Messages of condolence streamed in online after the passing of the recently appointed principal of Apex High School in Eerste River, Dillon Seals.

The school announced on Saturday that Seals, an award-winning educator, had passed away.

TygerBurger reported in 2024 that Seals was awarded the provincial Excellence in Teaching Mathematics (FET) Award, and was subsequently announced as the new principal of Apex, replacing Renate van der Westhuizen.

Humble

At the time, Van der Westhuizen described Seals as a “humble man.”

“I really do not think he expected to walk away in first place. I think he really impressed the judges with the amount of effort put into increasing the mathematics pass rate at our school. Dillon improved it by 32.5% from 2022 to 2023. His intervention strategies also improved the Grade 9 systemic results significantly. Dillon is loved by every learner he teaches and is respected by his peers. He is always keen to help where he can, and is determined to foster a love for mathematics and critical thinking in our children,” said Van der Westhuizen.

When TygerBurger spoke to Seals at the announcement of his appointment, he said: “I was born and raised right here in this community. This is home. I understand our families, our values, and our aspirations because they’re my own. I know the challenges our students face because I’ve witnessed them in our community. I know the potential our young people have because I’ve seen it first-hand.”

Apex High School announced his passing on Saturday on its Facebook page. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our newly appointed Principal, Dillon Seals. Seals was more than a leader of Apex High School. He was a deeply valued member of the Wolfpack, a committed educator, a man of integrity, and someone who believed wholeheartedly in the potential of all our scholars, our staff, and our school community.

“His appointment as principal marked the beginning of a new chapter for Apex High School, and although his time in this role was far too short, the impact he made will remain with us. He led with humility, courage, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, our hearts are with his wife, his sister, his parents, and all those who loved him. We extend our deepest condolences and hold them close in our thoughts during this unimaginable time,” reads the announcement.

Messages

Eerste River High School also sent a message of support. “The loss to his family, to Apex High School, and to the wider education community is immense. Our sincere condolences to the staff, learners, and broader community. We pray for strength during this very difficult time,” they wrote on Facebook.

Apex Primary School wrote: “The Apex Primary School community extends its heartfelt condolences to Apex High School on the passing of your principal. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the staff, learners, School Governing Body, and the wider school community during this time of profound loss. We pray that the Almighty grant you strength, comfort, and peace as you navigate this difficult journey, and that He makes this burden a little easier to bear in the days ahead. Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

Seals’s former school, Lückhoff High School, wrote: “It is with shock that we learned of the untimely passing of our alumnus, Dillon Seals. On behalf of our Lückhoff High alumni, we express our sincere condolences to his wife, sister, father, and mother (all alumni).”

St Paul’s Primary School in Faure wrote: “It is with heartfelt sadness that we learnt about the passing of Dillon Seals, Principal of Apex High School, Eerste River. Our heartfelt condolences to his wife Allison, the family, friends, colleagues, and school community of this great principal. May his soul rest in peace.”

Tuscany Glen High School wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we, the SGB, management, and staff of Tuscany Glen High School, learned of the passing of your esteemed principal, Mr Seals. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Apex High School family during this incredibly difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you navigate this great loss. May you find solace and contentment in God, who understands the human heart. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Classmate

Kauthar Scheepers commented: “Our sincere condolences to his wife, family, as well as his colleagues during this difficult time. We as parents will forever appreciate all his efforts. This is such a big loss, as he was so committed to the school and he always wanted the best for the learners. Keeping everyone in our prayers.”

Former classmate Aziz Julius says that Seals was a kind man. “My most sincere condolences to his wife and the family, also to everyone who loved him. I met Dillon back in 2008 when we were in Grade 8. We also matriculated together in 2012. Throughout my high school career, I’ve known Dillon — he was a really kind and helpful person, someone who you can truly call a friend, and undoubtedly a strong leader. He will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace. Until we meet again, my brother.”

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