“We are here, we are here”: Grammar celebrates 65th Sapphire Anniversary in 60s Elegance

“We are here, we are here.”

Those were the words of the Suva Grammar School alumnae who travelled from all over the world — from Great Britain, America, Australia, and New Zealand — as old scholars ended the culmination of a week-long 65th Sapphire Anniversary celebration with a grand ball.

Many old scholars lit up the night in dazzling 60s Elegance, turning back time with glamorous outfits, bold styles, and dance moves that kept the floor alive to their favourite hits across the decades.

The energy reached new heights when old scholars Drixstar, Mr Grin, and Natalie Raikadroka took the stage, firing up the crowd with their anthem Grammar Tu Ga before powering through their latest track Grammar Here, created specially for the anniversary.

Elizabeth Tong, who travelled all the way from New Zealand, could not contain her emotions as she reunited with friends and teachers from Grammar.

She says saving up for the 65th Sapphire Anniversary to reconnect with long-lost colleagues from Nasese was worth every cent.

Tong shared her experience at Grammar in the 90s as the daughter of an expatriate who came to Fiji in 1992, saying that being introduced to the culture and life at Grammar is something she will always cherish as part of a pocket full of memories.

She recalls enjoying the sporting and academic rivalries back in the day, which she described as the pinnacle of her time at Grammar.

Old Scholars President Stanley Simpson thanked everyone who made the week a successful and enjoyable one.

Simpson says tonight was dedicated to all those who have contributed to the legacy and wellbeing of students at Grammar.

He adds that supporting Grammar and witnessing the positive transformation now taking place in the school is a huge blessing, with all credit going to the teachers and management.

Stanley says there are more changes and projects still to be completed, and he looks forward to finishing them before handing over leadership to the next generation of young leaders.

Organisers say the total amount collected during the week will be announced later, with all proceeds going towards the Digital Grammar initiative, a project designed to equip the school with the tools and infrastructure needed to thrive in the digital age.