One of the loveliest traditions of Interschools is seeing our youngest Unionites step into the celebrations as the Champagne Boy and Champagne Girl. This year, Jack Biggs and Madison Bezuidenhout brought with them two remarkable Union family stories.

Little Jack Biggs is a Grade 1 learner at Union Preparatory School, Graaff-Reinet. He is already proud to attend the same school his father once did. Michael Biggs matriculated from Union in 2004, while his sisters, Lindsay and Lauren, are also Old Unionites. The family’s connection stretches back another generation, with Jack’s grandfather, Richard, having spent part of his schooling at Union. A keen young sportsman with a love for rugby, tennis, and cricket, Jack already dreams of one day representing Union at first‑team level.

Fourth generation

This year’s Champagne Girl, Madison Bezuidenhout, represents the fourth generation of her family to be part of Union’s story. Her father, Carl, attended Union from junior school through to matric, alongside his five siblings. A former Head Boy and the first learner to receive an Honours Blazer for all‑round achievement, Carl’s rugby journey began on Union’s fields before taking him into a national and international career. Today, he has returned to those same fields as a teacher and coach at UHS. Madison and her brother, Blake, now begin their own Union journeys.

The family connection extends further through Madison’s grandparents, Jackie and the late Fanie Bezuidenhout, who served Union Schools for nearly three decades. Her mother, Leigh, originally from KwaZulu‑Natal, quickly found a home in Graaff‑Reinet and within the Union community. After time abroad, Carl and Leigh chose to return so their children could grow up at Union too.

Much‑loved tradition

Having Jack and Madison take their place in this much‑loved tradition was therefore about far more than one special Saturday. In these two young Unionites, we were reminded of something truly beautiful: how the story of a school is carried from one generation to the next—and how, along the way, it becomes the story of families too.

https://www.unionschools.co.za/

Photos supplied