared.

Tracy exudes a love for Kingswood, seldomly matched. Her passion for what she does is evident in all that takes on. She serves the Kingswood community with her ever calm, and caring nature.

Today, we stop and acknowledge all you have done for the school that you so dearly love. We thank you for your unwavering commitment to the Kingswood community, and we honour you for the manner in which you have served it. Central to our ethos, is a quote by John Wesley, which encompasses Tracy:

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can”.

The Old Kingswoodian Club proudly bestows upon you one of its highest awards – Honorary Old Kingswoodian. Congratulations Tracy.