‘Why be boring?’ Hawston matriculant swaps luxury car for R500 tractor entrance

Why follow the crowd when you can make a unique entrance that will leave a lasting impression? That's precisely what 18-year-old Eugenay Cupido did when she arrived at her matric ball at Hawston Secondary School on the back of a tractor, which cost her parents a mere R500. The ambitious matriculant from Hawston Secondary School has always been known for her vibrant personality, and she wanted her big night to be anything but ordinary.

"Why be boring and do things the way it has always been done? This one time I put on wings when I did high jumps for our school. That is just the vibrant person I have always been," Cupido explained.

Unwilling to conform to the traditional luxury car, Cupido immediately ruled out that option. "I don't even know all the types of cars that are out there," she admitted. Instead, her father came up with the perfect solution – a tractor. "He said he knows someone with a tractor and we got it booked for just R500," Cupido recounted.

A chair was securely attached to a trailer, and Cupido climbed aboard, with her family helping to bring her one-of-a-kind entrance to life. As she made her entrance, people were instantly captivated and some even turned around to catch a glimpse. "People were excited, they were screaming. There were a lot of people that I did not even know," she said, noting that some onlookers were already on their way home when they caught sight of her.

Cupido's decision to stand out paid off as she made her way to the school dance. Onlookers were so taken by her tractor ride that many turned back to see her. Even children were seen running after the tractor, demonstrating the impact her unique entrance had on the crowd. "It was not just because I have always done things on my own, but I just felt this was my time to shine. My special moment that I did not want to share with someone by my side," Cupido shared.

With her matric exams fast approaching, Cupido is focused on her future plans. She has her sights set on studying health sciences next year. Her advice to fellow matriculants is clear: buckle down and dedicate yourself to your studies. "For 12 years we have worked towards this moment. Let's get behind those books and make our loved ones proud," Cupido urged.