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.
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 the donate button below.
Joseph Sherman with the 1975 KES Kolbe Debating Team
Standing: N Bagg, J Sherman, M Blane
Sitting: J Fletcher, S Pincus, J Joseph, G Gecelter
Award Recipients:
2025: The first award recipient is Timi Oluwole who is majoring in music at Wits. Timi is deeply passionate about both arts and sports, and was a significant contributor to KES on the stage and the rugby field. He acted, sang, and played piano extensively at school, and describes KES as a safe space where he could fearlessly express his true self.
2026: The second award recipient is Joel Moore who was awarded colours at KES for academics and chess, and achieved eight distinctions in matric. Joel's deeply inquisitive nature and strong critical thinking skills have made him a consistently top academic achiever. He is now studying accounting science at Wits, with an additional module in English literature.