The Joseph Sherman Award

Joseph Sherman was an extraordinarily effective and influential English teacher at King Edward VII School from 1966 to 1975. He was a brilliant literary scholar and highly charismatic presence inside and outside the classroom, and had a special passion for public speaking, debating and dramatics.  With an incisive mind and razor-sharp wit, he set the very highest standards and inspired countless students to strive to attain them.

 

Joe sought to teach his students, among other things:

1.   Sensitive, critical and wide-ranging reading,

2.   Rigorous, fresh and creative thinking, 

3.   Lucid, eloquent written and oral expression, and

4.   Cultural refinement and an abhorrence of propaganda, cliché and kitsch.

 

The Joseph Sherman Award will recognize KES graduates whose interests, efforts and/or achievements reflect these educational values.

 

The recipient will receive approximately R25k per year over three years to attend Wits University, Joe’s alma mater and where he was an Associate Professor.

 

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The Award has been established by Stephen Pincus (matric 1975), with funds to cover the first three recipients for three years each. 

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Old Boys who were taught by Joe are invited to contribute to funds to sustain the Award. The funds will be administered by Wits University, and donations will be tax-deductible.

 

If you would like to honour Joe’s legacy and contribute to this award, please click below.